USCG Search and Rescue Controller Practice Exam 2025 - Free SAR Controller Practice Questions and Study Guide

The recommended search pattern for an uncorrelated Mayday is to search the original bearing and plus/minus 4 degrees. This approach is grounded in uncertainties inherent to an uncorrelated distress signal; the exact location of the affected vessel or person is unknown, and a wider search area helps account for potential drift and error in the reported bearing.

By incorporating a range of plus and minus 4 degrees around the original bearing, the search strategy maximizes the likelihood of locating the distressed party within a reasonable scope. This is particularly vital in time-sensitive situations such as search and rescue operations, where every minute counts.

A search pattern limited to only the original bearing would be too narrow and risks missing the target due to factors such as wind or current. Similarly, searching with broader ranges like plus or minus 10 degrees may lead to inefficiency, wasting valuable resources and time in an already pressing situation. Thus, utilizing a search angle of 4 degrees ensures a balanced approach, increasing the probability of a successful search without overly complicating the operation.