ESR:Search And Rescue (SAR) Full Guide

EvE-Scout Rescue
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EvE-Scout Rescue (ESR) is a division of Signal Cartel, which encompasses the EvE-Scout Rescue Cache (ESRC) and the Search And Rescue (SAR) programs. As well as being an ancillary service to the EVE community, this program provides Signal Cartel members an opportunity to expand their exploration experiences, wormhole lifestyle, and gameplay content.

This document addresses the specifics of the Search And Rescue Program and how it operates. It is mainly intended as an introduction for pilots who are interested in becoming a 911 operator and just "I want to feel informed" material for everyone else.

Terms

The following terms are used within this document.

911 Operator	A member of Signal Cartel who has completed the 911 Training Course, obtained the C1 Title and has sown or tended 50 rescue caches.
Allison	the Signal Cartel Co-pilot.
Coordinator	One of individuals who help manage the program. All Coordinators are 911 Operators.
Dispatcher	A 911 Operator assigned to respond to a 911 call from a stranded pilot. Operators are assigned by a lottery system.
Locator	Any member of Signal Cartel who finds a wormhole system with an active Rescue request.
Rescue Pilot	911 Operators who go into and stay in a discovered wormhole system with an active Rescue request, and effects the rescue.

Note: The purpose and the scope of this wiki page is to inform you about the Search and Rescue Program and the roles of the pilots participating in the program. As stated in the Credo you, as a member of Signal Cartel, assist other pilots in New Eden by freely sharing your knowledge, ideas and experiences. If in your wormhole travels you encounter a stranded pilot and you wish to assist them to return to known space, ping a 911 Operator in Discord advising them of the situation or direct the stranded pilot to contact EvE-Scout Rescue 911. The link to Rescue 911 is in game in the EvE-Scout chat channel.

What the program does

The SAR program is specifically organized to help affect the rescue of Capsuleers stranded in wormhole systems where there is no EvE-Scout Rescue Cache present, or in situations where a stranded Capsuleer is unable to utilize the equipment in an existing rescue cache. The program takes information specific to the situation and records it into a database maintained by EvE-Scout, and disseminates it to pilots of Signal Cartel through verbal and visual prompts that come from Allison, the exclusive Signal Cartel Co-Pilot AI. She will notify any Signal Cartel pilot when they enter a system with an active rescue request, so that they can take on the role of Locator which is described below.

What the program does NOT do

The SAR Program is not a wormhole location service for anyone who is simply looking for a specific wormhole. We do not perform searches for wormholes for seekers, as we do not know their reasons for wanting to find the wormhole, which could conflict with our Credo and neutral stance.

Role of the operator

Our 911 Rescue Operators respond to notifications sent from stranded pilots in real-time via our 911 Rescue service. Once they make contact with the stranded pilot, they play the role of Dispatcher as discussed below.

Role of the dispatcher

The Dispatcher role is one of the most important roles that a 911 Rescue Operator can play, since they are the first contact the stranded pilot will have with EvE-Scout Rescue. Additionally, the Dispatcher role can evolve into other roles as well.

To assist with that initial contact and help determine the appropriate actions to take, we have created an Agent Initial Contact Flowchart that Dispatchers can use. This chart shows the Dispatcher what to say and do to help effect a rescue or create a SAR request in the database. The flowchart is available as a PDF, to allow Dispatchers to copy and paste questions and responses in their conversation with the stranded pilot. There is also an interactive tool, S.A.R.A (Search And Rescue Assistant) available to help support the interaction between the Dispatcher and the pilot in need.

By following the flowchart, the Dispatcher will assist the pilot in up to three major steps:

1. Gather Information,
2. Take direct action or request assistance from other Signal Cartel pilots if necessary/possible (use @911 Operator or @ESR-Coordinator on Discord to request assistance),
3. Enter the information into the SAR Database.

