# SAR Tools

> Marine Search and Rescue mission calculators and timers. (iPhone/iPad app by Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sar-tools/id1440394256 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue](https://appshunter.io/developer/634554635)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 47 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-11-08
- Data updated: 2026-07-07
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sar-tools/id1440394256/reviews.md

## What is SAR Tools?

Introduction:

The intention of the software is to provide the Marine Search and Rescue Community with some handy calculators that can be used on SAR missions. The App is optimized for portrait orientation on an iPhone and has not been tested on a tablet.

Improvements:     You can edit individual data values on the "Find a Location" screen by pressing on the degrees, minutes or decimal value for both latitude and longitude.  Entered search values are saved when the App is restarted or screens are switched.   New search log feature. More streamlined user interface.

Feature Summary Overview:

- Direct Twitter Feed from @RCM_SAR posts

- Sector Search Timer and Calculator. Can run two full circuits of 9 legs with a 30 degree course change to start the second circuit. User enters search speed and search radius, and everything else is calculated automatically. Timer defaults to 0 degrees for the first leg but any value can be entered. Once timer is started, it signals when to turn with the appropriate heading. Timer must be reset when you pass back through datum. Total search time and area are also shown for one circuit. Start time is logged so that it can be transferred to a log book later.

- Expanding Square Search Timer and Calculator. Runs a full expanding square search with 18 legs. User enters search speed and search radius Timer defaults to 0 degrees for the first leg, but any value can be entered. Once timer is started it signals when to turn with the appropriate heading. Search can be paused and then restarted at the beginning of the last leg you were on. Total search time and area are also shown for the search. Start time is logged so it can be transferred to a log book later.

- Speed, Distance, Time Calculator. Enter any two parameters and it calculates the third.

- Find Lat / Long functionality allows you to quickly enter a lat / long and the App will calculate your distance (as the crow flies) along with bearing and also show your current location. You can also automatically map the lat / long entered on google maps.

- Search Log automatically keeps record of all the parameters of your searches and allows you to email the log file to anyone you choose.

- Night Mode. Sector and Expanding Square Search Calculators have a night mode to preserve night vision.

- Vibrate. Timers vibrate in the hand when it is time to turn. 

- Help. Help is available for Sector and Expanding Square Search Calculators.

Published by Adam Hyde of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR).

Pleasure Boaters should download RCMSAR's "Safe Boating" App on iTunes.

## Key features

- Sector Search Timer and Calculator
- Expanding Square Search Timer and Calculator
- Speed, Distance, Time Calculator
- Find Lat/Long functionality
- Search Log with email export
- Night Mode
- Vibrate alerts for turns


## Frequently asked questions about SAR Tools

### What is SAR Tools?

SAR Tools is a free reference application designed to provide marine search and rescue personnel with handy calculators and timers for mission use. It offers features like sector and expanding square search timers, speed-distance-time calculations, and latitude/longitude lookups.

### Does SAR Tools have ads?

No, SAR Tools does not contain advertisements. It is a free application published by Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.

### What devices does SAR Tools support?

SAR Tools is optimized for portrait orientation on iPhones and iPods. It has not been tested on tablets.

### How does the Sector Search Timer in SAR Tools work?

The Sector Search Timer allows users to input search speed and radius, and it automatically calculates turns for up to two full circuits. It signals when to turn with the appropriate heading and logs the start time and total search time/area for one circuit.

### Can I edit data in SAR Tools?

Yes, you can edit individual data values on the 'Find a Location' screen by pressing on the degrees, minutes, or decimal value for latitude and longitude. Entered search values are saved when the app restarts or screens are switched.

### What is the age rating for SAR Tools?

SAR Tools has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It is a utility application focused on providing helpful tools for specific professional and volunteer roles.

### How often is SAR Tools updated?

SAR Tools was last updated on November 8, 2018, with version 2.0. The description indicates improvements were made to data editing, search logs, and the user interface.

### Can I share my search logs from SAR Tools?

Yes, SAR Tools features a search log that automatically records all parameters of your searches. You can then email this log file to anyone you choose.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 2.0 — 2018-11-08

No release notes.

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## More apps by Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue

- [Safe Boating](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/safe-boating/id634554632)

All apps by Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue: https://appshunter.io/developer/634554635

## Related topics

[royal canadian marine search and rescue](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/royal-canadian-marine-search-and-rescue)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-07.*