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. 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. Obtain required resources 

1.1 Tasks are prioritised and analysed to determine resource requirements in accordance with the rescue plan.

1.2 The availability of required resources is determined using intelligence gathering methods. 

1.3 Strategies for obtaining the required resources  are identified as determined by the necessities of the search and rescue activity in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. 

2. Organise resources 

2.1 Resources  are assessed and allocated in accordance with their suitability for the task, equipment carried and availability consistent with organisational policies and procedures. 

2.2 Resources are coordinated to ensure timely completion of tasks within physiological  and environmental constraints. 

2.3 Personnel are encouraged and motivated to complete tasks consistent with organisational policies and procedures.

2.4 Personnel needs are continually reviewed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

2.5 Support considerations  for personnel are taken into account in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

2.6 Resource needs are continually reviewed based on intelligence.

3. Liaise with supporting authorities 

3.1 Contacts  are identified in supporting authorities to facilitate liaison and cooperation.

3.2 Details of contacts and resources/services are recorded and maintained in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.3 The role and support capabilities of other search and rescue authorities  are determined through liaison, consultation and exchange of information in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.4 Procedures for activation, deactivation and advising other search and rescue authorities and agencies are initiated in accordance with policies and procedures.

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

Required Skills: 

• collect and analyse information
• access the various databases for contact names/numbers for resource allocation
• work as part of a team with minimum supervision
• communicate and consult with a range of individuals by a range of methods
• negotiation

Required Knowledge: 

• types of assets that are suitable for situations including:

• land search
• maritime search
• coastal search

• equipment range and performances of resources available for Search and Rescue
• policy relating to the secondment of Australian Defence Force assets for Search and Rescue
• each person’s role within the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)

• understanding of organisational policies and procedures
• understanding of personnel entitlements and administrative procedures
• understanding of occupational health and safety requirements
• understanding of technical maintenance state of Search and Rescue resources

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• Identify and obtain relevant resources
• Allocate appropriate assets to suit the situation
• Assess the capabilities and limitations of assets and continually review resources

Consistency in performance 

In order to assess these performance criteria it may be necessary for evidence to be collected over a period of time.

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 in order for simulation e.g. Search and Rescue exercise (SAREX) to be effected.

Guidance information for assessment  

Assessment with the following units would help meet aspects of holistic assessment:

• PUAAMS007B Coordinate search and rescue operations
• PUACOM003B Manage information
• PUATEA001B Work in a team

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.

Intelligence gathering methods  may include:

• Interrogating databases
• making phone calls

Strategies for obtaining resources  may include:

• conducting a cost/benefit analysis and risk analysis
• formal applications
• both internal and external
• verbal requests

Organisational policies and procedures protocols  may include:

• National Search and Rescue Manual
• International Search and Rescue Manual and reference texts
• legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response
• legislation relevant to the organisation
• operational, corporate and strategic plans
• operational performance standards
• organisational personnel practices and guidelines
• organisational quality standards

Resources  may include:

• Human resources – personnel within own work area and other areas and personnel from outside statutory bodies/agencies such as:

• Australian Defence Force (ADF)
• police
• voluntary agencies
• owners/agents
• offshore mineral/energy facilitates and international agencies

• Physical resources:

• equipment
• facilities
• vehicles
• vessels
• aircraft
• fuel
• accommodation
• computer-based Search and Rescue systems
• ADF/police assets
• communications systems and stationery

Physiological constraints  may include:

• hypothermia
• hyperthermia
• physical condition
• age
• sex
• mental condition
• health

Environmental constraints  may include:

• terrain
• weather conditions

Support considerations  may include:

• revising make-up of shifts
• meals and refreshments
• breaks
• accommodation
• fuel

Contacts  may include:

• individuals within organisations
• sections of an organisation(s) or general members of the public

Search and Rescue (SAR) authority  is:

• one of the designated search and rescue authorities in Australia and overseas as defined in the National Search and Rescue manual