The Mobile Facilities volume is intended to be carried on board rescue units, aircraft and vessels to help with the performance of a search, rescue or on-scene coordinator function and with aspects of search and rescue that pertain to their own emergencies.

IMO MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2 stipulates that International Code of Signals and IAMSAR Manual Volume III are for emergency use and should always be available on board ships in the form of hard copy.