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1 INTRODUCTION
The Baltic Sea area is divided into nine SAR areas of
responsibility, belonging to eight EU Member States
(Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia,
Estonia) and Russia. The States subject to the SAR
Convention base their activities on various forms of
rescue work, in the case of Polish, Denmark, Germany
they are full-time rescuers, in the case of Sweden the
rescue is the responsibility of the military, while in the
case of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, rescue operates
on the basis of basic crew and volunteer rescuers.
However, each country whose activities are
coordinated by the Rescue Co-ordination Centers
(RCCs) base their operations on the International
Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue
Manual (IAMSAR) [2, 3]. This manual consists of
three volumes:
− Volume I 'organization and management' which
describes the importance of emergency services
and how they work together. This volume is used
by government agencies. On the basis of the
guidelines of this volume, the "Search and Rescue
Plan" was developed.
− Volume II "Coordination of rescue operations"
containing guidelines for the planning and
execution of rescue operations. This volume is
used in coordination centers and on board rescue
vessels.
− Volume III "Mobile equipment" describing means
of communication, organization and means of
search. This volume is required on board every
floating and flying craft.
The Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service
bases its rescue planning activities on operational
publications [4]:
− IAMSAR Volumes I, II and III, [2, 3]
− Search and Rescue Action Plan (SAR Plan), [7]
− National Plan for Combating Hazards and
Pollution of the Marine Environment, [5]
− Air Search and Rescue Operational Plan (ASAR
Plan), [7]
− Plan for sheltering vessels in need of assistance,
Modern Equipment of the Polish SAR Service During
a Real Rescue Operation in the Baltic Sea Taking Into
Account the Recommendations of the 3-volume
IAMSAR Manual
P. Krajewska
Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland
ABSTRACT: The article presents the legal basis for action and decision support systems of the Polish Maritime
Search and Rescue Service. Based on the course of a selected mission, the actual actions were compared with the
IAMSAR recommendations, presenting the ways of communication and the latest training techniques for saving
lives.
Conclusions from the conducted analysis indicate that because of the knowledge and experience of rescuers
the requirements for conducting a search and rescue action according to IAMSAR differ from the actual actions
of rescue services.
http://www.transnav.eu
the International Journal
on Marine Navigation
and Safety of Sea Transportation
Volume 15
Number 1
March 2021
DOI: 10.12716/1001.15.01.20
198
− Emergency Response Plan and many other
regulations and instructions.
In addition to the publications, the decision-
making process is supported by SARCAS (Search and
Rescue Computer Aided System) software, designed
to determine reference positions and create precise,
most probable search areas, as well as broadly support
the coordination and conduct of search and rescue
operations. The designer and producer of this
software is the Maritime Technology Centre in
Gdynia. In addition to SARCAS, Polish RCC uses a
number of systems such as:
− Shipping Safety Information Exchange System,
− EMSA - SEG (European Maritime Safety Agency) -
a very powerful application to find information on
vessels
− OpenEye - a system that receives all hazard
information from the GMDSS (including AIS -
SART).
The databases that are used for action planning
are: an identification database of all vessels of Polish
nationality (not only vessels subject to the STCW
Convention), updated at least once a week. Further
databases are: SARcontactinfo - Canadian database
with contacts to all RCCs around the world, Database
with MMSI numbers, as well as ELVYS
communication consoles - VHF, MF, DSC, DGT
network and telephone systems.
The Polish SAR service not only uses many
modern software and databases, but also a modern
communication system and high-end medical exercise
equipment, which is described in the article.
2 IMPACT OF LOCAL HYDROMETEORLOGICAL
CONDITIONS ON SAR PLANNING
In order to plan an effective rescue operation, it is
essential to collect information about the object being
rescued and complete data on the meteorological
conditions at the scene. If the RCC is unable to obtain
data from the victim and the actual conditions on site
can be provided by the rescue team upon arrival on
site, the RCC coordinators use the SatBaltic portal [6],
which very precisely indicates the direction of the sea
current, water temperature and other meteorological
data.
The second portal used by the Polish coordinators
is the Institute of Water Management and
Meteorology (IMGW) [1] which provides all data on
sea currents, water temperature, wind direction as
well as wave forecasts.
Figure 1. Image of sea currents according to SatBaltic service
[1]
Coordinators shall use Volume II of IAMSAR to
determine the reference position. The data that need
to be collected to determine the reference position are
entered in the summary form - Appendix K - datum
worksheet [Fig.3] . The parameters to be calculated by
means of the auxiliary forms are: average surface
wind, total water current (calculated on the basis of
tidal current, sea current, wind current and other
observe current) , leeway.
The rescue units that arrive on the scene provide
the current hydrometeorological conditions, which
the RCC compares with the forecast ones. In the event
of a significant change in the initial weather
parameters, the RCC is required to recalculate the
parameters.
