Elements and Performance Criteria
- Activate search and rescue support plan
- 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
- Coordinate crew in search and rescue operations
- 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
- Liaise with internal and external authorities/ agencies
- 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
- Manage communications systems
- Conclude search and rescue support
- 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
- Manage search and rescue records