IMPORTANT: A record of the interaction with every stranded pilot, regardless of outcome, is entered into the system, either on the ESRC Agent form (only if the cache was accessed) or as an SAR request. Even if the SAR request needs to be closed immediately as a "self-destruct" or other non-successful outcome, we want to have a record of all interactions between stranded pilots and our team. if you have any questions about this, please contact an ESR Coordinator .

Step #1: Gather Information

The more information the Dispatcher can get from the stranded capsuleer, the better. This information will be entered into the SAR Database.

The minimum information needed is the following:

• Pilot Name - It is very important that the spelling of the pilot name is exact. There is a very wide variety of names with specific punctuation that needs to be recorded exactly, otherwise contact with the Capsuleer becomes much more difficult. If they give you an alternate contact, get that name as well. Note: The 911 service will have the pilot's name captured in Discord. Copy it from there to avoid spelling mistakes.
• Wormhole System Name - We need to know where they are, after all (This is provided automatically by the 911 ping).

Other information that will also be necessary:

• Are they in a ship or in their capsule/pod? (just hull size, refrain from soliciting too much intel)
• Do they have a Probe Launcher?
• Do they carry a Mobile Depot or have access to a station?
• Battleships: Have they checked their Frigate Escape Bay for a frigate with a fitted Probe Launcher?
• If another pilot is present: Is a ship equipped with a Ship Maintenance Bay?

Once we know what system the pilot is in, we can immediately search for the system in our SAR database. This will tell us if there is a healthy Rescue Cache in that system.

Usable Rescue Cache: If there is a Rescue Cache, and the pilot can use it, we will direct the pilot on how to locate the Cache. This is now done through the use of Shared Bookmarks. Access to sharing the bookmarks, though they can all be seen by anyone in Corp, is restricted to 911 Operators. If a bookmark is not available, we direct the pilot to https://evescoutrescue.com/bounce/ which will provide them basic instructions on how to locate the Rescue Cache. We tell the pilot what planet the Rescue Cache is near, at what distance, and what planet the Rescue Cache is in line with. Once they locate the Rescue Cache, we send them the password. Depending on the circumstances, we may stay in conversation with the pilot until they scan their way out of the system. Once the pilot has been assisted, then the information is entered into the Allison database by clicking on the yellow Agent button at the top of the wormhole system page, entering the pilot information and any other important notes, and saving.

Important: Checking the “Cache was accessed” button resets the cache’s 30 day expiration timer. Checking the “probes and/or scanner” button will display an Upkeep Required notice in Allison.

No Rescue Cache: If there is no Rescue Cache, the Cache is missing, or the pilot is unable to use the supplies that are in the Rescue Cache, then we move on to trying to determine if there is still an active connection to the stranded pilot’s system. We try to determine from the pilot or other resources we have available to us if there is a connection.

• Do they know any systems connected to the system they are in? If so, do they know the Cosmic Signature(s)? (If they do not know what system they came from, we have them go to their Local Chat. There, they can read through their messages and see the last system they had been in.)
• Ask one of the ESR Coordinator to check for a potential chain using Allison data.
• Check Tripwire to see if there is any information recently recorded there from one of our pilots. Check the Signal Cartel Corp mask, as well as the EvE-Scout Alliance mask normally used only by Thera mapping pilots.

If there is a potential connection, we continue to Step #2. But if we determine that there is no connection remaining, we skip to Step #3.

Step #2: Take direct action or request assistance from other 911 Operators if necessary/possible

If the pilot came from a Known Space system where a connection might be found, has wormhole route information that we can use to locate them, there is a chain in Allison or we have Tripwire information showing a possible connection, then it is time for the Dispatcher to fly there as fast as possible. In some circumstances, the Dispatcher will request assistance on DISCORD from other 911 Operators.

If the connection is found, the stranded pilot will be informed. At that point, the Dispatcher becomes a Locator and a Rescue Pilot.

If the connection however is lost, then it is time for Step #3.