Figure 2. Image of sea currents according to IMGW Service
[1]
Figure 3. Datum Worksheet [2]
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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE RESCUE OPERATION
The analysis of the compliance of the actual rescue
action is presented based on the selected rescue
mission from 12.06.2017. At 21:49 from the emergency
telephone 112 the Maritime Rescue Coordination
Centre received a report of an overturned yacht in the
area of Osłoniono - Rewa, one person on the shore,
another in the water. The following units were
dispatched to the scene: rescue boat R-20 from
"Kapitan Poinc", rescue boat R-23 from BSR
Władysławowo, a few minutes later the PSP Puck
joined the search. At 23:07 an empty catamaran was
located, the RCC gave orders for R-20 and R-23 to
search in parallel lines in directions E - W [pic.4].
Officer R-20 via direct communication on VHF
channel 11, not the SITREP form [pic.5] relays the
current weather conditions at the scene – southerly
wind 1-2°B; sea state 1-2; air temperature about +15°C;
water temperature about +16°C; cloud cover 2;
visibility 6 to 7. Before 01:00 a Navy helicopter joins
the operation, weather conditions deteriorate. At
05:18, the MRCK decided to enlarge the search area
and change the search direction to parallel lines with
left tack, N - S directions, search speed ~ 4 / 5 knots.
At 09:10 after the informant's jacket was found - the
information was confirmed after a telephone contact,
the direction of the search was changed -
perpendicular to the current and the direction of wave
propagation, parallel lines with right tack, from
Rzucewo to the "Rybitwiej" sandbar, search speed ~ 5
knots. At 12:09 the coast guard boat joined the
operation, the search direction was changed for the
last time to parallel left tack (towards Rzucewo), NE -
SW in the Kuźnica - Rewa line. At 19:00 the search
was suspended and the survivor was not found. In
total the search lasted 21 hours, 9 hours more than
according to IAMSAR vol. II, where the assumed
survival time for a person without special clothing in
water with a temperature of 15 - 200C is less than 12
hours. These guidelines and the approaching dusk
influenced the decision to suspend the search.
Figure 4 Searching Parallel track East – West [own
materials]
Figure 5. SITREP - Standard format for search and rescue
situation rapport [3]
4 ADVANCED COMMUNICATION METHODS
AND SYSTEMS ON BOARD A RESCUE VESSEL
WITH REFERENCE TO IAMSAR VOL-2
COMMUNICATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Communications at the scene of the action, as well as
between the rescue units and the RCC is very
important and should be of the best possible quality.
According to the requirements of IAMSARU vol. III,
communication on the scene between vessels and the
RCC should be conducted on VHF channel 16, and
with the aircraft / helicopter on 121.5 MHz or 156.8
MHz (CH=16 VHF). These requirements are met by all
countries around the world, as channel 16 and DSC
Ch=70 are a channels for communication in distress,
however, during the action a so-called working
channel is established, so as not to block the frequency
for emergency communication. In the case of the
Polish SAR service in order not to block channel 16,
which is used for communication in distress, for
communication with the RCC and helicopter uses the
frequency 156.550 - CH=11VHF.
4.1 The David Clark wireless set
Rescuers of western and northern Baltic states, as well
as The English and Americans and Polish Maritime
Search and Rescue Service on board of a rescue vessel,
use the David Clark Wireless Communication System
[8] to communicate with each other, ensuring
uninterrupted communication on board rescue vessels
and during rescue operations when there is a need to
move to another vessel. The communication system
ensures that crew members can move freely without
being tethered by cables that restrict movement or
snagged on board equipment. Communication is free
from interference and noise. Reliable system
components such as gateway base stations, personal
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stations and headsets are resistant to humidity and
salinity.
4.1.1 Components and technical specifications
The communication system consists of mobile
stations, the number of which corresponds to the
number of crews sailing on each vessel. Usually one
additional portable station is added as a backup. A
pair of headphones is added to each portable station.
Another component is the network base, which, via
WiFi waves, connects the portable stations to each
other (pairs) together with the VHF radio, which gives
the possibility to initiate the outgoing wave from the
VHF station. MSPiR vessels are also equipped with
permanent intermediate stations, which offer the
capabilities of mobile stations except for the freedom
of movement, as they are stationary. The last item is a
battery charger with two sets of batteries for the
mobile stations, the number of batteries
corresponding to the number of mobile stations
supplied.
