National Search and Rescue School (NSARS) Module 1 Practice Test

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• Which unit receives the report and initiates the Critical Incident Communications Conference call?
• What SAR emergency phase exists when a person, vessel or craft is experiencing some difficulty and may need assistance but is not in immediate danger or in need of immediate response?
• In multi-team field movement, what is the purpose of maintaining check-ins and location updates?
• The sailing yacht Blue Horizon encounters unexpected mechanical issues with its navigation system and engine. The master has initiated contact with the Sector Command Center and is currently under sail power. The master has apprehension about entering port under sail. Which SAR Phase best describes the current classification of this scenario?
• Which acronym represents a deliberate strategy to reduce risk by spreading, transferring, avoiding, accepting, or reducing exposure?
• Compare and contrast navigation by landmarks versus terrain-based navigation.
• Which search pattern radiates outward from a central point like a growing square?
• Which documents are considered the standard operational references for U.S. SAR entities?
• Your small boat unit is requested to assist in recovering three people in water (PIW) resulting from a capsized 19 foot sailboat that washed up on a rock jetty at the entrance to a popular bay for recreational boats. The unit completes the GAR 2.0 worksheet and classifies the Risk as Medium and the Gain as High. What recommended action should the crew take?
• Which scenario clearly requires opening a MISLE case?
• This group operates under the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC).
• What type of personnel are volunteers under the U.S. Air Force, with facilities and skills to augment Aeronautical SAR responses?
• Which search pattern radiates outward from a central point?
• Which item is NOT a typical element of a SITREP?
• In the AIPOC framework, which stage comes immediately after Initial Actions?
• What SAR emergency phase is associated with grave and imminent danger about the circumstance?
• Why is PPE essential for SAR responders?
• What is the purpose of an after-action review (AAR) and what should it cover?
• What is the purpose of the Critical Incident Communications process?
• How do PLBs and EPIRBs aid SAR missions?
• What is the purpose of a search area grid in planning?
• What is a key effect of changing weather on search effectiveness and safety?
• Which SAR Stage does a SAR Planner use drift modeling software to locate the subjects of a SAR case?
• What is the value of a post-mission debrief in NSARS?
• Who is responsible for establishing and managing SAR Resources within their SRR?
• You are on watch at Sector Virginia and receive a report of a ferry with 43 passengers on fire in Norfolk, Virginia, on the Elizabeth River. Which agency is responsible?
• In GAR 2.0, a mission assessed as High Risk and High Gain typically requires which action before acceptance?
• In the five-step risk management process, which step involves developing options and making decisions about controls?
• In search theory, which elements are used to predict where a missing person might be found?
• Which unit is responsible for aeronautical and maritime SAR?
• What happens in the post-mission phase of a SAR operation?
• Why is marking and recording searched areas important during a search and rescue operation?
• What is an essential first aid consideration for cold weather injuries?
• Which combination of factors is commonly considered when assessing avalanche risk?
• A report of an overdue sailboat left Cape May, NJ two weeks ago and expected to arrive in Halifax, Canada. Who is the responsible SAR Mission Coordinator?
• What is the purpose of a post-mission debrief in terms of training and procedures?
• Define a waypoint and a bearing in field navigation.
• Which statement about the National Command Center is accurate?
• Which system is used to open and document SAR cases?
• In field triage, once life-threatening conditions are identified, what is the next primary step?
• If GAR 2.0 indicates Medium Risk and High Gain, what is the recommended action?
• Why is radio discipline important in SAR operations?
• The local TV station calls inquiring about a ferry that ran aground in your AOR with injuries. You are the watch stander involved in the case and the media is asking about the names of the injured parties. Next of Kin notifications have not been made. Which of the following can be released to the media?
• A Satellite EPIRB notification is received 5 nautical miles offshore from Florida. Who is the responsible SAR Mission Coordinator?
• For a recreational boat fire on a lake within a Sector boundary, who is the responsible SAR Mission Coordinator?
• A commercial assistance provider reports a boat fire and lacks firefighting equipment, but has already removed all persons from the engulfed vessel. They can't get any closer than 50 yards to the boat due to heavy black smoke. The owner wants your unit to respond to reduce property damage through any means possible. The crew completes the GAR 2.0 worksheet and classifies the Risk as High and the Gain as Low. What should the crew do?
• What signaling methods are used in SAR and when should they be employed?
• Who is ultimately responsible for thorough and complete documentation of case details?
• The 45 foot RB-Ms used by your unit are normally restricted to basic coxswain limits of waves and wind. What are those limits?
• Place the 5 steps of the Risk Management process in order:
• A MAYDAY call indicating immediate danger due to a fire is associated with which phase?
• What is the primary objective of NSARS Module 1?
• What are the key steps of field triage in a SAR context?
• What is the benefit of the buddy system in SAR?
• Differentiate between a 'search area' and an 'operational area' in SAR planning.
• Which is the tool to mitigate risk and/or control risk?
• Which assets were involved in the first SAR scenario?
