Assessor Resource

MARF020
Coordinate search and rescue operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist in planning and coordinating search and rescue operations at sea.

This unit applies to maritime workers working in the maritime industry as a Master Unlimited.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Activate search and rescue support plan

1.1

Distress and emergency signals, and communications are recognised and evaluated

1.2

Type of emergency, and level and nature of assistance required is assessed and its practicability is considered

1.3

Communications are established, where possible, with the parties in distress, other vessels and relevant authorities/agencies

1.4

Search and rescue parameters are identified based on available information

1.5

Search and rescue strategy is developed based on all available information and after consultation with others in the established chain of command

1.6

Required resources are identified according to the strategy

1.7

Strategy is evaluated and reviewed as determined by the input of all information and review of available resources

1.8

Organisation and command chain with other stations involved in the search and rescue is established in collaboration with search and rescue authorities

2

Coordinate crew in search and rescue operations

2.1

Crew members are informed of the scenario and strategy

2.2

Crew members are briefed on their roles and responsibilities and the way the crew will operate, and are deployed to the required stations

2.3

Tasks are allocated to crew members according to their roles in the crew and level of competence

2.4

Confirmation is gained from crew members of their understanding of the scenario, their role and the roles of other crew members

2.5

Performance of crew members is monitored and reviewed as the scenario unfolds, to determine ongoing requirements

2.6

Directions are given to others involved in the search and rescue operation according to agreed plan and established chain of command

2.7

Manoeuvres of vessel are made according to agreed plan and with due regard to limits of the vessel and the environment

2.8

Feedback from crew members and others involved in the search and rescue operation is received and relayed to others according to agreed plan and established chain of command

3

Liaise with internal and external authorities/ agencies

3.1

Radio communication is established and maintained with all parties involved in the search and rescue operations

3.2

Briefings are provided to appropriate people according to operational procedures

3.3

Search and rescue progress is monitored and information is provided to internal and external authorities/agencies

3.4

Issues are negotiated with internal and external authorities/agencies

3.5

Resources are monitored and reviewed to meet changing requirements according to operational procedures

3.6

Search and rescue problems/potential problems are identified and solutions are developed in liaison with internal and external authorities/agencies

3.7

Guidance and support are provided and sought from internal and external authorities/agencies according to requirements

4

Manage communications systems

4.1

Communications systems are identified as appropriate to the situation and the strategy

4.2

Communications systems are selected according to agreed plan and established chain of command

4.3

Communications systems are managed to provide optimum capability

5

Conclude search and rescue support

5.1

Duration of the search and rescue operation is determined by the level of emergency

5.2

Instructions from internal and external authorities/agencies about the duration of the search and rescue are complied with

5.3

All information is collected and preserved

5.4

Debrief is conducted with relevant people involved

5.5

Items for improvement are identified and action is taken to have improvements built into support plans

6

Manage search and rescue records

6.1

Records of the search and rescue are made in the vessel log

6.2

Other documentation is completed as required by regulatory requirements

6.3

Reports are completed and disseminated according to organisational requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

applying procedures from the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

attending to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping

liaising effectively with internal and external authorities/agencies

establishing radio communications and following correct communications procedures at all stages of search and rescue operations

identifying and solving problems that may arise during search and rescue operations, reporting problems and issues, and taking appropriate action based on available information

modifying activities according to vessel contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating hazards and risks that may arise during search and rescue operations and taking appropriate action

planning to coordinate search and rescue operations according to international guidelines and standards

providing high quality reports

taking appropriate initiative for search and rescue operations

using relevant publications, charts, meteorological data, particulars of vessels involved, radio communications equipment and other available facilities.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

chain of command and organisational requirements used in search and rescue operations

IAMSAR Manual

maritime communications techniques applicable to search and rescue operations

principles involved in determining the duration and scope of a search

responsibilities when participating in search and rescue operations

search and rescue techniques and procedures

sequence of actions to be taken after sighting or receiving a distress signal or call for assistance

types of distress and emergency signals, and types of response required in each case

types of search patterns and their application

typical search and rescue problems and appropriate action and solutions

WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or where these are not available, in simulated workplace operational situations or an industry-approved marine operations site where coordinating search and rescue operations can be conducted.

