The RAF operates Sea King rescue helicopters of Nos. 22 and 202 Squadrons from six locations, with Royal Navy and Coastguard helicopters available at a further six. for land rescues, the RAF can also call upon the the services of its five Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs), each manned by a core of permanent staff supported by about thirty volunteers.

A standby Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft, specially equipped for SAR duties, is based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland. This Aircraft can be despatched to the scene of an emergency quickly and act as an on-scene coordinator for helicopters or ships involved in the rescue operation.

Search and Rescue Helicopters

22 Squadron operate the Sea King from RMB Chivenor (A Flt), Wattisham Airfield (B Flt) and RAF Valley (C Flt).

202 Squadron operate Sea King aircraft from RAF Boulmer (A Flt), RAF Lossiemouth (D Flt) and RAF Leconfield (E Flt).