COMDTINST 16130.2I — The U.s. Coast Guard Addendum To The United States National Search And Rescue Supplement (nss) To The International Aeronautical And Maritime Search And Rescue Manual (iamsar)

COMDTINST 16130.2I governs Coast Guard search and rescue policies and related procedures for facilities and operations worldwide.

Search COMDTINST 16130.2I

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 16130.2I
  • Title: THE U.S. COAST GUARD ADDENDUM TO THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE SUPPLEMENT (NSS) TO THE INTERNATIONAL AERONAUTICAL AND MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE MANUAL (IAMSAR)
  • Date: 2/2/2026
  • Proponent: CG-SAR

View COMDTINST 16130.2I on armypubs.army.mil

It establishes internal planning guidance for consistent Coast Guard SAR program execution and adopts procedures, techniques, and terminology from the CGADD, NSS, and IAMSAR. It addresses emergency phase determination, search effectiveness, float plans, SAR facility listings, contingency exercises, and environmental considerations.

Applies to: Within this Instruction, the policies and related procedures apply to Coast Guard facilities within the U.S., territories, and possessions, and to Coast Guard SAR operations worldwide.

Topics covered

  • Search and rescue policy
  • Emergency phase classification
  • Search effectiveness measures
  • Float plan services
  • Search and Rescue Facility listings
  • Mass rescue operations exercises
  • Environmental impact considerations

Questions and answers

Who determines the emergency phases in Coast Guard SAR operations?

Coast Guard service-level SAR policy no longer prescribes an emergency phase classification based exclusively on the form of notification, alert, or request for assistance. (paragraph 7)

What is the better measure of search effectiveness, POD or POS?

Although it is necessary to be aware of the POD, POS is the better measure of search effectiveness. (paragraph 5-08)

How long must a copy of a float plan be retained?

A copy of all float plans should be retained for a minimum of one month beyond the provided final expected arrival date. (paragraph 8)

How often must SAR Facility listings be validated?

All RCCs/Command Center’s shall maintain a current Search and Rescue Facility (SARFAC) listing.

What are mass rescue operation plans required to do?

Plans are required to ensure that the Coast Guard maintains a strong response capability, always ready to fulfill our commitments as a multi-mission organization which includes our myriad military and non-military roles.

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