1. SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) will usually designate OSC

2. When this is not practicable, facilities may designate by mutual agreement

3. Should be done as early as possible

4. Until designated, first unit arriving at the scene should assume OSC duties

5. Multiple factors are considered by SMC when choosing OSC

6. The worse the communications are, the more authority will be given to the OSC to initiate actions

The SMC considers the following factors when making the choice as to which unit will be OSC:

• Endurance on task
• Communication and personnel capabilities of the participating units