PUAAMS002A Search as a member of an air search team

Release: 1

Modification History

Not Available

INTRODUCTION

Unit Name	Search as a member of an air search team
Unit Code	PUAAMS002A
Unit Descriptor	This unit covers the competency to conduct air search observation duties during an air search operation.

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Prepare for search operations	Operational briefing is obtained from relevant search and rescue authority Aircraft is configured and loaded in accordance with policies, procedures and pilot-in-command instructions Involvement in briefings is undertaken in accordance with policies and procedures and relevant documentation Incident information is used to determine personal equipment needed for search operation
2. Conduct search operations	Scanning distance is identified and aircraft windows are marked in accordance with organisational procedures Search briefing is reviewed en route to task area in accordance with policies and procedures Impediments to effective observation techniques are identified and appropriate adjustments made in accordance with policies and procedures Observation technique is applied in accordance with policies and procedures Search equipment is operated to maximise sighting and identification effectiveness in accordance with policies and procedures
3. Investigate sightings	Sightings are reported and maintained in accordance with policies and procedures Sightings are investigated in accordance with policies and procedures Sightings are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority in accordance with policies and procedures
4. Communicate outcome search	Signals are identified in accordance with policies and procedures Communications are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority in accordance with policies and procedures

RANGE STATEMENT

Relevant search and resuce authorities may include	Rescue Coordination Centre State and Territory SAR authority pilot-in-command
Search operations may include	fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft engaged in the location, identification and communication with persons in distress on land or sea by day or night. This includes searching for evidence of the remains of vehicles. It also includes other Search and Rescue associated duties such as the placement of electronic beacons for use as search datums and drift indicators
Policies and procedures may vary between organisations and may include	legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response legislation relevant to the organisation jurisdictional requirements operational corporate and strategic plans operational Standing Operating Procedures operational performance standards organisational personnel practices and guidelines organisational quality standards aircraft flight manuals
Impediments to observation techniques may include	aircraft structure glare dirty or damaged windows weather environmental conditions aircraft flight angle
Observation techniques may include	scanning saccading
Search equipment may include	binoculars and other magnification equipment radar infra-red radio direction finding equipment video/camera equipment night vision equipment
Sightings may include	debris damaged or discoloured vegetation oil slicks reflections lights smoke burned areas unusual colours, shapes or movements in the environment floating objects
Targets may include	persons vehicles wreckage aircraft crash sites ships and small craft
Target markers may include	smoke/flame pyrotechnics electrical lights electronic beacons dye streamers buoys
Signals may include	ground to air emergency signal code international code of signals signal panels Morse code improvised signals
Communications equipment may include	radio transceivers mobile telephones heliographs signal panels message bags
Sightings are maintained to	keep the target in sight
Search briefing is reviewed to	utilise the time enroute to optimally prepare the searchers
Briefings may include	task crew pre-flight safety aircraft equipment

EVIDENCE GUIDE

Critical aspects of evidence	Knowledge and skill in the safe dispatch of target marking and communications equipment from aircraft in flight
Interdependent assessment of units	Pre-requisite units: Nil Co-requisite units: PUAAMS001A Work in an aviation environment PUATEA001A Work in a team PUATEA004B Work effectively in a public safety organisation PUAEME001A Provide emergency care PUATE003A Lead, manage and develop teams
Underpinning knowledge	Evidence of: a basic understanding of search planning a basic understanding of the physiology of sight an understanding of factors which may indicate evidence of a search target an understanding of observation techniques and procedures an understanding of signalling/message equipment and procedures an understanding of target marking equipment and procedures
Underpinning skills	The ability to: communicate information clearly within the search team make decisions based on available information select and use available technology appropriate to the search task
Resource implications	An appropriate training location/venue Access to aircraft and equipment required for learning and assessment activities Flight operations for learning/skills development and assessment
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 assessment	Evidence can be collected on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation

KEY COMPETENCY LEVELS

Collect, Analyse & Organise Information	Communicate Ideas & Information	Plan & Organise Activities	Work with Others & in Teams	Use Mathematical Ideas & Techniques	Solve Problems	Use Technology
Level 1	Level 2	Level 2	Level 1	Level 1	Level 2	Level 2