ELEMENT S 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Activate search and rescue support plan 

1.1

Distress and emergency signals, and communications are recognised and evaluated

1.2

Type of emergency, and level and nature of assistance required is assessed and its practicability is considered

1.3

Communications are established, where possible, with the parties in distress, other vessels and relevant authorities/agencies

1.4

Search and rescue parameters are identified based on available information

1.5

Search and rescue strategy is developed based on all available information and after consultation with others in the established chain of command

1.6

Required resources are identified according to the strategy

1.7

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

1.8

Organisation and command chain with other stations involved in the search and rescue is established in collaboration with search and rescue authorities

2 

Coordinate crew in search and rescue operations 

2.1

Crew members are informed of the scenario and strategy

2.2

Crew members are briefed on their roles and responsibilities and the way the crew will operate, and are deployed to the required stations

2.3

Tasks are allocated to crew members according to their roles in the crew and level of competence

2.4

Confirmation is gained from crew members of their understanding of the scenario, their role and the roles of other crew members

2.5

Performance of crew members is monitored and reviewed as the scenario unfolds, to determine ongoing requirements

2.6

Directions are given to others involved in the search and rescue operation according to agreed plan and established chain of command

2.7

Manoeuvres of vessel are made according to agreed plan and with due regard to limits of the vessel and the environment

2.8

Feedback from crew members and others involved in the search and rescue operation is received and relayed to others according to agreed plan and established chain of command

3 

Liaise with internal and external authorities/ agencies 

3.1

Radio communication is established and maintained with all parties involved in the search and rescue operations

3.2

Briefings are provided to appropriate people according to operational procedures

3.3

Search and rescue progress is monitored and information is provided to internal and external authorities/agencies

3.4

Issues are negotiated with internal and external authorities/agencies

3.5

Resources are monitored and reviewed to meet changing requirements according to operational procedures

3.6

Search and rescue problems/potential problems are identified and solutions are developed in liaison with internal and external authorities/agencies

3.7

Guidance and support are provided and sought from internal and external authorities/agencies according to requirements

4 

Manage communications systems 

4.1

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

4.2

Communications systems are selected according to agreed plan and established chain of command

4.3

Communications systems are managed to provide optimum capability

5 

Conclude search and rescue support 

5.1

Duration of the search and rescue operation is determined by the level of emergency

5.2

Instructions from internal and external authorities/agencies about the duration of the search and rescue are complied with

5.3

All information is collected and preserved

5.4

Debrief is conducted with relevant people involved

5.5

Items for improvement are identified and action is taken to have improvements built into support plans

6 

Manage search and rescue records 

6.1

Records of the search and rescue are made in the vessel log

6.2

Other documentation is completed as required by regulatory requirements

6.3

Reports are completed and disseminated according to organisational requirements

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

Type of emergency includes one or more of the following:

• ditched aircraft
• person/s in distress in sea
• person/s in distress in survival craft
• vessel/s in distress

Information includes one or more of the following:

• agents and operators both private and commercial
• government departments
• members of the public
• search and rescue authorities
• specialist search and rescue information systems
• vessel/aircraft owners
• volunteer organisations

Resources include one or more of the following:

• accommodation
• aircraft
• Australian Defence Force/Police assets
• communications systems
• electronic aids
• equipment
• facilities
• fuel
• instructions
• manuals
• maps/charts
• people
• vessels

Limits of the vessel and the environment include one or more of the following:

• fuel range
• limits of propulsion
• prevailing weather
• sea conditions
• steering
• vessel stability

External authorities/agencies include one or more of the following:

• aircraft
• other vessels
• search and rescue authorities
• other parties involved in the rescue

Reports include one or more of the following:

• board reports and briefings
• briefings to government
• covering reports
• initial advice forms
• media releases
• messaging systems
• search and rescue logs

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

• applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices
• applying procedures from the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual
• attending to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping
• liaising effectively with internal and external authorities/agencies
• establishing radio communications and following correct communications procedures at all stages of search and rescue operations
• identifying and solving problems that may arise during search and rescue operations, reporting problems and issues, and taking appropriate action based on available information
• modifying activities according to vessel contingencies, risk situations and environments
• monitoring and anticipating hazards and risks that may arise during search and rescue operations and taking appropriate action
• planning to coordinate search and rescue operations according to international guidelines and standards
• providing high quality reports
• taking appropriate initiative for search and rescue operations
• using relevant publications, charts, meteorological data, particulars of vessels involved, radio communications equipment and other available facilities.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• chain of command and organisational requirements used in search and rescue operations
• IAMSAR Manual
• maritime communications techniques applicable to search and rescue operations
• principles involved in determining the duration and scope of a search
• responsibilities when participating in search and rescue operations
• search and rescue techniques and procedures
• sequence of actions to be taken after sighting or receiving a distress signal or call for assistance
• types of distress and emergency signals, and types of response required in each case
• types of search patterns and their application
• typical search and rescue problems and appropriate action and solutions
• WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.