SABOT – TEACHING NOTES
UNIT 4 (SEARCH PATTERNS) (Do Unit #3 first)
GENERAL:
There are two types of Search Patterns used in Searches; they are "Drifting" patterns and "Precision " patterns. It is important for SABOT students to master both.
There are two types of Drifting patterns; Sector and Expanding Square:
Sector Search: Used when datum is established with a high degree of
confidence but the search object is difficult to detect, such as a person
in the water. The search unit passes through datum several times,
each time increasing the chances of finding the search object. The
pattern resembles the spokes of a wheel with the center of the wheel
being datum. Datum should be marked by the first SRU on scene
with a datum marker Buoy (DMB) or other floating object.
Expanding Square: Used when the last known position of a search
object has a high degree of accuracy, the search area is small, and a
concentrated search is desirable.
There are four types of Precision patterns; Parallel Track, Creeping Line, Track Line, and a Barrier:
Parallel Track: Used when there is an equal probability that the
search object could be anywhere in the search area. It is a good
pattern to use when the approximate location of the search object is
known and uniform coverage is desired.
Creeping Line: Used when the probable location of the search object
has been determined to be more likely at one end of the search area.
Trackline: Used to search when the only information available on the missing vessel is the intended track of the search object.
Barrier: The Barrier pattern is used in areas with strong current, such as a river. The search lies along the path of the current. The search unit moves back and forth over the same track.
The designation for each of these search patterns is uses a series of letters:
The first letter indicates the type of pattern:
C: Creeping line
P: Parallel Track
S: Square
T: Trackline
V: Sector
X: Barrier
The second letter indicates single or multiple search units:
S: Single Unit
M: Multi-Unit Search
The third letter (if used) indicates specialized SRU patterns of instruction:
R: Return
N: Non-Return
TERMINAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE:
4.1 While in the classroom, given a SAROPS generated search pattern (SAP), without prompting or the use of references,
PLOT a single unit search pattern, in accordance with the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual COMDTINST M16114.5 (series), USCG Auxiliary Search Coordination and Execution (AUXSC&E) Course, Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guides COMDTINST M16794.52A, Volume I - Crew (Section F), and COMDTINST M16794.53A, Volume II - Coxswain, (Section F) and the SABOT Job Aid.
All chart work must be within standards, courses accurate to within +/- 3 degrees, commence search point (CSP) and turn points plotted to within 100 yards of correct position and leg run times accurate to within 60 seconds. Students will work as a team/boat crew to complete the chart work.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES:
The standard(s) statement of each of the following enabling objectives is the same as written in the terminal objective, unless otherwise stated.
4.1.1
PLOT the following search patterns:
* Single Unit Expanding Square Search Pattern (SS).
* Single Unit Sector Search Pattern (VS).
* Single Unit Parallel Search Pattern (PS).
* Single Unit Creeping Line Search Pattern (CS).
* Single Unit Track Line Return (TSR) or Track Line Non-Return (TSN) Search
Pattern (See Unit #3.1).
4.1.2
LABEL the above Search Patterns:
4.1.3
CALCULATE the time to complete the search and time to turn for each leg of the above search patterns.
4.1.4
PREPARE the search pattern for execution.
4.1.5
Brief the crew on the mission and assign tasking.
4.1.6
DEMONSTRATE arriving within 100 yards of the CSP.
4.1.7
DEMONSTRATE advising the SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) (Instructor) of on-scene weather and start time.
4.1.8
DETERMINE initial on-scene set and drift and adjust first leg of search (if applicable).
4.1.9
DEMONSTRATE running first leg within 5 degrees of the actual direction of set and drift.
4.1.10
DEMONSTRATE the use of the Course Leg Identifier/Search Pattern Computer (if applicable).
4.1.11
DEMONSTRATE safely navigating the vessel utilizing all electronics.
4.1.12
DEMONSTRATE calculating actual on-scene set and drift.
4.1.13
DEMONSTRATE advising the SMC (Instructor) of completion of the pattern and results.
UNIT 4A (SECTOR SEARCH PATTERN)
There are two types of Sector Search Patterns; single unit (VS) and multi-unit (VM):
1. Sector Search Pattern, Single Unit (VS): Used by a single unit boat
with the first leg beginning in the same direction that the search object
is drifting. All legs and cross-legs of this pattern are of equal length.
After running the first leg, the first turn will be 120 degrees to
starboard to begin the first cross-leg. All subsequent turns will be 120
degrees to starboard to a course determined by adding 120 degrees to
your previous course. Notice that after completing the first leg and
cross-leg, the second and third legs of the pattern are completed in
sequence without turning between. (The SAR Plotting tool is handy
for do these computations.)
