HOW MUCH DOES SEARCH AND RESCUE COST, AND WHO PAYS?


By bblouin
A loadmaster assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing prepares to load a C-130J Combat King II heading out to search for a submersible lost while diving on the wreck of the Titanic.

Typically, you don’t think about how much search and rescue costs until you’re dealing with an emergency situation. That changed a bit in 2023, following the tragic loss of the Titan submersible which suffered a catastrophic failure while on a trip to view the RMS Titanic on the ocean floor. While most rescues are not nearly as headline-grabbing or extreme, there are still several instances where people, American or otherwise, are in need of rescue. When you're thinking, how much does search and rescue cost, you need to think about the several actions that the U.S. military is responsible for beyond combat, Search and rescue missions are one of their essential functions. Let’s break down the costs of getting home when in distress. Related read: How the SS Marine Electric Disaster Inspired a Rescue Swimmer Program

Does Search and Rescue Cost Money?

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) does not charge for search and rescue missions. This means that if you are lost at sea or in distress and notify the Coast Guard, you’ll forgo the search and rescue cost. This system is in place because while money isn’t exactly endless, the USCG doesn’t want to have people second-guessing a distress call because of financial constraints. This is a life-or-death scenario and those serving are there to help you get to safety. However, when you are lost on land, things can get a bit trickier. The circumstances can also vary from state to state. That’s to say, theoretically, California search and rescue costs and Arizona search and rescue costs may differ. But here’s what you need to know:

  • First and foremost, you’ll likely not have to pay for a search and rescue mission on land under normal circumstances.
  • This is particularly important to remember when considering search and rescue by the National Park Service. It’s still free when on land.
  • The caveat is that some states have begun charging for land rescues under certain circumstances.

Basically, if you are honestly lost and need assistance, you can call out for help and not have to pay for being rescued. There are various agencies and entities available to help you make it home in addition to the honorable services provided by selfless volunteers throughout the U.S. However, if you put yourself in an unreasonable situation that is unsafe, particularly if the rescue is costly or dangerous for those that are undertaking it, you may find yourself facing a bill. Again, this will vary from state to state, but it’s important not to abuse the system. Suggested read: Wilderness Therapy: What Is It? How Is It Helping Heal Veterans?

SARSAT

One of the most powerful tools available comes from NOAA. Known as the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System, the satellite system equipped with a 406 distress beacon can send out SOS signals no matter the conditions, wherever they need to be sent on the planet, regardless of time. This is a critical component of the Cospas-Sarsat rescue system that helps with humanitarian aid around the world. There are two SAR organizations that are independent and 45 countries that work together through a variety of centers to help operate search and rescue missions throughout the globe. The U.S. Mission Control Center (USMCC) in Suitland, Maryland is the location in which SOSs are processed after being sent to the closest ground control. It is then that the appropriate agencies are notified for the search and rescue mission and deployed to assist those in need.

How Many Wilderness Search and Rescue Missions in US Each Year?

While not exclusive to the wilderness alone, it’s believed that the United States engages in more than 100,000 search and rescue missions each year. In other words, while not the most common issue one might face, it’s more common than you might think. So, how much does search and rescue cost the U.S.? There are older statistics that show the USCG alone drops a figure closer to $700 million per year for search and rescue missions. A grand figure, but worth the price. Search and rescues cost a lot of money, but the lives they save make it an easy expense to endure. Read next: Here’s How Recruit Military Is Supporting Veterans Joining The Workforce


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