Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:43 PM 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.

Participate in an aquatic rescue operation

Participate in an aquatic rescue operation

Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR009B
State Code
D2876
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
09/02/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the competency required to participate in rescue operations as a member of an aquatic rescue team, including inland rivers, lakes, dams, surf zones and oceans. This unit underpins specialist rescue operations.Participation in a rescue operation may involve working with personnel who are trained appropriately to treat casualties including first aid officers, lifesavers, lifeguards, ambulance crew, doctors, nurses and paramedics.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare and respond to rescue
  • 1.1 Operation and task information is obtained and discussed with team members
  • 1.2 Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on task information as directed by the supervisor
  • 1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation
  • 1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route
2. Participate in assessing the rescue scene
  • 2.1 Hazards are identified on approach to rescue scene
  • 2.2 Methods for minimising hazards are discussed and agreed to by team members
  • 2.3 Hazards and environmental conditions are minimised or controlled
  • 2.4 Communication with other team members is maintained using appropriate techniques and terminology
  • 2.5 Health and safety, and security procedures are correctly followed in accordance with organisational policy and relevant legislation
  • 2.6 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to the supervisor
  • 2.7 Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported to the supervisor
3. Perform rescue
  • 3.1 Access to incident and/or casualties is gained using techniques and equipment in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.2 Rescue procedures are conducted in accordance with supervisor's instructions and organisational procedures
  • 3.3 Casualties are prepared for removal in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
  • 3.4 Casualties are extricated safely using appropriate equipment, rescue techniques and organisational procedures
4. Conclude rescue operations
  • 4.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained to organisational standards and manufacturers' procedures, and restored to maintain operational readiness
  • 4.2 Where identified, signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are reported to relevant personnel
  • 4.3 Operational debriefing is participated in and operational documentation is completed to organisational standards
  • 4.4 Hygiene precautions are implemented in accordance with the organisation's requirements
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.
Rescue operations may include participation in
Aquatic search and rescue
Bar rescue
Boating rescue
Cliff rescue
Open water sea rescue
River, lake or dam rescue
Surf rescue
Rescue equipment may include
Boards
Flotation equipment
Hand tools
Life rafts
Lighting equipment
Rescue vessels
Ropes
Tubes
Winch
Personal protective equipment may include
Appropriate protective clothing
Ear protection
Helmet
Infection protection
Personal floating devices
Reflective vests
Respiratory protection
Safety glasses
Safety gloves
Sun protection
Wetsuits
Hazards may include
Adverse weather
Cliffs and rocks
Hazardous creatures
Hazardous materials
Insufficient light
Other craft and users
Pollution
Piers
Sandbanks, bars and rips
Sea conditions
Surf type
Environmental conditions may include
Effects of weather
Sea, surf and ocean conditions
Shallow water, bars and rips
Tides
Communication techniques may include
Non-verbal
Signs and signals
Touch
Verbal
Written
Operational documentation may include
Incident reports
Legislation
Organisation's policies and procedures
Hygiene precautions may include
Avoiding contact with body fluids
Washing hands
Wearing appropriate protective clothing
EVIDENCE GUIDE



Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to apply safe work practices in rescue operations; to use equipment in accordance with organisational procedures; to respond and react to instructions in a safe, correct and timely manner; to correctly select and wear personal protective equipment in accordance with organisational requirements

Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated across a range of rescue operations over time to ensure identified situational variables are consistently achieved

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in a range of rescue operations while on the job or in a simulated environment and under a variety of weather conditions
Specific resources for assessment
Access to:
rescue and personal protective equipment listed in the Range statement
a suitable environment necessary to conduct a range of rescue operations listed in the Range statement

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
C9996 PUASAR009A Participate in an aquatic rescue operation Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D5518 PUASAR013A Participate in an aquatic rescue operation Unit of competency