Step #3: Enter information into the SAR database

If there is no ability to fly into the lost pilot’s wormhole system, (e.g. the wormhole has closed, no connection is known, etc.) then a couple more questions should be asked:

• Is the value of their implants/ship/cargo enough that they are willing to wait? (do not ask what they are flying, just if they can wait)
• If they are they willing to wait, how long?

If the pilot is not willing to wait, or does not believe it is worth waiting, then having them ask for help in Local, or self destruction are the only options that remain. But if they are willing to wait, then the rescue request is now officially a Search And Rescue operation. So all of the information that the dispatcher gathered in the previous steps will be entered into the database. Once all information is entered, we reassure the stranded pilot that we are looking for them, and will reach out as soon as they system is located. However due to the random nature of wormhole connections, we make no promises as to how long they may be waiting. It may be hours, it may be weeks, or anywhere in between. Nobody knows.

When any Signal Cartel pilot using Allison enters a wormhole system flagged as a SAR system, Allison will notify them. Allison will also immediately send an alert message to all of the ESR Coordinators, so that they may help coordinate the upcoming rescue operation.

Role of the Locator

If you find a system with an active SAR request, you are the Locator. Congratulations!

Stay in that system, stay safe: Make a safe spot & cloak if you can! Locating a wormhole system is the most important part of any rescue. Do not lose the system. Be that getting killed and waking up in your medical clone or leaving the system and not being able to get back in.

You will be under no obligation to remain in the system, but you will be asked by a Coordinator to wait there long enough for a rescue team to arrive to secure the system. Usually, this operation doesn't require more than 5-10 minutes but it might be delayed slightly if no ESR Coordinator is currently available or the chain has collapsed or particularly difficult to traverse.

Note: Scouts not in the ESR Team should not contact the SAR pilot directly - instead, work with the ESR Coordinators in order to get a rescue team in the system. The most important thing for you is to stay safe in the system. Under no circumstances should you leave the system until you get a confirmation from a coordinator to do so.

Note: The use of Tripwire and the Signal Cartel mask is highly recommended when traveling through wormhole space, because fresh, timely information can make the difference between a pilot saved and a pilot lost. For more information on using Tripwire, see Short guide to Tripwire.

When a Signal Cartel pilot is traveling through Anoikis and comes across a system that has an active rescue request, their Co-Pilot Allison will notify them. Allison will also ping all the Coordinators to alert them a system has been found. A coordinator will usually contact you quickly. Coordinators will guide you through, just wait for the in game contact and follow the instructions provided. If you are not contacted in 15 minutes, you can @911 in Discord esr-lounge without disclosing your location for further guidance.

The first priority is to not lose the system. The next priority is to assist rescue pilots to enter that system. You are flying with Allison and she has recorded the path you took to get into your current system. The rescue pilots will be following that path from the most recent known space system you visited.

How can you assist the rescue pilots?

Were you making bookmarks as you were moving between systems? Sharing your bookmarks with the rescue pilots is very helpful.

Were you using mapping software such as Tripwire? Sharing the signatures you jumped through saves the rescue pilots time reaching your system. If not using mapping software, do you recall the signatures you used?

Were any of the connections on the path end of life?

Were there any camps or very active systems that the rescue pilots will be flying through?

If the path from the last known space system you visited to your current system is long or no longer available, the rescue coordinator may ask you to scan connections in the current system. In particular, if your current system has a known space static connection. Wait for the rescue coordinator to request you scan. Just launching your probes alerts anyone in system that you are there.

If asked to scan connections, remember the first priority is to not lose the system. Do not jump any connections that are end of life or critically destabilized. Talk with the rescue coordinator first.

How can you assist after the rescue pilots arrive?

You are under no obligation to remain in the system. You have completed your responsibility as a Locator.

One item that will help the rescue pilots would be to map connections to the SAR system. If you do this, the Coordinator will give you access to a Tripwire mask to use. For rescues, we do not map using the corporation Tripwire mask for OPSEC reasons.

Locating a SAR system and actually rescuing a pilot do not happen at the same time. There are many factors involved and the actual rescue may happen days or even weeks after a system is located.

