Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

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

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

3.7

Guidance and support are provided and sought to/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

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required Skills: 

• Apply procedures of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IANSAR) Manual

• Establish radio communications and follow correct communication procedures at all stages of the search and rescue operations

• Identify and solve problems that may arise during search and rescue operations, report problems and issues, and take appropriate action based on available information

• Modify activities dependent on differing vessel contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Monitor and anticipate hazards and risks that may arise during search and rescue operations and take appropriate action

• Plan for coordinating search and rescue operations according to international guidelines and standards

• Take appropriate initiative for search and rescue operations

• Use relevant publications, charts, meteorological data, particulars of vessels involved, radio communication equipment and other available facilities

Required Knowledge: 

• Chain of command and organisational requirements used in search and rescue operations

• IANSAR Manual

• Maritime communication techniques applicable to search and rescue operations

• Principals 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

• Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:

• effectively liaising with internal and external authorities/agencies
• providing high quality reports
• attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

• industry-approved marine operations site where coordinating search and rescue operations can be conducted
• tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
• relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
• range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
• appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Method of assessment 

Practical assessment must occur in an:

• appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
• appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:

• direct observation of the candidate coordinating search and rescue operations
• direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Type of emergency may include:

• Ditched aircraft
• Person/s in distress in sea
• Person/s in distress in survival craft
• Vessel/s in distress

Information may include:

• 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 may include:

• 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 may include:

• Fuel range
• Limits of propulsion
• Prevailing weather
• Sea conditions
• Steering
• Vessel stability

External authorities/agencies may include:

• Aircraft
• Other vessels
• Search and rescue authorities
• Other parties involved in the rescue

Reports may include:

• Board reports and briefings
• Briefings to government
• Covering reports
• Initial advice forms
• Media releases
• Messaging systems
• Search and rescue logs