Rescue 21 is an advanced maritime computing, command, control, and directional finding communications (C4) system. Created to assist in the location of mariners in distress, to save life and property at sea and on navigable rivers.

Overview

The Rescue 21 system reached Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in December 2005. The project is continuing to install sites in order to maximize Rescue 21 coverage as well as sustain equipment at Coast Guard sites, Rescue 21 will cover more than 95,000 miles (153,000 km) of coastline including those of the Continental United States, Hawaii and overseas territories. Additionally, the Coast Guard is deploying a Rescue 21 system that is tailored to the unique logistical and operational needs of sectors located in Alaska and Western Rivers. scheduled to receive modified coverage by 2017.

General Dynamics is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to modernize its outdated national distress communications system. This new system, called Rescue 21, is an advanced maritime communications system for coastal water ways, providing a command and control infrastructure for all U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) and homeland security missions.

Rescue 21 will meet both the safety requirements needed for the expanding Marine Transportation System (MTS), as well as International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards. Rescue 21 also provides modernized command and control capabilities and improved MDA, both critical to the performance of Coast Guard missions.

Rescue 21 is designed to be more robust, reliable, and capable than the legacy system. To address the limitations of the current communications system Rescue 21 has replaced the National Distress and Response System (NDRS), by using a modern radio system coupled with a TCP/IP network, and digital communication using VoIP. Enabling the Coast Guard to execute its search and rescue missions with greater agility and efficiency.

Application

The system's expanded system frequency capacity enables greater coordination and Identifies callers location by using towers that generate lines of bearing to the source of VHF radio transmissions, thereby significantly reducing search time. Rescue 21 extends coverage out to a minimum of 20 nautical miles from the coastline. It improves information sharing and coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal, state and local first responders, and can also identify suspected hoax calls, conserving valuable response resources.

Coverage Rescue 21 operates along the Atlantic, Gulf Coast, Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Guam, Hawaii and Puerto Rico and Great Lakes regions. That's 41,871 miles of coastline. Installation

The Rescue 21 project selects for installation sites that will meet the needs of the Coast Guard, and, working with environmental and wildlife experts and local communities, helps ensure that Rescue 21 sites preserve the ecosystem. The site selection process includes:

• Regional surveys.
• Establishment of remote antenna sites.
• Physical installation and testing of the communications equipment at Coast Guard facilities and communication centers throughout the region.
• Ongoing follow-on maintenance and support of the Rescue 21 system