The Brazilian Aeronautical Search and Rescue System operates in a 22 million km2 area, most of which covering the Atlantic Ocean and the Amazon. It is organized and structured to develop search and rescue operations according to international and national standards.

DECEA is the organization responsible for planning and overseeing this activity. Its purpose is to locate occupants of aircraft or vessels in distress; rescue accident victims and intercept and escort aircraft in an emergency.

There are still the coordination links (Rescue Coordination Centers) and the execution links, consisting of the Brazilian Air Force Units, the Navy and other organizations that join forces to carry out the operations.