Resources for assessment include access to:

relevant documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

tools, equipment, materials and personal protective equipment currently used in industry and necessary for coordinating a search and rescue operation.

Performance should be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Activate search and rescue support plan

1.1

Distress and emergency signals, and communications are recognised and evaluated

1.2

Type of emergency, and level and nature of assistance required is assessed and its practicability is considered

1.3

Communications are established, where possible, with the parties in distress, other vessels and relevant authorities/agencies

1.4

Search and rescue parameters are identified based on available information

1.5

Search and rescue strategy is developed based on all available information and after consultation with others in the established chain of command

1.6

Required resources are identified according to the strategy

1.7

Strategy is evaluated and reviewed as determined by the input of all information and review of available resources

1.8

Organisation and command chain with other stations involved in the search and rescue is established in collaboration with search and rescue authorities

2

Coordinate crew in search and rescue operations

2.1

Crew members are informed of the scenario and strategy

2.2

Crew members are briefed on their roles and responsibilities and the way the crew will operate, and are deployed to the required stations

2.3

Tasks are allocated to crew members according to their roles in the crew and level of competence

2.4

Confirmation is gained from crew members of their understanding of the scenario, their role and the roles of other crew members

2.5

Performance of crew members is monitored and reviewed as the scenario unfolds, to determine ongoing requirements

2.6

Directions are given to others involved in the search and rescue operation according to agreed plan and established chain of command

2.7

Manoeuvres of vessel are made according to agreed plan and with due regard to limits of the vessel and the environment

2.8

Feedback from crew members and others involved in the search and rescue operation is received and relayed to others according to agreed plan and established chain of command

3

Liaise with internal and external authorities/ agencies

3.1

Radio communication is established and maintained with all parties involved in the search and rescue operations

3.2

Briefings are provided to appropriate people according to operational procedures

3.3

Search and rescue progress is monitored and information is provided to internal and external authorities/agencies

3.4

Issues are negotiated with internal and external authorities/agencies

3.5

Resources are monitored and reviewed to meet changing requirements according to operational procedures

3.6

Search and rescue problems/potential problems are identified and solutions are developed in liaison with internal and external authorities/agencies

3.7

Guidance and support are provided and sought from internal and external authorities/agencies according to requirements

4

Manage communications systems

4.1

Communications systems are identified as appropriate to the situation and the strategy

4.2

Communications systems are selected according to agreed plan and established chain of command

4.3

Communications systems are managed to provide optimum capability

5

Conclude search and rescue support

5.1

Duration of the search and rescue operation is determined by the level of emergency

5.2

Instructions from internal and external authorities/agencies about the duration of the search and rescue are complied with

5.3

All information is collected and preserved

5.4

Debrief is conducted with relevant people involved

5.5

Items for improvement are identified and action is taken to have improvements built into support plans

6

Manage search and rescue records

6.1

Records of the search and rescue are made in the vessel log

6.2

Other documentation is completed as required by regulatory requirements

6.3

Reports are completed and disseminated according to organisational requirements

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Type of emergency includes one or more of the following:

ditched aircraft

person/s in distress in sea

person/s in distress in survival craft

vessel/s in distress

Information includes one or more of the following:

agents and operators both private and commercial

government departments

members of the public

search and rescue authorities

specialist search and rescue information systems

vessel/aircraft owners

volunteer organisations

Resources include one or more of the following:

accommodation

aircraft

Australian Defence Force/Police assets

communications systems

electronic aids

equipment

facilities

fuel

instructions

manuals

maps/charts

people

vessels

Limits of the vessel and the environment include one or more of the following:

fuel range

limits of propulsion

prevailing weather

sea conditions

steering

vessel stability

External authorities/agencies include one or more of the following:

