Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

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PUA12 V1

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PUA00 V8.1

Primary release on TGA.

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 aquatic search 

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

1.2 Task information is used to determine personal equipment needed for search operation.

1.3 Search equipment  is selected and checked for serviceability, and is stored/packed for use.

1.4 Faulty equipment is reported to supervisor.

2. Participate in aquatic search 

2.1 Specified team roles and functions are carried out in accordance with operational and task information.

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

2.3 Search boundaries are marked in line 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.

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.

3.2 Survival techniques  are applied when necessary.

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.

4.4 Initial scene preservation is conducted in line with organisational requirements.

5. Complete recall and stand down procedures 

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

5.2 Operational debriefing is participated in and operational documentation  is completed to organisational standards.

5.3 Where identified, symptoms of operational stress  are recognised and reported.

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

Required Skills 

• deal with clues and location of objects or causalities
• implement lost searcher procedures
• implement survival techniques
• maintain search information
• mark and space boundaries
• observe the situation/environment
• use personal protective equipment correctly
• work in a team

Required Knowledge 

• composition of team, and roles and responsibilities of team members
• duty of care
• local documentation requirements
• local hazards and environmental threats
• local operational briefing and debriefing procedures
• local operating procedures
• lost searcher procedures
• map reading
• object recovery procedures
• recall procedures
• relevant state/territory search management arrangements
• relevant occupational health and safety principles and practices
• requirements to preserve a crime scene and the preservation of evidence
• search formations
• signs and symptoms of operational stress
• survival techniques
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including hand signals and language style

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• comply with search orders
• observe the safety of self and others at all times during the search
• search during the day and night
• correctly apply survival techniques, search safety procedures and lost searcher procedures throughout the search when required

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time during an extended day/night activity during which a variety of searches for persons and objects are undertaken.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an actual or simulated search environment by observing the individual carry out a number of search activities relating to various search scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• appropriate environment to conduct the search operation
• other organisations in the operation such as police, helicopter rescue, marine search and rescue, other aquatic organisations - as required

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s:

• PUATEA001B Work in a team.

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions

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 terrain  may include:

• Bays and rivers
• Lakes and dams
• Ocean
• Sand
• Steep rock areas
• Surf

Aquatic searches may be conducted under conditions  such as:

• Hazardous environmental conditions including:

• adverse weather
• after dark operations
• difficult sea and surf conditions
• time pressure
• dangerous marine creatures

• Ocean or inland environments
• Operating as part of a multi-agency response

Task information  may include:

• Emergency rendezvous points
• Number, nature and description of persons or objects that are the focus of the search
• Command, control and coordination arrangements
• Ocean, surf and sea environmental information
• Operating area
• Potential hazards
• Time constraints
• Weather forecast

Search equipment  may include:

• Compass or other positioning equipment
• Food
• Maps and charts
• Notebook and pencil
• Personal first aid equipment
• Personal hygiene items
• Personal protective equipment, especially lifejackets, EPIRBs, wet weather gear, cold weather clothing, sun protection
• Radio communications equipment
• Water

Search formations  may include:

• Creeping line search pattern
• Square search pattern

Observation skills  may include:

• Picking up on physical cues
• Scanning

Communication  may include:

• Auslan gestures
• Calming and reassuring a casualty
• Face-to-face
• Facsimile
• Feedback of information
• Information technology systems
• Land line telephone
• Mobile telephone
• Radio
• Signalling systems
• Written

Survival techniques  may include:

• Conserving water, food and energy
• Constructing temporary shelters
• Locating other craft
• Locating shelter
• Obtaining water
• Skills relevant to the local areas (such as cold, heat, sea conditions, aquatic conditions)

Operational documentation  may include:

• Notes or sketches of findings
• Other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings

Operational stress symptoms  may include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Illness
• Indecision
• Intolerance
• Lack of focus
• Nausea