MARF036 Coordinate search and rescue operations

Release: 1

MARF036 Coordinate search and rescue operations

Modification History

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the MAR Maritime Training Package.

Application

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist in planning and coordinating search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of: Master of a commercial vessel Unlimited. Licensing/Regulatory Information Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit. This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Master Unlimited and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.

Pre-requisite Unit

Not applicable.

Competency Field

F – Operational Quality and Safety

Unit Sector

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Elements describe the essential outcomes.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1	Activate SAR 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	SAR parameters are identified based on available information
1.5	SAR 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 SAR is established in collaboration with SAR authorities
2	Coordinate crew in SAR 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 SAR 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 SAR 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 SAR operations
3.2	Briefings are provided to appropriate people according to operational procedures
3.3	SAR 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	SAR 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 SAR support	5.1	Duration of the SAR operation is determined by the level of emergency
5.2	Instructions from internal and external authorities/agencies about the duration of the SAR 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 SAR records	6.1	Records of the SAR 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

Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range of Conditions

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

Unit Mapping Information

This unit replaces and is equivalent to MARF020 Coordinate search and rescue operations.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guide can be found in VetNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=772efb7b-4cce-47fe-9bbd-ee3b1d1eb4c2