Expanding Square is a search pattern used when what condition exists?

• A. Unknown area
• B. Large area
• C. Some doubt exists about the distress position
• D. Known exact position

Answer: (C)

Expanding Square is used when there is some doubt about where the distress position is located. You start at the last known position and search a small square around it, then steadily enlarge the square in the same pattern. This approach provides a systematic, escalating search that concentrates effort where the target was last seen but still covers surrounding areas in a predictable way. It’s efficient when you have a reasonable idea of the general area but aren’t sure of the exact location, such as when drift, currents, or reporting errors may have moved or displaced the person. It wouldn’t be the preferred method if the exact position were known, or if there’s no idea where to start (a truly unknown area), in which case different patterns are used.