Caribbean Search & Rescue Community

Our Mission:
"To reduce maritime risk within the Caribbean Community."
Our Methodology:
Bring together the appropriate government agencies and the currently twenty-six volunteer Search and Rescue organizations within the Caribbean Community to establish vigorous programs directed to the: PREVENTION of maritime accidents and terrorist events and to the RESPONSE to maritime emergencies resulting from maritime accidents, terrorist events, or natural disasters.

Best Practices

  • Dive Operators' Safety Procedures
          — John Cooper, International Affairs - Caribbean Division Chief

    From this News Brief (source unknown) it can be seen that by promptly calling the appropriate emergency marine services, this dive operator facilitated the rescue of a diver with whom contact was lost as a result of the dive boat's anchor having dragged.  Another safety measure that dive operators must follow is that of performing a head-count of all divers to ensure that all are aboard before moving the boat from a dive site.  What other safety procedures are important to the dive industry?


  • The Sober Truth About How Alcohol Affects Your Senses At Night
          — Bob Adriance, BoatUS Magazine – SeaWorthy, Jan/Feb 2010

    The article, Boats, Booze, and Darkness Don't Mix, contains some sobering information that should be applied to our Best Practices.


  • 3 and 6-Minute Rules for Navigation
          — Gary Taylor

    There are 2 basic rules that can be utilized to quickly figure out distance traveled on the fly. 

    The 3-Minute Rule is used to determine distance traveled over a 3 minute run at a constant speed.  This will be the distance in yards.  This rule is based on the fact that there are 60 minutes in one hour and 2,000 yards in one nautical mile.  To use the 3-Minute rule and a given speed, say 12 kts, you simply move the decimal point two places to the right to get the distance you would travel in 3 minutes in yards.  In this example, at 12 kts, you would travel 1200 yards in 3 minutes.

    To get the distance for one minute, divide the 1200 yards by 3 minutes for 400 yards.  To get the distance traveled in 9 minutes, multiply the distance by 3 for 3,600 yards.


    The 6-Minute Rule is used to determine distance traveled over a 6 minute run at a constant speed.  This will be the distance in nautical miles.  This rule is based on the fact that there are ten intervals of six minutes in one hour.

    To use the 6-Minute rule and a given speed of 12 knots, you simply move the decimal point one place to the left to get the distance in miles you would travel in 6 minutes.  So, in our example at 12 kts, you would travel 1.2 nm in 6 minutes.  For the distance in one minute, divide the 1.2 nm by the 6 minutes to get .2 nm or 400 yards.  For the distance in twelve minutes, multiply the 1.2 nm by two to get 2.4 nm.

    It is helpful to use a speed that is easily divisible by 3 or 6 such as 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, etc. to convert the distance to a 1 minute increment.


    Try these methods using your nautical slide rule and see if it isn't correct 100% of the time.  These two rules are very helpful for dead reckoning planning as well as on-the-go search pattern planning.  Coast Guard small boat crews also use them on a regular basis.


  • Warm Weather Patrols Hidden Dangers
          — Richard C. Lavy, M.D., Richard Harkness, Atlantic City Press, June 6, 2005

    I'll never forget my first and only fainting experience.  I was a young, strong and very fit 19 year old Army recruit standing in formation with my platoon on a bright sunny day; it wasn't really hot.  Temperatures were, at most, a comfortable 80 to 85 degrees (Fahrenheit).  I had been standing at attention__ for about 10 minutes when the next thing I knew, I was "toes up" — on the ground and surrounded by the members of my squad.

    As embarrassing as that incident was, I quickly gained a real respect for the effects that the sun, and poor preparation and training can have on even the young and physically fit.

    Many of us are preparing for a summer patrol season.  What can we do to be sure we are ready for warm and hot weather operations?


    Heat exhaustion and the more serious (and potentially deadly) heat stroke can be a real threat to our health and performance on the water.  Danger is not limited to temperatures of 95+ degrees and high humidity; any time we are exposed to prolonged periods of sun and wind, we risk dehydration and the undetected danger of heat exhaustion.  So just how can we minimize this danger?

    First, we can prepare even before we arrive at the marina by hydrating ourselves at least 2 to 3 hours PRIOR to getting underway.  But avoid drinks like coffee and caffeine-based sodas.  Drink water or fruit juices at home before you leave for patrol duty.  Then, every hour or so, drink a full cup of water or juice while on patrol.  Your body needs time to hydrate, so we don't want to wait until we feel thirsty to begin the process.  If you feel thirsty, you are already "behind the eight ball".

    Second, stay out of direct sun and wind when possible.  Facilities should be equipped with a cover, bimini top, or other shelter.  Rotate your watch to insure that all crew members get relief from the sun, whether they feel it is necessary or not.  Make certain your uniform is not too tight, to allow for air circulation and effective perspiration.  Yes, perspiration is a key cooling component; we need to perspire to remove excess heat from our bodies.  Be sure to wear the proper head gear and sun glasses, and be aware that the sun will reflect off the water and intensify the effects of the temperature on our body while underway.

    Third, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  One application is not enough; re-apply your sunscreen every 2 hours to offset the effects of perspiration and wind that will tend to remove your protection from the skin.  A good lip balm is also a good way to maintain your comfort level during patrols in the heat and wind.  When packing snacks and lunches, it is also a good idea to include salty pretzels or other salt sources that will aid the body in retaining moisture and provide fuel to maintain good energy levels.


    Remember that heat related medical problems can be magnified in people with heart, lung, or kidney disease, those who suffer from diabetes, or in persons who are older or obese.  The responsibility for crewmember safety rests with each individual on board, not just the Coxswain.  Take the time to prepare yourself for that summer patrol, and be alert for signs of heat related distress by your fellow shipmates.



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