How do the rescue pilots operate?

Once all exits have been scanned down and safe spots have been established in the system, there are essentially two options for effecting the rescue:

• Option 1: The Rescue Pilot could fleet up together and have the stranded Capsuleer fly to them at the exit or other safe spot before going on to the exit. This may involve multiple rescue pilots leading the stranded pilot through multiple wormhole systems.
• Option 2: The Rescue Pilot shares a bookmark for the wormhole exit.

Option 1: is the preferred method, but can sometimes see some resistance from some particularly paranoid pilots. However, due to our integrity and reputation, this can usually be solved, and using Fleet to extract from a system is the easiest and quickest way.

Option 2: Sharing a bookmark allows for extraction even on a delayed timing, when maybe being online with the pilot at the same time is not easy due to timezone difficulties. However, it's very rare this is needed, and by rule, fleeting up with the pilot should be the preferred method.

The Rescue Pilot must uphold the Credo at all times.

The job of the Rescue Pilot is to be a light that guides another to safety, not to be their bodyguard. The Rescue Pilot must not get involved if any aggression takes place. If the Rescue Pilot is attacked by a third party or even by the Capsuleer that they were rescuing, they are allowed to defend themselves. But they must not be the aggressor, nor can they stay associated with the Capsuleer if they attack anyone while in their care. That is grounds for abandonment on the part of the Rescue Pilot. This point must be made clear to the stranded Capsuleer.

Communication with Stranded Pilots

Any and all contact with the stranded pilot regarding the SAR should be made only with a Signal Cartel character. Far too many Credo questions are raised by the use of out-of-corp alts in these situations.

If you would like to get an alt into Signal Cartel for the express purposes of SAR, please contact a recruiter directly to arrange that.

For more information see the Policy:Alts and the Credo and ESR:Search & Rescue, the Credo, and You

When the rescue is over

Once rescue of the stranded Capsuleer is completed, a Coordinator is notified and they will take care of the paperwork.

What if the stranded Capsuleer wants to give a 'tip'?
It is not unusual for the Capsuleer to want to give a tip to the Rescue Pilot in thanks for their service. Tips may be accepted, and do not have to be reported nor donated back to the Corporation. While tips are welcome, they are not expected, nor are they required, and should therefore never be solicited. Signal Cartel members who participate in SAR operations should do so for the opportunity to help another Capsuleer, not for monetary gain itself.

If asked about tipping, the standard line is: “Tips are not required, but are always greatly appreciated.” If the Rescue Pilot does not want to receive a tip, they may direct the Capsuleer to make a donation to Signal Cartel instead.

Medals

Since Rescue Pilots put their own safety on the line every time they work to rescue someone from Anoikis, there are some medals that are set aside for them, as a small sign of respect for the job they performed. Check out the SAR Hall of Heroes!

SAR Bronze Lifesaver Medal	Awarded to a Signaleer who goes above and beyond the call of duty to save the life of a Capsuleer stranded in Anoikis.
SAR Silver Lifesaver Medal	Awarded to a Signaleer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to save the lives of 10 or more Capsuleers stranded in Anoikis.
SAR Gold Lifesaver Medal	Awarded to a Signaleer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to save the lives of 50 or more Capsuleers stranded in Anoikis.

Concerns? Complaints? Suggestions?

If there are any problems or complaints from stranded capsuleers regarding the SAR Program, direct them to Xalyar or the ESR Admin team by pinging @ESR-Admin on Discord.

In general, please use these pings on Discord in the #esr-lounge channel:

@ESR-Coordinator
This Discord ping will reach your ESR Coordinators for any ESRC or SAR related issue.  Use this first!

@911-Operator
Please reserve the use of this Discord ping unless no one responds to @ESR-Coordinator.  You will be able to reach more people with this ping, but please use @ESR-Coordinator as your first choice.

Reference

Original forum post: Search And Rescue (SAR) - Full Guide

Material related to the EvE-Scout Rescue Division.