Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat -Medium file photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rob Lester)
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department, Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services and Kauai Police Department are scheduled to conduct a search and rescue exercise off Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii, Thursday.
The exercise will take place on the water and in the air off Poipu with Coast Guard and local agencies working together to test and evaluate interagency communications, response plans and responders’ action during a simulated exercise of a missing mariner. The exercise will be conducted from 8 a.m., to 1 p.m. Access will be limited to the boat ramp near Kukui’ula during this time.
During this search and rescue exercise, multiple agencies’ assets will be launched, including the use of an Oscar dummy in the water. Oscar is weighted and used to simulate a person in the water. The general public is asked not to disturb Oscar if found.
Assets are expected to include: a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Kauai, a MH-65 Dolpin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, a Rescue Company and Air 1 helicopter aircrew from the Kauai Fire Department, a response craft and operators from Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services and an ambulance on standby from local emergency medical services personnel.
The SAREX is being conducted to evaluate notification and response procedures between first responders and to identify shortfalls in communication and coordination of response during SAR incidents. Each agency holds special capabilities that compliment each other’s efforts and bolsters the overall success of the SAR system.
Although people are requested to stay clear of the exercise area, designated by the presence of Oscar, boats and other assets, the general public should remain vigilant and call 911 to report any legitimate distress situations.
Coast Guard duty personnel will not be affected by the exercise and will be available to respond to any on-going and emergency search and rescue cases.
