The UMIB issued in response to an Uncorrelated Distress broadcast requests persons to contact the Coast Guard. What should the OU do to all that respond?

• A. Plot their position and a non-reception ring if they heard the call.
• B. Plot their position and a reception ring if they heard the call, Ask them what they heard in the broadcast, and Plot their position and a non-reception ring if they didn't hear the call.
• C. Ignore responders who heard the broadcast.
• D. Only plot responders who have a direct contact.

Answer: (C)

When a UMIB is issued in response to a Distress broadcast that asks mariners to contact the Coast Guard, the on-scene unit handles responses by filtering them to reduce noise and focus on relevant information. Those responders who indicate they heard the broadcast aren’t new witnesses or potential contacts for locating a vessel; their involvement is already encompassed by the broadcast itself. Treating their replies as part of the SAR picture can clutter the situation and mislead planning efforts. Therefore, the prudent course is to ignore responders who heard the broadcast, so you keep the situation clear and direct your attention to information that actually supports locating and assisting the distressed vessel.