PREFACENTTP 3-50.1, NAVY SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) MANUAL provides guidance to units assigned SARresponsibilities. It is intended to promote and maintain standardization of SAR procedures, equipment, andtechniques within the U.S. naval forces. It is essential that NTTP 3-50.1 be readily available to unit personnelwho may engage in SAR operations. NTTP 3-50.1 is supplemental to the International Aeronautical and MaritimeSearch and Rescue Manual, which provides guidance for U.S. forces, military or civil, participating in combined SAR operations.DEVIATION FROM AUTHORIZED PROCEDURES1. This manual contains information for the safe and effective application of search and rescue (SAR)procedures, and the execution of SAR operations. However, it is not a substitute for sound judgment. Adynamic SAR environment may require on-scene deviations or modifications from the proceduresprescribed herein to successfully accomplish a SAR mission.2. The existing risk of deviation must continually be weighed against the benefit of deviating from thismanual. Some examples of areas in which deviations are most strongly advised against are as follows:a. The proper application and use of rescue equipment restraint straps, safety straps, and safety devices asmandated by this manual.b. A SAR unit assigned to alert SAR responsibilities without the minimum required rescue equipment(Chapter 5), or the deployment of rescue personnel without minimum required rescue equipment(Chapter 5).3. If a rescue crew member does not properly utilize/apply any of the above-mentioned safety devices, ordeviates from authorized procedures, he/she shall communicate his/her intentions to the rest of the SARunit crew prior to deviation. This will help utilize the full potential and experience of the entire crew tomake a decision to deviate from authorized procedures.4. In all cases, all associated risks should be weighed prior to a decision to deviate from or modify aprocedure as set forth in this manual.SEARCH AND RESCUE ORGANIZATIONNational SAR PlanThe National SAR Plan is an interagency agreement that establishes a cooperative network of U.S. SAR facilities to be coordinated in any one area by a single federal agency. In support of the National SAR Plan, DOD components provide SAR forces and assistance on a basis of noninterference with primary military missions. The National SAR Plan also designates the regional SAR coordinators for the Inland Region, the Maritime Region, and the Overseas Region. The regions are further divided into subregions, sectors, and subsectors. The geographical areas and the respective SAR coordinator for each may be found in the National SAR Plan and the United States National Search and Rescue Supplement to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual.