Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:00 AM AWST
23/07/2026 9:00 AM AWST
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Employ visual emergency signalling techniques in a survival situation
Employ visual emergency signalling techniques in a survival situation
Unit of competency
National Code
DEFSUR003
DEFSUR003
State Code
AVP06
AVP06
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
05/08/2016
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit describes the skills required to employ visual emergency signalling techniques in a survival situation. The individual is not meant to be an expert signaller, but must demonstrate sufficient skills and knowledge to construct, maintain and employ functional emergency signalling devices to enhance their survival through the attraction of, and basic communication with, search and rescue (SAR) agencies.This unit was developed for Defence personnel but may be relevant to others.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.Those undertaking this unit would act autonomously, while performing concrete tasks, in a broad range of contexts which may be highly unpredictable.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for construction of visual emergency signals
- 1.1 Assess available natural and artificial resources for their application in emergency signalling.
- 1.2 Examine local area and identify the ground that would afford optimum visibility to searchers but minimum physical effort to the survivor.
- 1.3 Observe and note sun’s transit to determine the optimum placement of reflective signalling devices.
2. Prepare emergency signalling devices for use
- 2.1 Site and construct groundtoair emergency signals using purpose signal marker panels and/or improvised markers to optimise visibility from the air.
- 2.2 Site and construct tinsel/Christmas tree devices using artificial resources to optimise visibility from the air.
- 2.3 Site and construct an emergency signal fire to optimise visibility from the air, considering the prevailing wind’s effect (if any) on smoke trails.
- 2.4 Site and excavate shadow trenches, considering the sun’s movement.
- 2.5 Prepare purpose-built signalling devices.
3. Employ visual emergency signals
- 3.1 Initiate an emergency signal fire and utilise fuel to maximise the visual signature.
- 3.2 Attract search aircraft attention by employing purpose-built signalling devices.
- 3.3 Interpret and respond to recognition and response signals from search aircraft.
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| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD269 | DEFSS00011 | Survival Skill Set | Skill set |