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Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations Flashcards

6 cards from real USCG practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations flashcards as text

  1. What information must be included in a MAYDAY distress call?

    Answer: MAYDAY, vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, and any other relevant information

    A MAYDAY call must include the word MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, and any other information helpful to rescuers.

  2. What is the primary SAR coordination agency in the U.S.?

    Answer: The U.S. Coast Guard

    The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead federal agency responsible for maritime SAR coordination, operating Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) and Rescue Sub-Centers (RSCs) throughout the country.

  3. What is a 'man overboard' (MOB) buoy used for?

    Answer: Marking the location of a person in the water to assist in recovery

    A man overboard buoy is deployed immediately when a person falls overboard; it marks the spot to help the crew track the person's location as the vessel maneuvers to recover them.

  4. What is the 'Williamson Turn' used for in SAR operations?

    Answer: A shiphandling maneuver to return a vessel to its reciprocal track to search for a person overboard

    The Williamson Turn is a standard shiphandling maneuver that returns the vessel to its original track on a reciprocal course, allowing it to search the path where a person was last seen.

  5. What is the recommended immediate action when a person falls overboard?

    Answer: Throw a life ring, shout 'man overboard,' alert the crew, and keep the person in sight

    Immediately throw a life ring toward the person, shout 'man overboard' to alert the crew, assign a lookout to keep continuous visual contact, and maneuver the vessel for recovery.

  6. What is GMDSS and its primary purpose?

    Answer: A global maritime distress and safety communication system ensuring rescuers can be alerted and located quickly

    The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally agreed system using satellite and terrestrial radio communications to ensure rapid alerting of SAR authorities and coordination of rescue operations.

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

  1. dco.uscg.mil — Test delivery, registration deadline, passing score, exam information · verified Oct 2026
  2. ecfr.gov — Eligibility, score validity, retake policy, test dates, renewal, fees · verified Oct 2026