Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:48 AM AWST
23/07/2026 9:48 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Search as a member of a land search team
Search as a member of a land search team
Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR008B
PUASAR008B
State Code
D3799
D3799
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the competency to search for and locate lost persons and/or items as a member of a land search team.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for land search
- 1.1 Operation and task information is obtained
- 1.2 Incident information is used to determine personal equipment needed for search operation
- 1.3 Search equipment is checked and packed for use
2. Participate in search
- 2.1 Specified team roles and functions are carried out
- 2.2 Search formation and spacings are maintained
- 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 the organisation's procedures
- 2.5 Communication is maintained within the team
- 2.6 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to the supervisor
3. Maintain search safety
- 3.1 Survival techniques are applied were required
- 3.2 Search safety procedures are implemented
- 3.3 Lost searcher procedures are implemented if required
4. Preserve scene
- 4.1 Supervisor is immediately advised of located persons or findings in accordance with the organisation's procedures
- 4.2 Initial preservation procedures are implemented to maintain the integrity of evidence
- 4.3 Initial scene preservation is conducted in line with the organisation's requirements
5. Complete recall and stand down procedures
- 5.1 Search equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures
- 5.2 Operational debriefing is participated in and documentation is completed to organisational standards
- 5.3 Where identified, symptoms of operational stress are recognised and reported
RANGE STATEMENT
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 operations may include
Operations are normally conducted in support of the police Volunteers may be involved in searches for missing persons objects or evidence
Land searches are most commonly on foot, although searches may be undertaken from two or four wheel vehicles or on horseback, skis and snowshoes
Search terrain may include
forests
grassland
steep rock areas sand
snow
urban areas
Land search may be conducted under conditions which include
hazardous environmental conditions including:
adverse weather
after dark operations
difficult terrain
time pressure
dangerous flora and fauna
urban or rural environments
operating as part of a multi-agency response
Incident and task information may include
number, nature and description of persons or objects that are the focus of the search
weather forecast
operating area
access and egress routes
emergency rendezvous points
terrain and environmental information
potential hazards
Command, control and co-ordination arrangements
time constraints
Communication may include
feedback of information
modes of communication as per PUACOM001C
calming and reassuring a casualty
Equipment used may include
Personal protective equipment, especially
wet weather gear
cold weather clothing
sun protection
water
food
overnight sleeping equipment
personal first-air equipment
personal hygiene items
notebook and pencil
boundary marking tapes
radio communications equipment
map
compass or other positioning equipment
Specific team roles
Determined based on the selected search technique
Search formations
Determined based on the selected search techniques
Observation skills
Day and night vision skills
Procedures to locate person or object
are determined locally depending on the nature of the incident and the requirements of the controlling authority. They are made clear in pre-search briefings
Survival techniques may include
Skills relevant to the local areas (such as cold, heat, terrain and forest)
Obtain water
constructing fires
locating shelter
constructing temporary shelters
conserving water
food and energy
Operational documentation may include
notes or sketches of findings or other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings
Symptoms of operational stress
may include fatigue
intolerance
indecision
lack of focus
nausea
headaches
illness
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 operations may include
Operations are normally conducted in support of the police Volunteers may be involved in searches for missing persons objects or evidence
Land searches are most commonly on foot, although searches may be undertaken from two or four wheel vehicles or on horseback, skis and snowshoes
Search terrain may include
forests
grassland
steep rock areas sand
snow
urban areas
Land search may be conducted under conditions which include
hazardous environmental conditions including:
adverse weather
after dark operations
difficult terrain
time pressure
dangerous flora and fauna
urban or rural environments
operating as part of a multi-agency response
Incident and task information may include
number, nature and description of persons or objects that are the focus of the search
weather forecast
operating area
access and egress routes
emergency rendezvous points
terrain and environmental information
potential hazards
Command, control and co-ordination arrangements
time constraints
Communication may include
feedback of information
modes of communication as per PUACOM001C
calming and reassuring a casualty
Equipment used may include
Personal protective equipment, especially
wet weather gear
cold weather clothing
sun protection
water
food
overnight sleeping equipment
personal first-air equipment
personal hygiene items
notebook and pencil
boundary marking tapes
radio communications equipment
map
compass or other positioning equipment
Specific team roles
Determined based on the selected search technique
Search formations
Determined based on the selected search techniques
Observation skills
Day and night vision skills
Procedures to locate person or object
are determined locally depending on the nature of the incident and the requirements of the controlling authority. They are made clear in pre-search briefings
Survival techniques may include
Skills relevant to the local areas (such as cold, heat, terrain and forest)
Obtain water
constructing fires
locating shelter
constructing temporary shelters
conserving water
food and energy
Operational documentation may include
notes or sketches of findings or other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings
Symptoms of operational stress
may include fatigue
intolerance
indecision
lack of focus
nausea
headaches
illness
EVIDENCE GUIDE
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence is demonstrated in compliance with search orders
Safety of self and others is observed at all times during the search
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Evidence of competence is to be gathered in an actual or simulated search environment
Specific resources for assessment
An appropriate environment to conduct the search operation is essential Support may include other organisations
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence is demonstrated in compliance with search orders
Safety of self and others is observed at all times during the search
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Evidence of competence is to be gathered in an actual or simulated search environment
Specific resources for assessment
An appropriate environment to conduct the search operation is essential Support may include other organisations
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3941 | PUASAR008A | Search as a member of a land search team | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5522 | PUASAR017A | Undertake advanced surf rescue | Unit of competency |
| D5532 | PUASAR027A | Undertake land search rescue | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J101 | HLT50412 | Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance) | Qualification |
| D103 | HLT60307 | Advanced Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance) | Qualification |