Maine § 303. - Air search procedures
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 303. — Air search procedures, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 303.. Air search procedures
1. Agreements. The Chief of the State Police may establish agreements with public or private agencies or organizations to assist in air search operations.
2. Situations covered. The Chief of the State Police shall establish and maintain a state air search and rescue plan for the immediate handling of the following emergency situations arising from aeronautical activities:
A. Locating aircraft believed lost and down within the State; and [PL 1981, c. 41 (NEW).]
B. Locating persons who are believed lost and down in the State as a result of accidents involving aircraft overflying the State or parachute jumps. [PL 1981, c. 41 (NEW).]
For purposes of this section, the phrases "within the State" and "in the State" include the coastal waters of the State as defined in Title 12, section 6001.
3. Plan of action. The state air search and rescue plan must provide a plan of action for search and rescue that will mobilize all state and federal agencies that can contribute in those emergencies and inform all state and federal agencies that request to be informed of any air search operation, in accordance with agreements reached in advance. The plan may include utilization of the Maine Wing Civil Air Patrol to coordinate and control specific air search operations. The plan must provide that its first objective is saving human life and rendering prompt aid to survivors.
4. Authority. The Chief of the State Police is responsible for the execution and overall coordination of air search and rescue efforts initiated in support of the air search and rescue plan by the Maine Wing Civil Air Patrol and those state and federal agencies that are designated in the plan to play a role in emergencies.
A. [PL 1995, c. 504, Pt. B, §6 (RP).]
A-1. The Chief of the State Police may delegate authority for overall coordination of air search and rescue efforts to a commissioned officer within the Bureau of State Police. [PL 1995, c. 555, §1 (NEW).]
B. [PL 1995, c. 555, §1 (RP).]
C. [PL 1995, c. 555, §1 (RP).]
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 303.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 303. cover?
Section 303. ("Air search procedures") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 303.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 303." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 303. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.