Maritime traffic has increased by over 300% in the last three decades, but the number of professional SAR vessels has not grown proportionally. Today, the On-Scene Coordinator is likely to be the master of a merchant vessel or a yacht captain—not a coast guard officer.
Furthermore, the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/drones) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) SAR transmitters has added new layers of complexity. Modern "Volume 4" guides include protocols for deconflicting drone flight paths with helicopter rescue lanes.
For the purpose of this article, represents the practical, tactical-level application of IAMSAR doctrine for the person in charge of the rescue scene.
In operational parlance, refers to the Incident Commander’s Guidebook or the On-Scene Commander’s Pocket Guide . While not a standalone "Volume 4" published by the IMO/ICAO, this term has become industry shorthand for the supplementary guide that distills the complex principles of Volume II into actionable, real-time checklists for on-water and in-air commanders. Specifically, it refers to the National Search and Rescue Manual (NSM) supplement or the IAMSAR Incident Command System (ICS) integration handbook used by coast guards and air rescue services worldwide. iamsar volume 4
These professionals do not have time to read 500-page IAMSAR manuals during a storm. bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and emergency execution.
. This is the most famous volume, carried on ships and aircraft. It tells the story of the "On-Scene Coordinator" (OSC)—the captain or pilot who arrives first and must take charge, launch lifeboats, and communicate with the distressed craft. Why you might see "Volume 4" references:
: You might be looking for a story based on the standard International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which officially consists of only three volumes: Volume I : Organization and Management Volume II : Mission Co-ordination Maritime traffic has increased by over 300% in
Unlike the general manual, Volume 4 lists tactical rescue techniques:
That is the promise of IAMSAR Volume 4. Whether you are the captain of a supertanker or the coxswain of a 20-foot rigid inflatable boat, ensure that this critical guide is on your bridge, in your pocket, or loaded onto your tablet. Because in search and rescue, hope is not a plan—but IAMSAR Volume 4 is.
If you are a licensed mariner, a Coast Guard officer, a commercial ship captain, or an air force rescue pilot, you need this guide. Specifically, it is designed for: Modern "Volume 4" guides include protocols for deconflicting
When the fog rolls in, the seas build to 15 feet, and a mayday call goes out for a sinking fishing vessel, the commander does not have time to search an index. They need a waterproof, high-contrast, spiral-bound guide that tells them exactly what to do next.
To address these challenges, the ICAO and IMO, in collaboration with other stakeholders, continue to update and improve the IAMSAR Manual, including Volume 4. Future developments are likely to focus on: