@capot - The search is being co-ordinated internationally by the UN-SPIDER organisation. UN-SPIDER is a platform set up to co-ordinate space-based information for disaster management. This is the first time that it has been initiated for lost aircraft recovery.
Re the on-the-job co-ordination; it is exceptionally difficult to co-ordinate SAR groups that have different languages and differing levels of discipline and command structures.
English is still a foreign language to many billions of people.
Therefore, it is easier to merely co-ordinate the separate search groups into a common aim, allowing each group to operate independently using its native language and command structure.
Local level co-ordination is being handled by AMSA, as the search zone is within AMSA's recognised maritime control area.
International Charter activated for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 | UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal