PUAAMS008B
Manage search and rescue operations

This unit covers the competencies involved in managing Search and Rescue operations.

Application

This unit applies to personnel taking on a broader management role within search and rescue operations, including welfare of team members, and management of systems and records.

Team members and crews may be members of a range of government and/or non-government agencies.

All aspects of the unit should be implemented in line with organisational policies and procedures.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop strategies

1.1 Search and rescue parameters are identified based on information available.

1.2 Search and rescue strategy is developed based on all information available.

1.3 Required resources are identified in accordance with the strategy based on all available information.

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

2. Coordinate team members

2.1 Team members are informed of the scenario and strategy, determined from outcome of review of all information and resource requirements.

2.2 Team members are briefed on their roles and responsibilities and of the way the team will operate.

2.3 Tasks are allocated to team members commensurate with their roles in the team and level of competence.

2.4 Confirmation is gained from team member of an understanding of the scenario, their role and roles of others in the team.

2.5 Performance of team members is monitored and reviewed as the scenario unfolds to determine ongoing requirements.

2.6 Feedback from team members is received and relayed to others.

3. Liaise with internal and external authorities and agencies/organisations

3.1 Briefings are provided to the appropriate people.

3.2 Resources are monitored and reviewed to determine changing requirements.

3.3 Guidance and support are provided and sought to/from authorities and agencies in accordance with requirements.

4. Manage communications systems

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

4.2 Communications systems are selected in accordance with requirements.

4.3 Communications systems are managed to provide optimum capability.

5. Manage search and rescue records

5.1 Records are managed to ensure quality and attention to detail.

5.2 Intended audience for written report is identified and expectations negotiated.

5.3 Content of report is accurate and written in a concise and logical manner.

5.4 Report is disseminated to the intended audience in a timely manner.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

develop search and rescue strategies based on information available

effectively communicate and consult with a range of individuals by a range of means including fax

make decisions

negotiate

telephone and face-to-face

write reports

Required Knowledge

coaching and team building concepts

communications systems available within the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)

technical maintenance state of Search and Rescue resources

personal abilities and competence levels

management techniques

OH&S requirements

personnel entitlements and administrative procedure

team members capabilities

organisation's policies and procedures protocols

equipment and resource relevant to search and rescue operations

Evidence Required

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

The ability to assess information, form strategies, and create plans based on strategies.

The ability to convey the strategies and plans to team members.

Consistency in performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

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

Specific resources for assessment

On job assessment will not entail additional resources However, rosters may need to be amended if simulation e.g. Search and Rescue exercise (SAREX) is selected as the method of assessment.


Range Statement

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Information may include:

specialist search and rescue information systems

search and rescue authorities

members of the public

vessel/aircraft owners

agents and operators both private and commercial

volunteer organisations

government departments

professional associations and event organisers

Resources may include:

maps/charts

electronic aids

manuals

instructions

people

equipment

facilities

vehicles

vessels

aircraft

fuel

accommodation

ADF/Police assets

communications systems and stationery

Team members roles and responsibilities may include:

Intelligence gathering

allocation of assets

rescue planning

Briefings may include:

providing information to team members

members of the public

external search and rescue authorities

manager operations

Australian maritime safety authority public relations personnel

media

Guidance and support may include:

telecommunications systems including telephone

fax and telex

electronic communications systems

satellite communications systems

Records may include:

databases

logs and files

Written report may include:

messaging systems

covering reports (overview of operation

recommendations

attachments)

board reports and briefings

briefings to government

initial advice forms

search and rescue logs

media releases


Competency Field

Aviation and marine search and rescue.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.