What is the biggest challenge when many different boats and planes from different groups help in a search and rescue?

The biggest challenge when many different boats and planes from different groups help in a search and rescue operation is establishing and maintaining effective communication and a common operating picture across all diverse participating assets and agencies. Effective communication refers to the seamless exchange of information, instructions, and reports among all units. This is difficult due to a lack of interoperability, which is the ability of different systems, devices, or organizations to work together. For instance, different groups may use radios operating on incompatible frequencies, secure channels, or data systems that cannot easily share information like GPS coordinates, target sightings, or status updates. Similarly, differing standard operating procedures and reporting protocols among various military, governmental, and civilian volunteer organizations can create confusion and slow down information flow. A common operating picture is a single, shared, real-time understanding of the incident, including the search area, the location and status of all rescue assets, and any potential targets or hazards. Without clear and consistent communication channels and a unified command structure, it becomes nearly impossible to create and maintain this shared understanding. This absence leads to fragmented efforts where different groups might unknowingly search the same areas, miss critical zones, operate without full awareness of others' actions, or receive conflicting instructions, ultimately reducing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the search and rescue mission.