At which phase do you dispatch an asset for an overdue vessel?

The alert phase is characterized by the point at which a vessel's situation becomes concerning enough that action is warranted. In this phase, there is sufficient indication that a vessel may be in trouble, but it has not reached the level of confirmed distress. If a vessel is overdue and does not make contact by expected times or fails to adhere to its scheduled check-ins, it raises concern regarding its safety.

During the alert phase, the decision to dispatch assets for search and rescue operations is appropriate as a precautionary measure. This action aims to investigate the vessel's status and ascertain its well-being. The goal is to ensure that any potential issues are addressed before they escalate into a more severe situation.

Understanding the different phases is crucial in maritime operations. The uncertainty phase occurs earlier, involving initial concerns without clear indicators of trouble, while the distress phase indicates that the vessel is in serious trouble and requires immediate assistance. The investigation phase is generally more focused on examining an already established issue rather than taking preventative action. Therefore, dispatching an asset happens during the alert phase as a proactive approach to safeguarding the overdue vessel.