SIGNALING


Signals should be considered whenever possible to facilitate a quicker rescue. There are standard signals used to convey specific needs. SURFACE TO AIR VISUAL SIGNALS


The signals should be at least 2.5 metres (8 feet) long and be as visible as possible. The signal may be formed from any material available e.g. pieces of wood, stones or staining with oil etc. Consider using material that stands out. It may be difficult to see stones stacked in rocky field. Things like clothing, part of the wreckage, life vests etc. may stand out and be seen easier.


Message Require assistance


Require medical assistance No or negative


Yes or affirmative Proceeding in this direction


Code Symbol V X


N Y


———>


Attention should be drawn to these signals by use of radio beacons, flares, smoke, reflected light, etc. An aircraft will acknowledge that ground signals have been understood by: a) In hours of daylight - rocking its wings b) In hours of darkness - flashing its landing or navigation lights ON and off twice


***Absence of the above signals from the aircraft indicates that the ground signal has not been understood.


Night Signals The following technique is used when SAR aircraft are searching for survivors at night:


a) The search aircraft will periodically fire a single green pyrotechnic signal. b) On seeing the green signal the survivors should fire a red pyrotechnic followed after a short interval by another. The second signal is to enable the crew of the aircraft to check that they are heading towards the survivors.


c) The survivors should fire additional pyrotechnics if the aircraft appears to be getting off track and again when it is approaching overhead.


d) Do not fire pyrotechnics directly at the search aircraft approaching overhead. Rocket pyrotechnics have considerable energy and can endanger the SAR aircraft.


LOCATION AIDS


Other emergency signals can be improvised using: • Signaling Mirrors • Torches/Flashlights • Dye Markers • Pyrotechnics • ELT fixed to Liferafts


Miscellaneous Emergency Location Signals


Survivors should use some or all of the following methods to attract attention when aircraft or surface craft are heard or seen:


• Improvise visual and ground signals


• Make the aircraft as conspicuous as possible by spreading material over the wings and fuselage


• A continuously burning fire is recommended with materials at hand to create smoke at short notice. A quantity of green branches, leaves, oil or rubber from the aircraft should achieve the desired result


Survival, Search and Rescue 4


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