Figure 6 System elements of David Clark[8]
Table 1. Technical Specifications [8]
_______________________________________________
Frequency range 1.880 – 1900 MHz (Europe)
Average transmit power 10 MW, max. 20mW (Europe)
Range in an unobstructed line of
visibility
Baterry capacity 24 h work
Work temeperature -10
o
C - +45
o
C
Power 3,7V at consumption 100mA
nominal
Battery type 3,7V 2000 mAh lithium –
Polymer
_______________________________________________
4.1.2 Operating principle
The "Belt Station" personal station is a portable
device connected to a network gateway. This creates a
group of users communicating via an intercom. In a
configuration with one network gateway, up to 4
persons can communicate. The crew has a
simultaneous connection to the VHF radio. The VHF
radios are configured and connected via a cable line to
the network gateway. In this way, it is possible to
listen continuously on the frequency selected on the
VHF radio and to have an outgoing conversation with
the Rescue Coordination Center or the unit in distress.
Transmitting is done using the PTT button located
on the top of the mobile device. Thus, the system does
not require lifting the handset and conducting
communication in the standard way. According to the
manufacturer, the range of the mobile station paired
with the network gateway is up to 150 meters, and we
are talking about uninterrupted, clean continuous
communication. As the distance increases, the mobile
station informs the crew member with a three-fold
beep that the connection has been lost. Once back in
range, the station automatically re-establishes the
connection and further internal or external
communication is possible.
Figure 7. Principle of operation od David Clark [8]
This communication solution on rescue vessels
undoubtedly gives work comfort. The crew can move
around the rescue vessel and at the same time hold a
conversation with each other, listen to information
broadcast on the radio and conduct external
communication. The same applies to rescue
operations on a second vessel, where two rescuers
assist the casualty. As long as the vessel is within
range of the network station, part of the crew on the
rescue vessel is in contact with the responders on
scene. This significantly improves the rescue
operation.
5 LIFE-SAVING TECHNIQUES IN TERMS OF
MODERN TRAINING METHODS
Despite holding certificates required by the STCW
Convention, Polish Maritime Search and Rescue
Service crew members undergo additional rescue
training and are equipped with top quality equipment
to improve their skills. The latest purchase of the
Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service for all
bases and vessels is a Phantom for learning / training
BLS (Basic Life Support) / CPR / ALS (Advance Life
Support) with integrated feedback and intubation
capabilities for practicing first aid. [9] The aim of the
investment is to consolidate and improve the ability of
employees to carry out rescue operations with victims
in various states of body capacity.
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Figure 8. Phantom with equipment [own materials]
5.1 Components
The phantoms consists of a torso cut at waist height, a
power supply unit with a 220 V plug, a lubricant for
the phantom's mouth to facilitate implantation of
laryngeal tubes, magnetic caps to detect defibrillator
pads, an orthopedic collar, a display indicating the
quality of the rescue operations carried out and a
tablet with software for carrying out the exercises.
5.1.1 Power modes
For training purposes the phantom can operate in
two power supply modes. The mode of work on cable
power supply enables conducting exercises indoors,
where it is possible to carry out exercises in
conducting BLS CPR and ALS in the mode of self-
realization of SAR personnel. In addition, it is possible
to conduct training in the evacuation mode, i.e. to
carry the casualty from point A to the Emergency
Medical Team waiting in the port. In order to enable
such a solution without access to a permanent power
supply from a 220 V socket, there is a place for
batteries in the phantom, which excludes the need for
a conventional power supply.
5.1.2 Ventilation of the phantom
The phantom has the ability to conduct artificial
ventilation of the victim not only at BLS level, but also
ALS. In this regard, the phantom has replaceable
lungs in the form of a sealed bag, which can be easily
replaced. The artificial lungs enable ventilation of the
victim, and therefore it is also possible to establish an
airway and perform intubation.
Figure 9. Phantom ventilation [9]
5.1.3 Display
The resuscitation training phantom is equipped
with an LCD display that allows real-time monitoring
of the correctness of CPR/BLS/ALS performance. The
monitor indicates the total number of compressions
performed (4) and how many of them were performed
correctly (5). On the same display, there is a marker
indicating whether the rescuer's hands are centrally
placed on the chest during CPR or whether the hands
are inappropriately moved away from central
positioning.
Figure 10. Phantom display [9]
Another element shown on the display is the rate
of chest compressions, which also indicates whether
the timing of one ventilation is correct (3) . These
elements are important because they help the rescuer
to remember not only how hard and how fast to
perform chest compressions but also at what time to
inject air or oxygen using the self-expanding bag
commonly called the AMBU. The last indicator that is
worth mentioning is the indication of the depth of
chest compressions, its relaxation and the volume of
ventilation carried out (7).
