Which organization oversees the U.S. National Search and Rescue Plan?

The National Search and Rescue Plan is overseen by the National SAR Committee (NSARC), which plays a critical role in coordinating search and rescue operations across the United States. The NSARC is composed of representatives from various federal agencies, and its primary responsibility is to ensure effective collaboration and communication between the different organizations involved in search and rescue activities. By overseeing the overall strategy and framework of the national SAR plan, the NSARC ensures that all efforts are systematic, efficient, and aligned with established policies and protocols.

In contrast, organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) have their own specific roles and responsibilities within various areas of public safety and emergency management. While they may participate in search and rescue operations or contribute to specific facets of planning, they do not oversee the National Search and Rescue Plan itself. Their involvement is often more specialized, focusing on specific types of incidents or resources relevant to their domains rather than the overarching coordination that the NSARC provides.