Among the supporting units available to assist in submarine escape and rescue, specialist parachuting teams of doctors, divers and assistants are often the fi rst on the scene. A typical Submarine Parachute Advisory Group (SPAG) is available at six hoursnotice to take-off. They are highly trained in water descent parachuting. Once in the sea they administer what medical assistance they can to survivors on the surface and ensure everyone is in a life raft. This will extend the survival time of the escapees until a rescue ship arrives. The SPAG teams are equipped with inflatable boats and life rafts, first aid equipment, rations, oxygen, GPS navigation and communications equipment.