What are different search patterns as per IAMSAR ?

SECTOR SEARCH (V5)

  • Most effective when the position of the search object is accurately known and the search area is small.
  • Used to search a circular area centred on a datum point.
  • Due to the small area involved, this procedure must not be used simultaneously by multiple aircraft at similar altitudes or by multiple vessels.
  • An aircraft and a vessel may be used together to perform independent sector searches of the same area.
  • A suitable marker (for example, a smoke float or a radio beacon) may be dropped at the datum position and used as a reference or navigational aid marking the centre of the pattern.
  • For aircraft, the search pattern radius is usually between 5 NM and 20 NM.
  • For vessels, the search pattern radius is usually between 2 NM and 5 NM, and each turn is 120˚, normally turned to starboard.

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Graduated from M.E.R.I. Mumbai (Mumbai University), After a brief sailing founded this website with the idea to bring the maritime education online which must be free and available for all at all times and to find basic solutions that are of extreme importance to a seafarer by our innovative ideas.

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