Abstract: With the implementation of “Maritime Power” and “the Belt and Road” strategies, the frequencies of the active oceanic operations as well as the risk of marine casualty are considerable in China, thus the issue of maritime safety is a growing concern. In this paper, the research and development of two key techniques of Maritime Search and Rescue Decision Support System are reviewed along with the optimal determination of maritime search area and the optimal planning of search schemes. Firstly, the development of drift model of maritime distress target and the algorithm of drift trajectory and search area are introduced. Then, the search strategies for both stationary and moving targets are summarized. At last, the operational applications of the above technologies at home and abroad are overviewed and suggestions for the future development of related technologies are proposed. This paper aims at providing the criterions and references for improving the construction of contingency reaction system and emergency response capability of the marine casualty.