SAR FUNDAMENTALS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. VERIFIED
2026.
What criteria should be considered when selecting the OSC - ANS On scene capabilities,
familiarity with SAR, first SRU on scene
What is the abbreviation designation for an expanding square, single unit search pattern -
ANS SS
What are the four most important pieces of information that should be gathered first? -
ANS Last known Position LKP, Nature of Distress NOD, Persons on Board POB and Description
In what direction does the second unit commence their search in a Sector Search Multi Unit VM
- ANS 90 degrees to the left
When is the OSC required to send a SITREP to the SMC - ANS Once a day
What is the formula for calculating POS (success) - ANS POD (direction) x POC (containment)
Wind currents should be determined when water depths exceed 100 feet, and distance from
shore is greater than how many miles - ANS 20 NM
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,What search pattern is but used when there is high confidence in datum within a small search
area - ANS Sector Search
After determining that you have an overdue or unreported vessel, the next action should be
what - ANS Issue an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast UMIB
What type of search pattern is used to search a large are uniformly, covering one end of the
search are first - ANS Creeping Line
What risk management model identifies the risk factors to consider - ANS Planning
Event
Asset
Communication
Environment
Who can be an official Coast Guard spokesperson - ANS Any Coast Guard member
You collect and analyze SAR information as a function of what component of the SAR system -
ANS Documentation
What risk management model is used to identify options in order to reduce operational risk -
ANS Spread out
Transfer
Avoid
Accept
Reject
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, What type of resources includes fishing vessels - ANS Non-traditional
A case where the subject reported to be in distress is confirmed not to be in distress and not in
need of assistance is a what - ANS False report
Where is the Commence Search Point CSP located on a Creeping Line or Parallel Search Pattern -
ANS 1/2 track space (S) in from the sides
Does the Coast Guard have the right to enter posted "Private Property" to conduct SAR -
ANS Yes
A barrier search is used when - ANS A strong current exists
What factor is not considered in the GAR model - ANS Severity
An SRU should contact the OSC how many minutes prior to arrival in their search area -
ANS 15 minutes
A concerned citizen just reported a flare with a rapid rise and fall. The reporting source
described a what - ANS Meteor Flare
You should release information to the public early in a SAR incident to reduce inaccurate public
speculation about the search - ANS True
In cases involving towing by the Coast Guard or Auxiliary, the vessel being assisted will normally
be taken where - ANS The nearest safe heaven
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. VERIFIED
2026.
What criteria should be considered when selecting the OSC - ANS On scene capabilities,
familiarity with SAR, first SRU on scene
What is the abbreviation designation for an expanding square, single unit search pattern -
ANS SS
What are the four most important pieces of information that should be gathered first? -
ANS Last known Position LKP, Nature of Distress NOD, Persons on Board POB and Description
In what direction does the second unit commence their search in a Sector Search Multi Unit VM
- ANS 90 degrees to the left
When is the OSC required to send a SITREP to the SMC - ANS Once a day
What is the formula for calculating POS (success) - ANS POD (direction) x POC (containment)
Wind currents should be determined when water depths exceed 100 feet, and distance from
shore is greater than how many miles - ANS 20 NM
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,What search pattern is but used when there is high confidence in datum within a small search
area - ANS Sector Search
After determining that you have an overdue or unreported vessel, the next action should be
what - ANS Issue an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast UMIB
What type of search pattern is used to search a large are uniformly, covering one end of the
search are first - ANS Creeping Line
What risk management model identifies the risk factors to consider - ANS Planning
Event
Asset
Communication
Environment
Who can be an official Coast Guard spokesperson - ANS Any Coast Guard member
You collect and analyze SAR information as a function of what component of the SAR system -
ANS Documentation
What risk management model is used to identify options in order to reduce operational risk -
ANS Spread out
Transfer
Avoid
Accept
Reject
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, What type of resources includes fishing vessels - ANS Non-traditional
A case where the subject reported to be in distress is confirmed not to be in distress and not in
need of assistance is a what - ANS False report
Where is the Commence Search Point CSP located on a Creeping Line or Parallel Search Pattern -
ANS 1/2 track space (S) in from the sides
Does the Coast Guard have the right to enter posted "Private Property" to conduct SAR -
ANS Yes
A barrier search is used when - ANS A strong current exists
What factor is not considered in the GAR model - ANS Severity
An SRU should contact the OSC how many minutes prior to arrival in their search area -
ANS 15 minutes
A concerned citizen just reported a flare with a rapid rise and fall. The reporting source
described a what - ANS Meteor Flare
You should release information to the public early in a SAR incident to reduce inaccurate public
speculation about the search - ANS True
In cases involving towing by the Coast Guard or Auxiliary, the vessel being assisted will normally
be taken where - ANS The nearest safe heaven
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
