Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:06 PM AWST

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Search as a member of an aquatic search team

Search as a member of an aquatic search team

Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR011
State Code
OAX80
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/07/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/02/2020
Field of Education
120505 - Work Practices Programmes
Original Release Date
26/02/2020
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to search for and locate missing persons and/or items as a member of an aquatic search team working in a range of search terrains.While normally undertaken in variety of craft, aquatic searches may also include cliff searches and searches assisted by aerial support or other craft. Search operations are generally conducted in support of police and may include searches for missing persons, objects and/or evidence.Participating in an aquatic search operation, generally as a member of a team, will require the application of a variety of skills. Competence in this unit will include appropriate preparedness, response, direct participation in a search and appropriate post search recovery.The unit is applicable to lifesavers, lifeguards or other personnel who are required to perform or participate in a search, regularly or occasionally, in an aquatic environment. Successful achievement of this unit will require practical application of skills in a real or simulated search operation.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for aquatic search
  • 1.1 Search operation and task information is obtained and discussed with team members
  • 1.2 Task information is used to determine personal protective clothing and equipment needed for search operation
  • 1.3 Search equipment is selected and checked for serviceability and is appropriately stored and/or packed for use
  • 1.4 Faulty equipment is identified and reported to supervisor
2 Participate in aquatic search
  • 2.1 Specified team roles and functions are carried out, in accordance with organisational procedures and task information
  • 2.2 Search formation or grids are used to locate missing persons or objects
  • 2.3 Search boundaries are marked, in accordance 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, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 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, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.2 Survival techniques are applied, as required
  • 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, as required
  • 4.4 Initial scene preservation is conducted, in accordance with organisational procedures
5 Complete recall and stand down procedures
  • 5.1 Search equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines
  • 5.2 Operational debriefing is participated in and relevant documentation is completed, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 5.3 Symptoms of operational stress in self or others is recognised and reported to relevant personnel
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D5560 PUASAR011C Search as a member of an aquatic search team Unit of competency