This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to search for and locate missing persons and/or items as a member of an aquatic search team working in a range of search terrains.

While normally undertaken in variety of craft, aquatic searches may also include cliff searches and searches assisted by aerial support or other craft. Search operations are generally conducted in support of police and may include searches for missing persons, objects and/or evidence.

Participating in an aquatic search operation, generally as a member of a team, will require the application of a variety of skills. Competence in this unit will include appropriate preparedness, response, direct participation in a search and appropriate post search recovery.

The unit is applicable to lifesavers, lifeguards or other personnel who are required to perform or participate in a search, regularly or occasionally, in an aquatic environment. Successful achievement of this unit will require practical application of skills in a real or simulated search operation.

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 for aquatic search

1.1

Search operation and task information is obtained and discussed with team members

1.2

Task information is used to determine personal protective clothing and equipment needed for search operation

1.3

Search equipment is selected and checked for serviceability and is appropriately stored and/or packed for use

1.4

Faulty equipment is identified and reported to supervisor

2

Participate in aquatic search

2.1

Specified team roles and functions are carried out, in accordance with organisational procedures and task information

2.2

Search formation or grids are used to locate missing persons or objects

2.3

Search boundaries are marked, in accordance with task requirements

2.4

Observation skills are applied and any clues or objects located are reported immediately, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5

Communication is maintained with team members throughout the search, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.6

Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to team leader

3

Maintain aquatic search safety

3.1

Search safety procedures are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2

Survival techniques are applied, as required

3.3

Lost searcher procedures are implemented, when necessary

4

Recover person or findings

4.1

Team leader is immediately advised of located persons or findings, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.2

Persons or findings are recovered and treated using appropriate search safety procedures

4.3

Initial preservation procedures are implemented to maintain integrity of evidence, as required

4.4

Initial scene preservation is conducted, in accordance with organisational procedures

5

Complete recall and stand down procedures

5.1

Search equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

5.2

Operational debriefing is participated in and relevant documentation is completed, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.3

Symptoms of operational stress in self or others is recognised and reported to 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.

Not applicable

Search and Rescue