2. Sector Search Pattern, Multi Unit (VM): Is used when a second boat
is available. The second boat starts at the same datum, but begins its
first leg on a course 90 degrees to the left of the first boat The second
boat starts when the first boat reaches its first turn point. (NOTE:
This is to prevent the two search units from attempting to pass through
datum at the same time.) (The SAR Plotting tool is handy for do these
computations.)
3. Refer to the prepared Search Action Plan for the exercise prepared for
the local area by the instructor.
UNIT 4B (EXPANDING SQUARE SEARCH PATTERN)
There are two types of Expanding Square Search Patterns; single unit (SS) and multi-unit (SM):
1. Expanding Square Search Pattern, Single Unit (SS): In the (SS)
pattern for boats, the first leg is normally in the direction of the search
object’s drift and all turns are made 90 degrees to starboard. The first
two legs are one track space long. For the third leg you add one track
space (The third leg is two track spaces long.). For every two legs,
one track space is added to the leg. That is, add one track space to the
third, fifth, seventh, ninth, etc. legs. (The third and fourth legs should
be two track spaces long, the fifth and sixth legs should be three track
spaces long, etc.)
2. Expanding Square Search Pattern, Multi Unit (SM): In (SM)
pattern used when two units are available. The second unit begins on
a course 45 degrees to the right of the first unit’s course. Both units
can start at the same time. (The SAR Plotting tool is handy for do
these computations.) Both search units add one track spacing every
other leg he same as for an (SS).
3. Refer to the prepared Search Action Plan for the exercise prepared for
the local area by the instructor.
UNIT 4C (PARALLEL TRACK SEARCH PATTERN)
There are two types of Parallel Track Search Patterns; single unit (PS) and multi-unit (PM):
1. Parallel Track Search Pattern, Single Unit (PS): The (PS) pattern are
used when there is an equal probability that the search object could be
anywhere in the search area. It a good pattern to use when the
approximate location of the search object is known and uniform
coverage is desired. Parallel search patterns are the simplest of the
search patterns. You steer straight courses on all legs and all turns are
90 degrees, first the to the right and the next to the left. This is
repeated until the search object is found or the search unit reaches the
end of the search area. Each of the long legs are one track space
apart. The long legs are parallel to the long side or major axis of the
search area.
The Commence Search Point (CSP) is ½ track spacing inside a corner
of the search area designated by the SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC)
on the Search Action Plan (SAP).
2. Parallel Track Search Pattern, Multi Unit (PM): The (PM) pattern is
used under the same circumstances as the (PS) but with more than one
Search Rescue Unit (SRU). The SRUs are separated by a single track
space parallel to the long side of the search area. After completing the
first leg, they move over a distance equal to the track spacing times
the number of SRUs, and then search back on a reciprocal heading of
the first leg. This is repeated until the search object is found or the
end of the search area is reached similar to the (PS) pattern above...All
SRUs run at the same time abreast of each other, one track space
apart.
The Commence Search Point (CSP) for the first SRU is the same as in
the PS pattern above. The second SRU starts one track space abeam of the first, the third is one additional track space abeam of the second SRU, etc.
3. Refer to the prepared Search Action Plan for the exercise prepared for
the local area by the instructor.
UNIT 4D (CREEPING LINE SEARCH PATTERN)
There are two types of Creeping Line Search Patterns; single unit (CS) and multi-unit (CM):
1. Creeping Line, Single Unit Search Pattern (CS): This pattern is used
when the probable location of the search objective has been
determined to be more likely at one end of the search area than the
other end. Creeping line search patterns are the same as parallel
patterns with the exception that the legs are run parallel to the short
side (minor axis) of the search area. This pattern’s CSP are also
located ½ track spacing inside a corner of the search area as
determined by the SMC and so indicated on the SAP.
2. Creeping Line Multi-Unit Search Pattern (CM): The same principals
that apply to the PM pattern applies to the CM except the search legs
are run across the short side (minor axis) of the search area. The
multiple SRUs run abreast of each other when running parallel to the
short side and when turning to run the long leg they are in line and
move (one track space times the number of SRUs) before turning
again and running parallel to the short side again.
3. Refer to the prepared Search Action Plan for the exercise prepared for
the local area by the instructor.
UNIT 4E (TRACK LINE SINGLE UNIT SEARCH PATTERN)
There are two types of Track Line Search Pattern, Track line Non-return (TSN) and Track line return (TSR):
1. Track Line, Single Unit Non-return (TSN): The TSN is used to
search when the only information available on the missing vessel is
the intended track of the search object. The TSN follows the intended
course of the missing vessel.