5.2 Software
A tablet with software, coupled with the phantom,
was made available to the trainees. The software
connects via bluetooth directly to the manikin and
monitors the work on the phantom. The trainees have
3 modes of the programmer at their disposal. Game
mode, which in a simply way shows whether
resuscitation is successful or not. It contains only basic
information about the number of compressions and
inspirations. Second, the training mode with detailed
data on the performed CPR. The last mode is the
evacuation mode, which gives the possibility of
conducting a test based on from rescuers previous
training and simulating the evacuation of an injured
person from a ship to a rescue unit. It is possible to
connect up to six phantoms with the software at the
same time. Thanks to such a solution, it is possible to
conduct joint exercises of two particular units, based
on the assumption that there are, for example, two or
more casualties at the same time. The programmer
monitors the work of two or more phantoms
simultaneously. This solution significantly facilitates
joint exercises between the crews of Marine Rescue
Stations, Shore Rescue Stations and independent
units.
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5.2.1 Training mode
During training exercises, rescuers have a live view
of the visualized effects of the BLS/RCPR/ALS
performed. The training mode screen shows the time
of on-going resuscitation from start to finish. When
you tart chest compressions, the screen shows the
forced heart rate as a curved line, similar to the rise
curve on electrocardiography equipment. In addition,
most of the information from the built-in display is
repeated in the exercise program. The heart and lungs
are shown from the time of compression/inspiration
in two colors (1). Good compressions or sufficient
ventilation volume are indicated in green, otherwise
in red. The pie diagram (3) shows the rate of
compressions (in this case 114 bpm), the chest
relaxation and, again, the quality of the hand position
on the chest. The vertical lines on the sides (4) of the
display show the depth of chest compressions with
numerical information (61 mm). The program also
provides information on the number of compressions
performed (5) and the amount and volume of
ventilation (6). The entire training course is
summarized with a summary displaying numerical
information on the entire resuscitation cycle carried
out.
Figure 11. Tablet display [9]
5.2.2 Evacuation mode
The evacuation mode involves simulating the
transfer of the casualty, in the course of resuscitation
efforts, from the place of danger to the rescue unit,
within timescale. In this way, a group of rescuers can
practice the process not only of resuscitation, but of
moving with a victim in danger of cardiac and
respiratory arrest from point A to point B. The
programmer does not indicate clear data or
illustrations during the rescue operation. After a set
time (max. 10 minutes), the results of the group or
groups are shown (if the actions are carried out
simultaneously on two or more phantoms). This mode
can contribute not only in a training way, but also in a
self-realization way for the employees of the Maritime
Search and Rescue Service.
6 CONCLUSIONS
The primary task of the Polish Maritime Search and
Rescue Service is to ensure continuous and effective
search and rescue operations throughout the Polish
area of rescue responsibility. For this purpose, the
rescue co-ordination center uses the knowledge
contained in all volumes of IAMSAR and many
additional regulations and plans. When comparing
the actual SAR operation with the IAMSAR
instructions, it can be seen that Polish SAR uses the
IAMSAR recommendations, modifying them
according to the situation. There is neither the time
nor space on the rescue units to produce a written
version of the SITREP, so information on the current
meteorological situation and the stage of the search is
transmitted by means of audio. It would be
worthwhile in IAMSAR to draw up a version of the
report transmitted by radio, which would be short
and in kind, such as:
RCC RCC RCC this is...
meteorological conditions at the scene of the action:
Wind... current... temperature... visibility…
up-to-date search data if the situation has changed
Over
Changing the communication channel during an
operation from 16 to 11 is a very prudent decision, as
according to GMDSS guidelines this channel is used
for distress calls and should not be blocked. The
solution used could be introduced into IAMSARU
vol. III, in order to improve the work of interoperable
emergency services around the world. A pre-
identified rescue channel would solve the problem of
agreeing the working channel. In addition, the use of
the same channel for communications by all units (sea
and airborne) affects the efficiency of information
transfer, as does the use of the David Clark wireless
system throughout Polish SAR and other Baltic SAR
services, which is an excellent solution for improving
communications between multiple units.
When carrying out a lifesaving operation,
communication with the crew is as important as the
skills of the rescuers, who try to restore or maintain a
person's vital functions until the casualty is handed
over to medics on shore. When setting out on a search
and rescue mission, rescuers do not know whether
they are picking up a person alive or dead, which is
why it is so important that they receive proper and
regular medical and rescue training. SAR is always
"Semper Paratus".
REFERENCES
1. Bałtyk IMGW: https://baltyk.imgw.pl.
2. IAMSAR: Manual: Volume II. (2019).
3. IAMSAR: Manual: Volume III. (2019).
4. Ministers Ordinance: How to organize the fight against
risks and pollution at sea, (2017).
5. National Plan for Combating Hazards and Pollution of
the Marine Environment: (2020).
6. SatBaltyk: http://satbaltyk.iopan.gda.pl.
7. Search and Rescue Operational Plan: (2017).
8. User’s Manual: DavidClark Belt Personal Station. (2020).
9. User’s Manual: Phantom for learning / practicing BLS /
CPR / ALS (with integrated feedback and intubation
capability). Simedu Sp z.o.o (2020).