aircraft

other vessels

search and rescue authorities

other parties involved in the rescue

Reports include one or more of the following:

board reports and briefings

briefings to government

covering reports

initial advice forms

media releases

messaging systems

search and rescue logs

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

applying procedures from the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

attending to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping

liaising effectively with internal and external authorities/agencies

establishing radio communications and following correct communications procedures at all stages of search and rescue operations

identifying and solving problems that may arise during search and rescue operations, reporting problems and issues, and taking appropriate action based on available information

modifying activities according to vessel contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating hazards and risks that may arise during search and rescue operations and taking appropriate action

planning to coordinate search and rescue operations according to international guidelines and standards

providing high quality reports

taking appropriate initiative for search and rescue operations

using relevant publications, charts, meteorological data, particulars of vessels involved, radio communications equipment and other available facilities.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

chain of command and organisational requirements used in search and rescue operations

IAMSAR Manual

maritime communications techniques applicable to search and rescue operations

principles involved in determining the duration and scope of a search

responsibilities when participating in search and rescue operations

search and rescue techniques and procedures

sequence of actions to be taken after sighting or receiving a distress signal or call for assistance

types of distress and emergency signals, and types of response required in each case

types of search patterns and their application

typical search and rescue problems and appropriate action and solutions

WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations or where these are not available, in simulated workplace operational situations or an industry-approved marine operations site where coordinating search and rescue operations can be conducted.

Resources for assessment include access to:

relevant documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

tools, equipment, materials and personal protective equipment currently used in industry and necessary for coordinating a search and rescue operation.

Performance should be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Distress and emergency signals, and communications are recognised and evaluated 
Type of emergency, and level and nature of assistance required is assessed and its practicability is considered 
Communications are established, where possible, with the parties in distress, other vessels and relevant authorities/agencies 
Search and rescue parameters are identified based on available information 
Search and rescue strategy is developed based on all available information and after consultation with others in the established chain of command 
Required resources are identified according to the strategy 
Strategy is evaluated and reviewed as determined by the input of all information and review of available resources 
Organisation and command chain with other stations involved in the search and rescue is established in collaboration with search and rescue authorities 
Crew members are informed of the scenario and strategy 
Crew members are briefed on their roles and responsibilities and the way the crew will operate, and are deployed to the required stations 
Tasks are allocated to crew members according to their roles in the crew and level of competence 
Confirmation is gained from crew members of their understanding of the scenario, their role and the roles of other crew members 
Performance of crew members is monitored and reviewed as the scenario unfolds, to determine ongoing requirements 
Directions are given to others involved in the search and rescue operation according to agreed plan and established chain of command 
Manoeuvres of vessel are made according to agreed plan and with due regard to limits of the vessel and the environment 
Feedback from crew members and others involved in the search and rescue operation is received and relayed to others according to agreed plan and established chain of command 
Radio communication is established and maintained with all parties involved in the search and rescue operations 
Briefings are provided to appropriate people according to operational procedures 
Search and rescue progress is monitored and information is provided to internal and external authorities/agencies 
Issues are negotiated with internal and external authorities/agencies 
Resources are monitored and reviewed to meet changing requirements according to operational procedures 
Search and rescue problems/potential problems are identified and solutions are developed in liaison with internal and external authorities/agencies 
Guidance and support are provided and sought from internal and external authorities/agencies according to requirements 
Communications systems are identified as appropriate to the situation and the strategy 
Communications systems are selected according to agreed plan and established chain of command 
Communications systems are managed to provide optimum capability 
Duration of the search and rescue operation is determined by the level of emergency 
Instructions from internal and external authorities/agencies about the duration of the search and rescue are complied with 
All information is collected and preserved 
Debrief is conducted with relevant people involved 
Items for improvement are identified and action is taken to have improvements built into support plans 
Records of the search and rescue are made in the vessel log 
Other documentation is completed as required by regulatory requirements 
Reports are completed and disseminated according to organisational requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MARF020 - Coordinate search and rescue operations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MARF020 - Coordinate search and rescue operations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: