Decision Support for Planning Maritime Search and Rescue Operations in Canada

Abstract

In this project we constructed and evaluated research artifacts to support Search and Rescue (SAR) mission coordinators in planning searches for missing persons or objects at sea. An iterative heuristic based optimization model was formulated and implemented in a prototype that is integrated in a Decision Support System. Using representative examples, we show that the new planning method can help coordinators with the complex task of allocating search resources to search areas in a way that maximizes the chances of finding survivors quickly. Although developed for the Canadian Coast Guard, our method can be used in other countries. We followed Design Science Research guidelines and our design process was according to the Design Science Research Methodology. The research entry point was client and context initiated and beta testing with users is planned in the spring of 2019. It is expected that our innovative artifacts will contribute to improving the SAR system and saving more lives.