Is There a Role for Modern Day Seaplanes in Open Ocean Search and Rescue?

This thesis reviews the use of the amphibious airplane in open ocean search and rescue, and examines the applicability of a seaplane to future ocean rescue operations. The author examines the history of amphibious aircraft and why they are no longer in use by the U.S. military, including the Coast Guard. Then a comprehensive review of open ocean search and rescue missions conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard between 1993 and 1995 is used to analyze and predict whether the use of seaplanes by U.S. search and rescue agencies would save additional lives over the current methods in the open ocean environment.