Lives Saved vs. Lives Assisted

Any questions you may have with regards to definitions in the area of SAR or MISLE will be the definitions provided in COMDTINST 16130.2(series) USCG Addendum to US SAR Supplement to the IAMSAR Manual. In the manual Appendix B has descriptions/definitions for all the required data fields including property and position entries.

Lives Saved-
Appendix B.5.7.1(c)- Lives saved are those lives that would have been lost had the rescue action not been taken. This includes actually pulling a person from a position of distress or removing them from a situation that would likely have resulted in their death had the action not been taken.

Lives Assited-
Appendix B.5.7.1(h)- Lives assisted are those persons who are provided assistance that did not meet the criteria for lives saved but did receive some assistance. An entry for type of assistance provided is required for every life entered under this category. Persons merely onboard a vessel that is provided assistance directed at the vessel (repairs, fuel, etc.) are not necessarily assisted.

It can sometimes be a judgment call but, as a general rule of thumb, if a person is removed from a sinking vessel, more than likely, you should claim a life saved. If a person is removed from a vessel aground it would generally be a life assisted.