Lay out a TSN on a SAP print-out format and give to the students to
plot, enter into their GPS and run. All chart work, plotting, entering
into their GPS, and getting underway is to be done in under 30
minutes. All courses are to be plotted within +/- 3 degrees, all turn
points made within 50 yards and arrival at their destination within 100
yards and within 5 minutes of the ETA. This is the same problem
used in unit #3.
2. Track Line Single Unit Return (TSR): The TSR is similar to the TSN
but differs in that the course is run in two directions. The search is
run ½ track space to leeward of the intended course of the missing
vessel. On the return the search is run ½ track space to windward of
the missing vessel’s intended course. The complete search would
cover the length of the intended course, two track spaces wide
3. Lay out a TSR on a SAP print out format and give to the students to
plot, enter into their GPS, and run. All chart work, plotting, entering
into their GPS and getting underway is to be done in under 30
minutes. . All courses are to be plotted within +/- 3 degrees, all turn
points made within 50 yards and arrival at their destination within 100
yards and within 5 minutes of the ETA.
UNIT 4F (BARRIER SEARCH PATTERN)
The Barrier Search (XS and XM) is used in areas with strong current, such as a river. The Search Rescue Unit (SRU) moves back and forth over the same track. This can be done by steering on an object on each side of the river bank.
Barrier Search Single Unit (XS): The SRU moves from one side of the search area to the other while the current carries the water and objects past the search barrier.
Barrier Search Multiple Units (XM): The SRUs divided the river up into sections for each SRU to move back and forth across. Each SRU stays within its section of the river as they move back and forth across their section.
For an exercise deploy the boats in a barrier across a river while another vessel deploys a floating target upstream. The student SRUs would maintain their barrier positions watching for targets. (Try with multiple targets)
SABOT DRILL
SAR ACTION PLAN
1. Complete the following SAR Action Plan (SAP) for the local
area using a local chart.
2. Instructors should select a course and search pattern to be used for the local area.
3. All turn point (waypoints) should be selected so that instructors or QEs riding along with the students could easily verify the accuracy of the course and search pattern being run.
4. Be sure to give the students plenty of time to do this unit. Many of our boat crews will have difficulty in achieving the standards laid out in units #3 and #4 (30 minutes to plot, enter waypoints and get underway). Some may need a couple of years of practice before they can achieve this standard.
5. On the next few pages is a sample for a TSN in the Buffalo, NY area of Lake Erie and blank SAR Action Plan form.
TRACK LINE SEARCH
------------------------------
NAME : SABOT PILOTING DRILL
PASSES : 1
TRACK SPACING : 0.10 NM
FIRST TURN : RIGHT
CSP : 41-25.837N 071-02.250W
MAG VARIATION : 15 W
MAGVAR CALCED :YES
WAYPOINTS
1: 41-25-.837N 071-02.250W
2. 41-20.850N 071-02.000W
3. 41-16.350N 071-04.900W
+----------------------------+
ACTUAL SEARCH
+----------------------------+
PERCENT COMPLETED : 100.00 %
TRACK LENGTH : 9.99 NM
ESP : 41-16.350N 071-04.900W
AREA SEARCHED : 1.01 SQNM
POS :
+------------------------------------------------------+
CALCULATE PERCENT COMPLETED
+------------------------------------------------------+
TOTAL NUMBER OF LEGS : 2
NUMBER OF LEGS COMPLETED : 2.00
PERCENT COMPLETED : 100.00 %
SRU
-----
SRU ID (TAIL/HULL) : AUX FAC
COMMAND : CGD9
SRU TYPE : SMALL BOAT (< 65 FT)
+----------------------+
PRE-SEARCH
+----------------------+
CST :
ON SCENE ENDURANCE :
EST :
SEARCH SPEED :
SENSOR :
+------------------------------+
SEARCH OBJECTS
+------------------------------+
NAME SWEEP WIDTH
-------- ---------------------
+-------------------------+
POST-SEARCH
+------------------------+
ACTUAL CST :
ACTUAL EST :
TIME SEARCHED :
AVERAGE SPEED :
SORTIE SUMMARY
---------------------------
+-----------------------------------------+
STARTING TRANSIT LEG
+-----------------------------------------+
START POSITION :
START TRANSIT SPEED :
START TRANSIT DISTANCE :
START TRANSIT TIME :
START TIME :
+-------------------+
ON SCENE
+-------------------+
CSP : 41-25.837N 071-02.250W
CST :
TRACK LENGTH : 9.99 NM
ON SCENE TIME :
ESP : 421-26.350N 071-04.900W
+------------------------------------+
ENDING TRANSIT LEG
+------------------------------------+
END POISITION :
END TRANSIT SPEED :
END TRANSIT DISTANCE :
END TRANSIT TIME :
END TIME :
+----------------+
TOTALS
+----------------+
TOTAL DISTANCE : 9.99NM
TOTAL TIME :
EVALUATE
----------------
SAROPS RUN STATUS : NO SAROPS RUN ASSIGNED
DETAILS: NO SAROPS RUN ASSIGNED
+------------------------------+
SEARCH OBJECTS
+------------------------------+
TYPE CONDITIONAL POS INITAL PROBABILITY JOINT POS
------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------
TOTAL POS : 0.00 %
REVIEWED :
COMMENTS :
SORTIE DETAILS
------------------------
LEG POSITION COURSE MAGCSE LEG DIST TOTAL DIST LEG TIME TOTAL
TIME
T M NM NM
---- ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- ----------------- -------------- ----------
1 41-25.837N 071-02.250W 178 193 4.99 4.99
00:00:00
2 41-20.850N 071-02.000W 206 221 5.00 9.99
00:00:00
3 41-16.350N 071-04.900W 9.99
00:00:00
TRACK LINE SEARCH
------------------------------
NAME : SABOT PILOTING DRILL
PASSES :
TRACK SPACING :
FIRST TURN :
CSP :
MAG VARIATION :
MAGVAR CALCED :
WAYPOINTS
1:
2.
