comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 5 – Mission Types
B.8.b.
Communications
Watch Personnel
The communications watch is often the first person to become aware of
an emergency or potential emergency. They will:
(01) Collect and disseminate the incident information.
(02) Perform duties as directed by the SMC (or OSC if the unit is
designated a shore-based OSC), including:
a)
Facilitate the flow of information between the distressed party
and the SMC, as well as communication between the OSC
and SMC.
b) Assist in the collection of SAR case information. [e.g.
Preliminary Communications (PRECOM), Extended
Communications (EXCOM)].
c) Coordinate local SAR or emergency response.
B.8.b.1.
Collocated Units
and Sectors
B.9.
Communications
Searches
Where Sector and units are collocated, the Sector communications watch
personn el normally serve the communications watch function for the
unit.
SMCs conduct communications searches when facts are needed to
supplement initially reported SAR information. The two types of
communications searches are the PRECOM search and EXCOM search.
They are usually conducted sequentially. In many instances, SMCs may
request subordinate units to actually perform the local
PRECOM/EXCOM functions due to the subordinate unit’s increased
familiarity with their own AOR. Units shall maintain accurate up-to-date
lists of contacts (e.g. major facilities and agencies) for PRECOM and
EXCOM searches for their AOR. These lists shall be made available to
the SMC.
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