Helicopter maritime search and rescue (MSAR) is one of important component in aviation emergency rescue sys-tem. However, the MSAR unit usually analyzes distress information and makes response plans according to previous experience. As a result, it needs theoretical guidance and software support. This paper focuses on the process from receiving the distress message to performing the MSAR mission, and puts forward a kind of decision-making support technology architecture for helicopter MSAR mission facing the operation support issues. Then the re-sponse plan is carried out around which plays a key role in the implementation of this mission. What is more, the MSAR decision-making support system for people in distress has been designed and developed, which can pro-vide effective support for decision maker. Finally, the reasonablility and practicability of prototype system has been verified from the 2020 MSAR comprehensive practice of Xiamen City.