Visual Sweep Width Determination for Three Visual Distress Signalling Devices
Abstract
During April/May 1986, the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center conducted a 4- week experiment to study the detectability of three visual distress signalling devices (VDSDs). These devices were hand-held orange smoke flares (HHOS) , hand- held red flares (HHRF). and white life-ring strobes. All three VDSDs are available to the boating public. Realistic searches for these devices were conducted at sea by Coast Guard utility boats (UTBs), patrol boats (WPBs), and HH-52A helicopters. Searcher and target positions were recorded by a precision microwave tracking system, and target detections and environmental conditions were recorded by observers onboard encountered during data collection, with good visibility and light wind/seas prevailing. Analysis of the data indicated that sweep widths for the signal devices varied with search craft type and time on task. Few environment effects were identified due to the limited range of values represented in the data. Sweep widths for the three devices are compared to values currently promulgated in the National SAR, Manual, with some significant difference indentified. A study of lookouts' ability to estimate VDSD distance is also presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176224
Entities
People
- G. L. Hover
- R. Q. Robe
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center