Expanding square search (SS)

Most effective when location of object is known to be within close limit.

CSP (Commence search point) is always datum.
First leg usually oriented into the wind.
Suitable for use by a single vessel or boat.
Used when searching for persons in water.
Search object with no leeway.

Parallel sweep search (PS)

Used to search a large area when survivor's location is uncertain.
May be used with single or multiple vessels.
Commence search point (CSP) is one of the corners of the search area.
CSP may be a corner of a sub area if a large area is to search.
It is ½ track space inside the rectangle from each of the two sides forming the
rectangle.
Orientation is generally in the estimated direction of drift of the search object.
Parallel sweep search by one ship:

Parallel sweep search by two ships:

Sector search (VS)

Most effective when location of search object is accurately known.
Search area to be small.
Used to search a circular area.
Center is datum position.
Datum may be marked by dropping a suitable marker, such as a life buoy.
Search radius is normally 2 - 5 n. miles for vessels.
Each turn is 120°, normally to starboard.
Second search leg is 30º off from the first leg.
CSP (Commence search point) is one side of the circular search area.

Track Line Search (TS)

Normally used when an aircraft or vessel has disappeared without a trace
along a known route.
Often used as initial search effort due to ease of planning and
implementation.
Consists of a rapid and reasonably thorough search along intended route of
the distressed craft.
Search may be along one side of the track line and return in the opposite
direction on the other side (TSR).
Search may be along the intended track and once on each side, then search
facility continues on its way and does not return (TSN).
Aircraft are frequently used for TS due to their high speed.
Aircraft search height usually 300 m to 600 m (1000 ft to 3000 ft) during
daylight or 600 m to 900 m (2000 ft to 3000 ft) at night.