The SAR system has three levels of coordination associated with SAR coordinators (SCs), SAR mission coordinators (SMCs), and on-scene coordinators (OSCs).
An SMC should be designated for each specific SAR operation, and adequate numbers of personnel qualified to perform the SMC function must be readily available on a 24-hour basis. This is a temporary function which may be performed by the RCC chief or a designated SAR duty officer, assisted by as many staff as may be required. A SAR operation may continue over a prolonged period of time. The SMC is in charge of a SAR operation until a rescue has been effected or until it has become apparent that further efforts would be of no avail.
