AVAC Training

Course-SACSARO

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ICAO — Development Course

Search Area Calculation for SAR Operation

Where precision meets the search and rescue mission. Designed to prepare SAR mission coordinators for real-world search area planning in compliance with ICAO and IAMSAR requirements.

Duration of Course:
5 Days

Course Overview

The Search Area Calculation for SAR Operation Course is designed to provide qualified Search Mission Coordinators (SMCs) with the mathematical, analytical, and plotting competencies required to pinpoint distress locations under time-critical conditions, in accordance with the ICAO/IMO International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual.

The general objective for this course is that trainees shall apply drift calculation and plotting techniques to maximise the probability of detection (POD) during the critical early hours of a missing aircraft or vessel incident.

Mission Critical: “Minimizing the search window through rigorous mathematical drift analysis to save lives when every second counts.”

Course Curriculum

Our Search Area Calculation Course is an intensive, high-precision program engineered to transition trainees from basic oversight to advanced geographical search planning, combining technical lectures with extensive hands-on plotting exercises and navigational mapping labs.

The curriculum for the Search Area Calculation Course shall ensure that trainees will have demonstrated a level of knowledge in at least the following subjects:

  1. Data collation and incident position evaluation;
  2. Aeronautical and parachute drift calculation;
  3. Maritime drift calculation (currents, wind, leeway);
  4. Drift position and datum plotting;
  5. Determination of Probable Error (E) and bounding lines; and
  6. Tactical search area and sweep width determination.
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Rigorous Evaluation Standards

  • Practical Assessment: Candidates will be evaluated through real-time, high-stress scenario plotting maps where they must calculate a target area within strict tolerances.
  • Final Written Exam: A comprehensive technical examination testing drift equations and IAMSAR calculation methodologies.
  • The Award: Graduates receive an official Advanced Certificate of Training in Search Area Calculation, verifying compliance with global ICAO/IMO standards.

Pre-requisite

This course is tailored exclusively for advanced technical personnel operating within regional or national rescue nerve centers.

 

Target Audience

  • Active Search Mission Coordinators (SMCs) and Air Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) personnel.
  • Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) supervisors and plotting specialists.
  • Watch Managers, Training Officers, and incident command supervisors.

 

Entry Requirements

  • Mandatory: Successful completion of the ICAO 057 Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SARMC) Course or an internationally recognized equivalent operational program.
  • A strong operational background in aviation/maritime emergency dispatch, paired with solid analytical and basic mathematical navigation skills.
  • Proficiency in the English language (both written and spoken).

Course Schedule

4 January 2027 – 8 January 2027

3 May 2027 – 7 May 2027

6 September 2027 – 10 September 2027

For more information regarding AvAC Search Area Calculation for SAR Operation Course, or any of our ICAO Standard ATC courses, please contact us

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