Current Search and Rescue Techniques, Tactics and Procedures are outdated and do not leverage advances in Computer Vision, AI, ML powered Geospatial Analytics, and other emerging technologies to locate Isolated Personnel (IP) in the open ocean environment.
Conventional open ocean Search and Rescue techniques are ineffective due to the human factor. Aircraft deployed correctly can provide effective coverage of the search area, however, we rely on the man to continually look out the windows of the flight deck, the ramp, and doors to find the IP. This approach is taxing on the individual because he or she cannot look away from his sector or risk missing the IP. Exhaustion, vertigo, boredom, complacency are often experienced by the individuals searching. This inefficiency is compounded when zero lumination, adverse weather, cloud cover is present.
The rise in aircraft mishaps in the INDO-PACOM theater has highlighted gaps in established personnel recovery procedures and is costing lives due to the inability to locate the IP in a timely manner.
MSgt Bon Scott Strout