Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version  

Comments 

2

DEF12 V2

Unit descriptor updated. Application added. Minor Range Statement changes. Evidence Guide updated.

1

DEF12 V1

First release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for search 

1.1 Purpose, timing, search environment  and type of search are clearly identified from briefing provided by supervisor.

1.2 Location of other individuals engaged in the high -risk search  is established and maintained in accordance with standard procedures. 

1.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment  is selected and worn in accordance with work health and safety (WHS) requirements and the type of search.

1.4 Tools and search equipment  appropriate to the type of search are identified, obtained, inspected and tested, and any faults are reported in accordance with standard procedures.

1.5 Requirements and limitations of legislation, international conventions and standard procedures relating to search are recognised and complied with.

1.6 Search personnel are deployed  to an incident site or search area in accordance with standard procedures.

1.7 Preparation of the search site and the conduct of searches is coordinated with other agencies.

2. Enter the search site 

2.1 Search drills/procedures applicable to the type of search are carried out in accordance with standard procedures and supervisor's instructions.

2.2 A safe route through the site to the target is marked and recorded in accordance with standard procedures.

2.3 Entry to the target is achieved using improvised remote means. 

3. Neutralise the target 

3.1 Target is inspected and identified risks are assessed.

3.2 Future actions and equipment requirements are determined based on the risk assessment.

3.3 Detailed description of activity is relayed to recorder in accordance with standard procedures.

3.4 Site is cleared. 

3.5 Once the target has been searched all relevant information is provided to stakeholders  in accordance with standard procedures.

3.6 Potential evidence and/or other items or material of interest are protected from contamination, improper handling or removal in accordance with standard procedures.

4. Finalise the task 

4.1 Relevant documentation  is completed and submitted in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.2 A handover of responsibility is completed.

4.3 Periodic and routine maintenance of equipment is conducted in accordance with standard procedures and faulty/defective equipment is identified and reported in accordance with standard procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• accurately describe in detail the immediate area over the communications system
• apply knots, lashings and field machines
• neutralise and disarm booby traps and mines
• operate current high-risk search equipment
• operate for protracted periods wearing ballistic individual protective equipment
• operate in a high stress environment
• operate search equipment
• operate secure communications
• use pulleys, blocks and tackle

Required Knowledge 

• basic blast effects
• building construction methods and materials
• combat engineering skill sets
• design data for generic buildings
• design data for generic vehicles
• explosive and non-explosive demolitions
• laws of Armed Conflict
• legal responsibilities
• mine and booby trap emplacement and breaching
• organisation's communication system
• relevant WHS regulations/requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements
• Rules of Engagement
• Rules of Evidence
• search equipment
• threat capability

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to conduct the following searches:

• occupied building
• unoccupied building
• vehicle (aircraft, boat, truck, train etc.)
• route (road)
• area

Individuals should be involved in a search activity by day and night.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over a number of activities, exercises or incidents.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to equipment and appropriate resources to comply with the task requirements.

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.

Search environment  may include:

• aircraft
• rural
• ship
• urban

High-risk search  may include:

• area search
• bike, car, truck semi, train, boat, aircraft
• occupied house
• route search
• type - primary (all corps), secondary (HRS) detailed (mechanics/specialists)
• unoccupied house
• vehicle search

Standard procedures  may include:

• Australian Standards
• job guides, pamphlets and other publications
• manufacturer's handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions
• WHS regulations
• organisational policies and procedures
• relevant local government by-laws
• relevant state/territory or federal legislation or regulations
• statutory waterways rules
• written and verbal orders and job instructions

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• ballistic helmet
• ballistic suit (vest and pants)
• breathing equipment (WICSH)
• chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) ensemble (mask, jacket, pants, gloves, boots)
• gloves
• goggles
• hardhat
• harness (WICSH)
• hearing protection
• knee and elbow pads
• reflective vest

Tools and search equipment  may include:

• assorted hand tools - pliers, screwdriver, etc.
• binoculars
• block and tackle
• caltrops, vehicle barriers, speed humps
• camera - video, still (35 mm, digital)
• carpenters tool kit
• communications equipment
• crow bar, jimmy bar, etc.
• digging tools - pick, shovel, mattock, crowbar, etc.
• electrical tape, string, cable ties, etc
• electrical tools, lighting and generator
• endoscope
• evidence bags
• global positioning system (GPS), compass (navigation aids)
• grappling hook and line
• hammer - sledge, claw, ball-pane
• hand held laser range finder
• hook and line kit
• ladder
• mine/metal detector
• mine prodder, bayonet, etc.
• mirror telescopic
• night vision goggles (NVG)
• portable x-ray
• record log
• torch
• trolley - under vehicle
• vapour/gas detector

Deployment into the area of operations  may include:

• manpack
• mechanised
• motorised
• and may be via:

• air
• helicopter
• sea

Using improvised remote means  is defined as:

• high-risk and will usually initiate a device if present
• using block, tackle, ropes, etc to open doors, windows, etc. to prove the entry, ground, floor is clear of devices

Clearing the site  may include:

• neutralising suspect devices by disconnecting the firing device from the main charge of a booby trap or munitions, which may involve:

• replacing safety pins/clips
• cutting the connection (detcord) of open booby traps

• requesting assistance as appropriate

Stakeholders  may include:

• civil authorities
• civilian population
• explosive ordnance disposal technicians
• flanking units
• operational commanders

Documentation  may include:

• after action report
• incident search report
• lessons learned
• personnel debriefs
• post activity reports
• post exercise reports