SABOT
Standardized Auxiliary Boat
Operations Training
Ninth District - Eastern Region
COMO. Lew Wargo, Sr.
DSO-OP/CQEC
15 April 2014
SEARCH PATTERNS
SABOT
SEARCH PATTERNS
TERMINAL
PERFORMANCE
OBJECTIVE:
Students given a SAROPS generated search action
plan (SAP), without prompting or use of references,
pilot a single unit search pattern (select one
commonly used in their AOR). Any may be used but,
suggest using the Sector (VS), Expanding Square
(SS) or Barrier (BS) patterns which are the most
likely to be run by a small Aux. facility.
SEARCH PATTERNS
REFERENCES
• Boat Crew Seamanship Manual,
COMDTINST M16114.5(series)
• (AUXSC&E) course
• Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide,
COMDTINST M16794.52(series)
• SABOT Job Aid (Section G)
• D9 SAR Plan, Addendum to NSS
TERMINAL PERFORMANCE
OBJECTIVE:
Plot & execute those used in the AOR:
• Sector Search (VS)
• Expanding Square (SS)
• Parallel Track (PS)
• Creeping Line (CS)
• Track Line Return (TSR) and Non-return TSN)
• Barrier (BS) (used in a strong current area)
SEARCH PATTERNS
THE FIRST LETTER INDICATES THE PATTERN
TYPE:
C
P
S
T
V
B
Creeping Line
Parallel Track
Expanding Square
Track-line
Sector
Barrier
SEARCH PATTERNS
THE SECOND LETTER INDICATES SINGLE OR
MULTIPLE UNIT:
S
Single Unit
M
Multi-Unit
SEARCH PATTERNS
THE THIRD LETTER (IF USED)
INDICATES SPECIALIZED PATTERN
INSTRUCTIONS:
R
N
Return
Non-Return
PATTERN
CALCULATOR
• A hand operated wheel type calculator for
determining headings and distances for
drifting search patterns (VS and SS). May be
ordered from the Federal Stock System as:
• Stock Number SN 7530-01-GF2-9010
CALCULATOR for “VS”
• Search Pattern
calculator
(Course Leg
Identifier) for a
Sector Search
Pattern.
CACULATOR for “SS”
• Search Pattern
Calculator (Course
Leg Identifier) for
Expanding Square
Pattern.
SECTOR PATTERN
Used when there is a high degree of
confidence & the target is difficult to detect,
(PIW). The (SRU) passes through datum
several times, increasing the chance of
discovery. The pattern resembles the
spokes of a wagon wheel with the center
being datum. Datum must be marked by the
first SRU on scene with a marker buoy.
SECTOR PATTERN
The first leg is
always run in
the direction of
drift. If drift
can not be
determined
first leg should
be “OOO”
degrees TRUE.
EXPANDING SQUARE
This is a drifting search pattern. Used when the
last known position of a search object has a
High degree of accuracy, the search area is
small, and a concentrated search is desired. One
Track space is added to every other leg. All turns
Are 90 degrees to the right.
EXPANDING SQUARE
The first leg is
always run in
the direction
of drift. If drift
can not be
determined
first leg
should be
“OOO”
degrees TRUE
PARALLEL TRACK
This precision search pattern is used when
there is an equal probability that the search
object could be anywhere in the search
area. It is a good pattern to use when the
approximate location of the search object is
known and a uniform coverage is desired.
PARALLEL TRACK
• The Search area is usually a rectangle shape
and the CSP is 1/2 Track Space TS in from a
corner. The first leg is run parallel to the long
(major) axis of the pattern. The short legs are
all one TS long. If this is run with multiple
SRUs then all short legs are 1 TS times the
number of SRUs.
PARALLEL TRACK
CREEPING LINE
 This is a precision search pattern used when
the probable location of the search object has
been determined to be more likely at one end
of the search area. The search runs are run
across the minor axis of the search area and
after each run the SRU moves 1 TS along the
major axis. The start (CSP) and all turns are 1/2
TS from the edge of the search area.
CREEPING LINE (CS)
TRACK LINE
• A precision search pattern. It is used when the
only information available on the search
object is the intended course of the search
object. This can be run along the track line
with no return (TSN) or with a return (TSR).
The TSR is run 1/2 TS to the right of the track
line in each direction.
TRACK LINE (TSR)
BARRIER SEARCH
• The Barrier pattern is used in areas with
strong current, such as in a river. The search
lies along the path of the current. The search
unit moves back and forth over the same track
allowing the object to drift to it. This may be
run with one SRU (BS) or multiple SRUs (BM).
ENABLING
OBJECTIVES:
A.
Plot each of the following:
• Single Unit Sector Search (VS)
• Single Unit Expanding Square (SS)
• Single Unit Parallel Track (PS)
• Single Unit Creeping Line (CS)
• Single Unit Track Line Return (TSR)
• Single Unit Track Line Non-return (TSN)
ENABLING
OBJECTIVES:
B. Label each pattern
C. Calculate the time to complete each search
pattern and the time for each leg.
ENABLING
OBJECTIVES:
For SS and VS PATTERNS:
D.
Prepare the search pattern for execution
E.
Brief the crew on the mission and assign
tasking.
F.
Demonstrate arriving within 100 yards
of the CSP.
ENABLING
OBJECTIVES:
G.
Demonstrate advising the SAR
Mission Controller (SMC) (the
Instructor for this exercise) of the OnScene weather and start time.
H.
Determine the initial on scene set and
drift and adjust first leg of search (if
applicable).
ENABLING OBJECTIVES:
I.
J
Demonstrate running the first leg
within 5 degrees of the actual direction
of set and drift.
Demonstrate the use of the Course Leg
Identifier/Search Pattern Computer (if
applicable).
ENABLING OBJECTIVES:
K. Demonstrate safely navigating the vessel
utilizing all electronics.
L. Demonstrate calculating actual on-scene set
and drift.
M. Demonstrate advising the SMC (Instructor) of
completion of the pattern and results.