This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to coordinate a Search and Rescue (SAR) incident, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

The unit is applicable to individuals undertaking limited search and rescue activities in support of national Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities. Team members and crews may be members of a range of government and/or non-government agencies or organisations.

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

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare search plan

1.1

Search and rescue assets and potential assets are identified and recorded in databases

1.2

Strategic and tactical objectives are identified, in accordance with search and rescue unit plans

1.3

Strategies to achieve objectives are identified

1.4

Hazards are identified, risks assessed and control measures implemented

1.5

Information management strategies are identified and applied

1.6

Search and rescue procedures and policies are communicated to personnel, groups and other organisations, in accordance with the needs of those people

2

Apply datum search planning principles

2.1

Last known and/or most probable position of missing person is established from available data

2.2

Initial search procedures are implemented, in accordance with search and rescue organisational policies

2.3

Calculations are made to establish intended track, area or position, in accordance with planned route

2.4

Time frame for survival of the missing persons is calculated

2.5

Physical and environmental factors are determined to assist in decision making

2.6

Search area is calculated consistent with organisational policies and procedures

2.7

Search pattern and track spacing is determined

2.8

Probability of detection factor for the missing person is calculated

2.9

Acceptability of probability of detection factor is evaluated

2.10

Search area is recalculated or redefined, determined by availability of assets, changing weather conditions and search time available

3

Apply rescueplanning principles

3.1

Nature of problem and/or distress is determined, in accordance with the available information

3.2

Rescue resources are identified, mobilised and monitored

3.3

Operational risks are assessed and minimised

3.4

Survivor delivery points are identified, in accordance with requirements and capability of the rescue platform

3.5

Physical, geographic and medical factors are considered for rescue and delivery, in accordance with situational requirements

3.6

Time factors are considered, in accordance with situational requirements

3.7

Chosen solution is evaluated and reported against determined criteria

4

Evaluate operational direction

4.1

Search and rescue plan is implemented and amended as dictated by the requirements of the situation

4.2

Process of continual evaluation is applied

4.3

Contingency planning is conducted, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.4

Regular briefings and debriefings are conducted with relevant personnel

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Aviation Marine Search and Rescue

Aviation Marine Search and Rescue