3.
+----------------------------+
ACTUAL SEARCH
+----------------------------+
PERCENT COMPLETED :
TRACK LENGTH :
ESP :
AREA SEARCHED :
POS :
+------------------------------------------------------+
CALCULATE PERCENT COMPLETED
+------------------------------------------------------+
TOTAL NUMBER OF LEGS : 2
NUMBER OF LEGS COMPLETED :
PERCENT COMPLETED :
SRU
-----
SRU ID (TAIL/HULL) :
COMMAND :
SRU TYPE :
+----------------------+
PRE-SEARCH
+----------------------+
CST :
ON SCENE ENDURANCE :
EST :
SEARCH SPEED :
SENSOR :
+------------------------------+
SEARCH OBJECTS
+------------------------------+
NAME SWEEP WIDTH
-------- ---------------------
+-------------------------+
POST-SEARCH
+------------------------+
ACTUAL CST :
ACTUAL EST :
TIME SEARCHED :
AVERAGE SPEED :
SORTIE SUMMARY
---------------------------
+-----------------------------------------+
STARTING TRANSIT LEG
+-----------------------------------------+
START POSITION :
START TRANSIT SPEED :
START TRANSIT DISTANCE :
START TRANSIT TIME :
START TIME :
+-------------------+
ON SCENE
+-------------------+
CSP :
CST :
TRACK LENGTH :
ON SCENE TIME :
ESP :
+------------------------------------+
ENDING TRANSIT LEG
+------------------------------------+
END POISITION :
END TRANSIT SPEED :
END TRANSIT DISTANCE :
END TRANSIT TIME :
END TIME :
+----------------+
TOTALS
+----------------+
TOTAL DISTANCE :
TOTAL TIME :
EVALUATE
----------------
SAROPS RUN STATUS : NO SAROPS RUN ASSIGNED
DETAILS: NO SAROPS RUN ASSIGNED
+------------------------------+
SEARCH OBJECTS
+------------------------------+
TYPE CONDITIONAL POS INITAL PROBABILITY JOINT POS
------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------
TOTAL POS :
REVIEWED :
COMMENTS :
SORTIE DETAILS
------------------------
LEG POSITION COURSE MAGCSE LEG DIST TOTAL DIST LEG TIME TOTAL
TIME
T M NM NM
---- ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- ----------------- -------------- ----------
1
00:00:00
2
00:00:00
3
00:00:00
8. SEARCH PATTERNS: EXERCISE #8
See JOB AID, Section G
This exercise allows the student to plot and run a search pattern. Normally we have used the VS and the SS patterns for this exercise and allowed the students to use the "Search Pattern Plotting Tool. Other search patterns may be substituted if desired or needed.
REQUIREMENTS:
a. Refer to exercise #6 above. When the student arrives at the CSP they are to deploy a datum marker.
b. The coxswain will determine the first leg to run (Down-wind or down stream within 45 degrees) and determine the time to run each leg of a VS (or a SS) search pattern. Leg length and target size should be provided.
c. The coxswain should bring the boat up to its search speed and pass close alongside the datum marker.
d. The helmsman should use "Seaman’s Eye" and not be chasing the compass as he/she steers each leg. (Explain how the helmsman should select a distant object to steer at before making a turn)
e. The boat crew should complete the entire VS pattern or at least 10 legs of a SS pattern.
f. The coxswain should end the VS Search Pattern back alongside the datum marker at which time the actual set and drift are calculated and passed to the SAR controller.
