Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
Aircraft called an adjacent Controller having encountered IMC conditions VFR at 700 MSL. He was incapable of IFR flight. At the time I was an over-overlap on another position and was told to go assist this adjacent Controller and did not complete overlap with required two minutes because they had an emergency. The aircraft was vectored to a nearby airport which was BKN007 at the time with two miles visibility. With no other choice to ensure safety; the aircraft was told to proceed visually into the airport; and was switched to the Tower; despite it being solid IMC; eventually landing safely. Providing clarification as to what should be done in these situations. Basically he received an emergency SVFR clearance that the pilot never requested. Compounding the issue was a language barrier with the pilot which is a common occurrence with training aircraft in the area.
A VFR aircraft encountering IMC conditions was directed to a near by airport without the issuance of a legal clearance given the current weather conditions. The reporter suggested increased controller training.