Search & Rescue Patterns

SEAiq Pilot can display a Search and Rescue (SAR) pattern from the ownship's current position and course over ground. The pattern is a live planning overlay: as the ownship position or course changes, the displayed pattern moves and rotates with it.

The feature requires a valid ownship position and course over ground. If either is unavailable, no pattern can be displayed or created as a route.

Use this feature to visualize a planned search track and to discuss the search with the bridge team or SAR coordinator. It is a planning aid only; the responsible authority's instructions, local procedures, conditions, and safe navigation requirements always take priority.

Using a SAR Pattern

1. Open Settings / Other / Search & Rescue Pattern.
2. Turn on Enable.
3. Choose an Expanding Square or Parallel Track pattern.
4. Configure the pattern settings described below.
5. Return to the Navigate tab to view the pattern.

Pattern Types

Expanding Square

An Expanding Square starts at the ownship position and follows successively longer legs, forming a square that expands outward. It is useful when the search begins at, or close to, a known position.

Parallel Track

A Parallel Track begins on the ownship course, then follows parallel search legs separated by the selected band width. It is useful for covering a rectangular search area. The first cross-track turn uses the selected turn direction; subsequent legs alternate direction.

Create Route from Pattern

Press Create to create a route from the current SAR pattern. The route captures the pattern at its current position and course so it can be reviewed or adjusted as an ordinary route.

Settings

• Enable (Only SEAiq Pilot) : Turn this on to display a Search & Rescue pattern.
• Pattern (Only SEAiq Pilot) : Select the search pattern. Expanding Square starts at the ownship position and follows progressively longer legs. Parallel Track follows parallel search legs to cover a rectangular area.
• Turn Direction (Only SEAiq Pilot) : Direction the vessel turns in the pattern. For Parallel Track, this selects the initial cross-track turn; subsequent turns alternate direction.
• Width of Bands (Only SEAiq Pilot) : Distance between adjacent search passes. Choose a width so the search object should be visible from at least half that distance, taking visibility, sea state, and the search object into account.
• Number of Bands (Only SEAiq Pilot) : Number of search bands in the pattern. More bands extend the search area and increase the length of the pattern.
• Length of Bands (Only SEAiq Pilot) : Length of each search leg. This setting is used only for the Parallel Track pattern.
• Create Route from Pattern : Create a route from the current SAR pattern. The new route captures the pattern at its current position and course, and can then be reviewed, adjusted, exported as with any route.