The aviation SAR in the Republic of Latvia is provided by the national Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre – ARCC, Border Guard and Ministry of Defence SAR units for SAR operations for civil aircraft.
A request for a permit for foreign aircraft, equipment and personnel to enter Latvian territory in search of an aircraft in distress or to rescue survivors of aircraft accidents, should be addressed to the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre which will also give instructions regarding the control to be exercised on these occasions.
Postal and telegraphic addresses of the Latvian Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre are as follows:
Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre - ARCC
Callsign: “ARCC Latvia”
Post:
Latvian State Border Guard Aviation and Special Operations Board/ARCC
Jaunsmilgas, Runtorta, Isnaudas pagasts, Ludzas novads, LV-5701
Latvija
Tel: +371 67209726
+371 29337238
+371 67209729
+371 67209730
Email: ARCC.Latvia@rs.gov.lv
AFS: NIL
The service is provided in accordance with the provisions contained in the following ICAO documents:
The Search and Rescue Service is responsible for aviation SAR operations within the Riga FIR, except for the response zones of the rescue services of civil aerodromes (airports), military aerodromes, military areas, and the area under the responsibility of the Maritime Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
Details of related rescue units are given in Table 3.6.3 Search and Rescue Units. In addition, various elements of the State Police Organisation, the merchant marine and the armed forces are available for SAR missions when required. The aeronautical, maritime and public telecommunication services are available to the SAR organisation.
Military SAR helicopters carry survival equipment, capable of being dropped, consisting of inflatable rubber dinghies equipped with medical supplies, emergency rations and survival radio equipment. Aircraft and marine craft are equipped to communicate on 121.500 MHz, 2182 kHz. Ground rescue teams are equipped to communicate on 121.500 MHz. SAR aircraft and marine craft are equipped with direction finding equipment and radar.
Table 3.6.3 Search and Rescue Units
NAME |
LOCATION |
FACILITIES |
AVAILABILITY |
REMARKS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ludza (EVLU – Latvian State Border Guard Heliport) |
563116N 0274139E |
HEL-L AW-109E |
20 MIN (search) MON-FRI 0600-1430 (0500-1330) 90 MIN (search) HOL and night time |
Search Radius 220 NM Endurance 2 HR 20 MIN Cruising speed 130 kt |
HEL-L AB-206B |
Only during daylight 20 MIN (search) MON-FRI 0600-1430 (0500-1330) 90 MIN (search) HOL |
Search Radius 220 NM Endurance 3 HR 15 MIN Cruising speed 100 kt | ||
HEL-L AW-119MKII |
30 MIN (search) MON-FRI 0600-1430 (0500-1330) 90 MIN (search) HOL and night time |
Search Radius 220 NM (+1 additional HR in operational area) Endurance 3 HR 30 MIN Cruising speed 130 kt |
The Republic of Latvia has intergovernmental agreements with the Russian Federation, Republic of Belarus, Kingdom of Sweden, Republic of Estonia, and Republic of Lithuania on Co-operation in Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue.
For conditions of availability, see Table 3.6.3.
Procedures and Signals used by aircraft
Procedures for pilots-in-command observing an accident or intercepting a distress call and/or message are outlined in ICAO Annex 12, Chapter 5.
Communications
Transmission and receipt of distress messages within the SAR area are handled in accordance with ICAO Annex 10, Volume II, Chapter 5, paragraph 5.3.
For communications during SAR operations, the codes and abbreviations published in ICAO codes and Abbreviations (Doc 8400) are used.
The frequency 121.500 MHz is continuously monitored at all area control centres and flight information centres. The aerodrome control towers serving international aerodromes and international alternate aerodromes will, on request, monitor the frequency 121.500 MHz. All coast stations monitor the international distress frequencies.
Rescue aircraft conducting SAR use the call sign "RESCUE" and additional identification marks (ALFA, BRAVO, CHARLIE etc.)
Search and Rescue Signals
The SAR signals to be used are those prescribed in Annex 12, Chapter 5, paragraph 5.8.
In addition, the following procedure is used by army force helicopters or aircraft when searching for survivors at night:
Ground/Air Visual Signal Codes for Use by Survivors
International Ground/Visual Emergency Code Instructions for use:
Note: It is preferable to use the International Ground/Air Emergency Code. The symbols may be made larger and hence more recognisable from the air. Paulins should be folded to form the signals shown. A paulin is also an extremely valuable survival shelter, poncho, ground sheet, sleeping-bag cover, sunshade, or rain collector.