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

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

3.7

Guidance and support are provided and sought to/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

Required Skills:

Apply procedures of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IANSAR) Manual

Establish radio communications and follow correct communication procedures at all stages of the search and rescue operations

Identify and solve problems that may arise during search and rescue operations, report problems and issues, and take appropriate action based on available information

Modify activities dependent on differing vessel contingencies, risk situations and environments

Monitor and anticipate hazards and risks that may arise during search and rescue operations and take appropriate action

Plan for coordinating search and rescue operations according to international guidelines and standards

Take appropriate initiative for search and rescue operations

Use relevant publications, charts, meteorological data, particulars of vessels involved, radio communication equipment and other available facilities

Required Knowledge:

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

IANSAR Manual

Maritime communication techniques applicable to search and rescue operations

Principals 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

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

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:

effectively liaising with internal and external authorities/agencies

providing high quality reports

attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Resources for assessment include access to:

industry-approved marine operations site where coordinating search and rescue operations can be conducted

tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities

range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments

appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment

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

Method of assessment

Practical assessment must occur in an:

appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or

appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:

direct observation of the candidate coordinating search and rescue operations

direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.

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

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Type of emergency may include:

Ditched aircraft

Person/s in distress in sea

Person/s in distress in survival craft

Vessel/s in distress

Information may include:

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 may include:

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 may include:

Fuel range

Limits of propulsion

Prevailing weather

Sea conditions

Steering

Vessel stability

External authorities/agencies may include:

Aircraft

Other vessels

Search and rescue authorities

Other parties involved in the rescue

Reports may include:

Board reports and briefings

Briefings to government

Covering reports

Initial advice forms

Media releases

Messaging systems

Search and rescue logs