• The Command Center receives a call for assistance at 0900. There are difficulties determining the exact location within their AOR and the available units to respond. At 1130 the case is initiated in MISLE. What case documentation requirement does this violate?
• How many volumes does the IAMSAR Manual have?
• In a scenario where a vessel has contact with the Sector Command Center and expresses concern about entering port under sail, which phase best describes?
• How does rescue differ from survival support?
• The Coast Guard Addendum (CGADD) outlines policies, procedures, and standards for which organization?
• US Fish and Wildlife Service and Customs and Border Protection are part of which group?
• Which role is assigned to coordinate the response to an actual or potential emergency?
• Which of the following is NOT a trigger to open a MISLE case?
• SMC is required to open a MISLE case no later than how long after initial notification?
• A member of the public calls about local law enforcement and Coast Guard helicopters operating near a beach. What should you do?
• The fishing vessel Sea Wanderer with six crew missed its scheduled check-in while operating 200 miles off the coast. Known for its reliability, the sudden lack of communication prompts concerns. Which SAR Phase best describes the current classification of this scenario?
• When shall a case be opened in MISLE?
• What is the first step in initiating an emergency radio call in SAR operations?
• Which search pattern is a slow, continuous line search?
• Define an 'asset' in the SAR context and give examples.
• What is the purpose of the U.S. National SAR Supplement to the IAMSAR Manual?
• According to the Coast Guard Addendum to the NSS, which SAR statutory authority outlines the primary duties that the Coast Guard shall perform?
• Which term describes an asset (vessel or aircraft) with trained crew that conducts SAR operations?
• What SAR emergency phase is associated with apprehension?
• When multiple SRUs are involved, which role at the responding unit manages operations at the scene?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of pre-, during-, and post-mission equipment checks?
• In SAR structure, which unit is named as Rescue Sub-Center in some sectors?
• Which unit is described as the center that handles both air and sea SAR incidents?
• What information does a topographic map convey that is critical for SAR?
• What does a pace count measure in field navigation and which conditions require recalibration?
• Which option best supports fatigue management during extended SAR searches?
• Which is the tool and process for assessing risk?
• A local police marine unit calls at 1130 about a missing PIW. Ideally, when should the case be initiated in MISLE?
• In the AIPOC framework, which stage comes immediately after Awareness?
• Which unit corresponds to Sector San Juan / Sector Guam?
• How does time since disappearance influence prioritization of search areas?
• Why are pre-, during-, and post-mission equipment checks critical?
• What are typical responsibilities of the on-scene lead during a NSARS operation?
• In a case closed due to suspicious circumstances, which office should media requests be directed to for information requests?
• According to the CGADD to the NSS, which SAR statutory authority may the Coast Guard be requested to provide people or resources for which they are especially qualified?
• Which environmental factor is NOT listed as influencing SAR operations?
• Which statement best describes the two-person rule for critical safety tasks in SAR operations?
• When a search object has not been located, which role is responsible for suspension of SAR responses?
• What does OGAs stand for?
• What should be included in an in-field incident report format?
• Which action best supports maintaining accountability during SAR operations?
• A member of the public calls the Command Center and asks about an active case involving several missing swimmers. Which information cannot be disclosed?
• The NSS to the IAMSAR Manual is described as what?
• This group operates privately owned vessels that are maintained by its members.
• Which of these are units composed of trained personnel suitable to conduct search and rescue operations?
• Which group serves as a force multiplier by providing specialized skills and equipment for SAR?
• What is the purpose of the Coast Guard Addendum (CGADD) to the NSS?
• In which publication would you find the SAR emergency phases?
• How long after realization that a case is, or could potentially be, a critical incident shall notification be made to the National Command Center?
• How should responders respond to unsafe or aggressive behavior encountered during operations?
• Which SAR emergency phase describes knowledge of a situation that may need to be monitored or to have more information gathered?
• Which role is responsible for strategic planning, coordination, and oversight?
• Which role is responsible for Tactical Direction, Communication, and Safety Oversight?
• You receive a Satellite EPIRB notification 5 nautical miles offshore of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Who is responsible to respond?
• Which unit is responsible for SAR mission coordination and tactical control of SRUs for their area of responsibility within a region?
• Which of the following are the responsibilities of ACTSUS?
• What are the main components of the Incident Command System commonly used in SAR?
• How do true north, magnetic north, and declination affect compass use in SAR?
• How is risk tolerance defined in SAR context?
• The local TV station calls inquiring about a high-profile missing boater that you were involved in. The person was found in suspicious circumstances and the case was closed. What should be your next step?
• Which phase best describes a situation where there is potential risk that may require monitoring but no immediate danger?
• What is the purpose of a risk register or risk matrix on a SAR mission?
• Which unit is the subordinate element that supports response efforts under a rescue coordination center?
• What are standard in-field radio procedures for coordinating movement of multiple teams?
• Choose the SAR Stage when the reported missing vessel has been located and survivors have been debriefed to confirm no additional missing persons.
• Which unit is the operational facility with the responsibility for promoting efficient organization of SAR services and for coordinating the conduct of SAR operations within an SRR?
