Unit Name

Search as a member of an air search team

Unit Code

PUAAMS002A

This unit covers the competency to conduct air search observation duties during an air search operation.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for search operations

Operational briefing is obtained from relevant search and rescue authority

Aircraft is configured and loaded in accordance with policies, procedures and pilot-in-command instructions

Involvement in briefings is undertaken in accordance with policies and procedures and relevant documentation

Incident information is used to determine personal equipment needed for search operation

2. Conduct search operations

Scanning distance is identified and aircraft windows are marked in accordance with organisational procedures

Search briefing is reviewed en route to task area in accordance with policies and procedures

Impediments to effective observation techniques are identified and appropriate adjustments made in accordance with policies and procedures

Observation technique is applied in accordance with policies and procedures

Search equipment is operated to maximise sighting and identification effectiveness in accordance with policies and procedures

3. Investigate sightings

Sightings are reported and maintained in accordance with policies and procedures

Sightings are investigated in accordance with policies and procedures

Sightings are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority in accordance with policies and procedures

4. Communicate outcome search

Signals are identified in accordance with policies and procedures

Communications are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority in accordance with policies and procedures

Critical aspects of evidence

Knowledge and skill in the safe dispatch of target marking and communications equipment from aircraft in flight

Interdependent assessment of units

Pre-requisite units:

Nil

Co-requisite units:

PUAAMS001A Work in an aviation environment

PUATEA001A Work in a team

PUATEA004B Work effectively in a public safety organisation

PUAEME001A Provide emergency care PUATE003A Lead, manage and develop teams

Underpinning knowledge

Evidence of:

a basic understanding of search planning

a basic understanding of the physiology of sight

an understanding of factors which may indicate evidence of a search target

an understanding of observation techniques and procedures an understanding of signalling/message equipment and procedures

an understanding of target marking equipment and procedures

Underpinning skills

The ability to:

communicate information clearly within the search team make decisions based on available information

select and use available technology appropriate to the search task

Resource implications

An appropriate training location/venue

Access to aircraft and equipment required for learning and assessment activities

Flight operations for learning/skills development and assessment

Consistency in performance

In order to assess these performance criteria it may be necessary for evidence to be collected over a period of time

Context of assessment

Evidence can be collected on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation

Relevant search and resuce authorities may include

Rescue Coordination Centre

State and Territory SAR authority

pilot-in-command

Search operations may include

fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft engaged in the location, identification and communication with persons in distress on land or sea by day or night.

This includes searching for evidence of the remains of vehicles. It also includes other Search and Rescue associated duties such as the placement of electronic beacons for use as search datums and drift indicators

Policies and procedures may vary between organisations and may include

legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response legislation relevant to the organisation

jurisdictional requirements operational

corporate and strategic plans

operational Standing Operating Procedures operational performance standards

organisational personnel practices and guidelines organisational quality standards

aircraft flight manuals

Impediments to observation techniques may include

aircraft structure

glare

dirty or damaged windows

weather

environmental conditions

aircraft flight angle

Observation techniques may include

scanning

saccading

Search equipment may include

binoculars and other magnification equipment radar

infra-red

radio direction finding equipment video/camera equipment

night vision equipment

Sightings may include

debris

damaged or discoloured vegetation

oil slicks

reflections

lights

smoke

burned areas

unusual colours, shapes or movements in the environment

floating objects

Targets may include

persons

vehicles

wreckage

aircraft crash sites

ships and small craft

Target markers may include

smoke/flame pyrotechnics electrical lights

electronic beacons

dye

streamers

buoys

Signals may include

ground to air emergency signal code international code of signals

signal panels

Morse code

improvised signals

Communications equipment may include

radio transceivers mobile telephones heliographs

signal panels message bags

Sightings are maintained to

keep the target in sight

Search briefing is reviewed to

utilise the time enroute to optimally prepare the searchers

Briefings may include

task crew

pre-flight safety

aircraft equipment