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Accurate, near-real time surface current information is crucial for any successful maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. This reflects the fact that the precise location and also the size of the search area are directly related to local surface currents. Presently, the Halifax Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) must rely heavily on historical surface current databases and numerical modelling of surface currents in its search planning procedures. Past results demonstrate this is often inaccurate, sometimes by wide-margins, resulting in expanded search areas and at times misallocated SAR resources. This can lead to longer recovery times and as a result, increased probability of the rescue ending unsuccessfully. A new sea-surface current technology, known as SeaSondes, is emerging which produces synoptic surface current maps in near-real time. It has the potential to dramatically decrease the search area, and therefore the time and cost, required to effect a successful maritime SAR.
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