Someone I know is missing! What should I do?

Call 911! There is no waiting period to report a missing person. Search teams do not have the authority to self-dispatch and must follow callout procedures in accordance with state and federal regulations. Law enforcement agencies will conduct the initial investigation and determine if search teams are necessary. The Maine Warden Service has the statutory authority to implement and coordinate SAR in Maine's woodlands and waterways.

What does North Search and Rescue do?

We search for and / or rescue persons lost, injured, missing, or stranded in Maine's woods and waters, assist other public safety agencies during emergencies, conduct training, participate in education, and provide other services as our board deems appropriate.

I'm interested. Where do I get started?

Check our Resources page for general information about our training standards, or use our Contact page if you have questions.

Do I need prior training?

We do not require any prior training to join, but do screen applicants on an individual basis. CERT team membership requires a background check. If you have any medical training or experience in wilderness or back-country fieldcraft, you may find the SAR community to be a natural fit.

How can I start a career in SAR?

Almost all SAR in Maine, and the United States in general, is volunteer-based, or performed as a secondary duty to law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical service or park service jobs. Our members come from a wide variety of professions, not all of which are directly related to wilderness response.

For those interested in uniformed service, the US Coast Guard operates the Maritime Search and Rescue mission, and the US Air Force administrates the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, which is responsible for federal inland SAR.