What command role typically operates from Castle Hill in USCG SAR deployments?

The On Scene Coordinator (OSC) is responsible for managing and directing the operations during Search and Rescue (SAR) missions from a location referred to as Castle Hill. This role involves coordinating various assets and personnel to ensure an effective response to distress situations at sea. The OSC is typically the individual who maintains communications and oversight of all operations and resources on scene, including coordination with other agencies and units. This position is crucial in making tactical decisions based on the immediate circumstances and ensuring that the response adheres to safety protocols and operational guidelines.

In contrast, while the SAR District Commander and Sector Commander have overarching responsibilities for broader operational and administrative aspects of SAR missions, they are not usually directly involved in on-scene command decisions. Similarly, the Rescue Coordination Leader may engage in strategic planning and coordination but does not execute operations directly from Castle Hill. The specific designation of the OSC emphasizes their role in managing real-time incidents and the ground-level execution of the SAR mission.