• What is the term for the center that coordinates SAR within a defined rescue region and promotes efficient organization?
• What is search theory and how does it guide field operations?
• Which search pattern uses two parallel search lines covering adjacent swaths?
• What is the primary purpose of a Situation Report (SITREP) in SAR operations?
• Which phase would require ongoing information gathering and monitoring rather than immediate action?
• What does the acronym AIPOC stand for in the SAR process?
• What is the contact number to initiate the CIC process?
• What is the primary purpose of the National Search and Rescue Plan?
• Which factor most directly informs adjustments to the search pattern during a SAR operation?
• While on watch at Sector, you receive a report of a missing hiker. Which agency is responsible?
• How is 'situational awareness' maintained on the ground?
• Under what circumstances should mission objectives be adjusted?
• Which unit is responsible for promoting efficient organization of SAR services and for coordinating the conduct of SAR operations within a region?
• Who typically serves as the on-scene lead during a NSARS search operation?
• How should you document signs or clues found during a search?
• What is a 'hot zone' in SAR operations?
• Which factors determine mission objectives and how are they adjusted during a SAR operation?
• In what scenario is terrain-based navigation particularly advantageous?
• This group is not an official designated SRU.
• Which group is most commonly associated with 911 emergency response and local SAR operations?
• In the risk management framework, which step involves applying selected controls and putting them into practice?
• Which publication contains the SAR emergency phases?
• Which organization is the primary civil aviation SAR volunteer group?
• A severe weather front has affected your unit's Area of Responsibility with residual 10 to 12 foot waves and sustained 35 knot winds for the next several hours. A mayday call is received from a 40 foot cabin cruiser with 6 people onboard abandoning ship approx 3 miles offshore. Your unit has 45 foot RB-Ms that are normally restricted to the basic coxswain limitations of 10 foot waves and 30 knot winds. The crew completes the GAR 2.0 worksheet and classifies the Risk as High and the Gain as High. What recommended action should the crew take?
• According to the CGADD to the NSS, which SAR statutory authority may the CG Rescue provide clothing, food, or medications to survivors?
• Which pattern is used to ensure full coverage in grid search?
• What should an after-action review (AAR) cover?
• Which phase is used when a vessel experiences difficulty but not in immediate danger and may have communications concerns prompting concern?
• Which unit is designated as a Rescue Sub-Center?
• Which of the following is NOT a function of the Logistics section in ICS during SAR?
• What is the purpose of the International Aeronautical and Maritime SAR (IAMSAR) Manual?
• Which unit acknowledges distress first and may transfer coordination to another center?
• What is a Situation Report (SITREP) and what information does it typically include?
• What practices help maintain situational awareness in extended searches?
• At which SAR Stage is the SAR Mission Coordinator designated?
• Which unit initially acknowledges a distress alert?
• What are the three core phases of a typical SAR mission cycle?
• Which timing guideline is specifically stated for opening MISLE cases after initial notification?
• Which of these is a Rescue Sub-Center (RSC) in the SAR framework?
• You are on watch at a Sector and receive a report of a missing hiker in a National Park. Which entity has inland jurisdiction?
• Command Center watch standers are encouraged to open a MISLE case within how many minutes of initial notification?
• Which statement best describes signaling in SAR?
• Which condition necessitates recalibrating a pace count in field navigation?
• What is a basic sign indicating potential avalanche risk in a mountain SAR area?
• Which SAR Stage is the watch team in when receiving an initial request for assistance?
• What functions does the Logistics section serve in ICS during SAR?
• Which unit is the coordination center that initially acknowledges a distress alert, and which should assume responsibility for all subsequent SAR coordination unless responsibility is accepted by another?
• The 40-foot cabin cruiser Unsinkable I radioed a MAYDAY call reporting fire coming from the engine space. Which SAR Phase best describes the current classification of this scenario?
• Which organization is the Coast Guard's official volunteer arm?
• In the AIPOC framework, what is the final stage?
• What steps should be taken when a new GPS coordinate of the missing person is obtained?
• Where would you find the Critical Incident Communications process requirements?
• In the AIPOC framework, which stage comes immediately after Operations?
• What is the standard approach for initiating an emergency radio call in a SAR scenario?
• A command center receives a call for assistance at 1800 and cannot determine the exact location within their AOR or the available units to respond. What is the latest time the command center has to initiate a case in MISLE?
• Which item is NOT typically included in a minimal SAR field kit?
• Which phase signifies grave and imminent danger requiring immediate response?
• Identify three environmental factors that influence SAR operations.
• In the AIPOC framework, which stage comes immediately after Planning?
• What are common causes of a failure to locate a missing person in a SAR operation?
• At which SAR Stage are the responding search rescue units on-scene conducting search patterns?
• What source of agencies can serve as a force-multiplier and provide specific skills and equipment to aid in SAR response and other critical functions?
• What is risk assessment in SAR and what should it address?
• Which statement about hot zones is true?
• Which unit is subordinate to a rescue coordination center and complements response efforts?
• Which unit is the sector-level body responsible for mission coordination and tactical control for the defined geographic area?