NTTP 3-50.1 (SEP 2013), NAVY SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) MANUAL, provides guidance to units assigned SAR responsibilities. It is intended to promote and maintain standardization of SAR procedures, equipment, and techniques within the U.S. naval forces. It is essential that NTTP 3-50.1 be readily available to unit personnel who may engage in SAR operations. NTTP 3-50.1 is supplemental to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, which provides guidance for U.S. forces, military or civil, participating in combined SAR operations.

The primary purpose of the three volumes of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Manual) is to assist States in meeting their own search and rescue (SAR) needs, and the obligations they accepted under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). These volumes provide guidelines for a common aviation and maritime approach to organising and providing SAR services. States are encouraged to develop and improve their SAR services, co-operate with neighbouring States and to consider their SAR services to be part of a global system. Each volume of the IAMSAR Manual is written with specific SAR system duties in mind, and can be used as a stand-alone document, or, in conjunction with the other two Manuals, as a means to attain a full view of the SAR system. The Organization and Management volume (volume I) discusses the global SAR system concept, establishment and improvement of national and regional SAR systems and co-operation with neighbouring States to provide effective and economical SAR services; The Mission Co-ordination volume (volume II) assists personnel who plan and co-ordinate SAR operations and exercises; and The Mobile Facilities volume (volume III) is intended to be carried aboard rescue units, aircraft, and vessels to help with performance of a search, rescue, or on-scene co-ordinator function and with aspects of SAR that pertain to their own emergencies