The National Search and Rescue Plan or National SAR Plan is a policy document of the US government that establishes the responsibilities for search and rescue in the domestic United States, as well as areas where the US has international commitments.
In most situations, the actual operation is carried out by the Civil Air Patrol, state police or local rescue services.
[2] Coast Guard RCCs are set up to cover specific geographic areas and react to command and coordination centers.
The geographic areas of responsibility are divided among nine Coast Guard District commands and two Rescue Sub-Centers (RSC).
The U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command Search and Rescue Center in Key West, Florida helps to coordinate Cospas-Sarsat activity in Central and South America.