Elements and Performance Criteria

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 terrain may include:
Bays and rivers
Lakes and dams
Ocean
Sand
Steep rock areas
Surf
Aquatic searches may be conducted under conditions such as:
Hazardous environmental conditions including:
adverse weather
after dark operations
difficult sea and surf conditions
time pressure
dangerous marine creatures
Ocean or inland environments
Operating as part of a multi-agency response
Task information may include:
Emergency rendezvous points
Number, nature and description of persons or objects that are the focus of the search
Command, control and coordination arrangements
Ocean, surf and sea environmental information
Operating area
Potential hazards
Time constraints
Weather forecast
Search equipment may include:
Compass or other positioning equipment
Food
Maps and charts
Notebook and pencil
Personal first aid equipment
Personal hygiene items
Personal protective equipment, especially lifejackets, EPIRBs, wet weather gear, cold weather clothing, sun protection
Radio communications equipment
Water
Search formations may include:
Creeping line search pattern
Square search pattern
Observation skills may include:
Picking up on physical cues
Scanning
Communication may include:
Auslan gestures
Calming and reassuring a casualty
Face-to-face
Facsimile
Feedback of information
Information technology systems
Land line telephone
Mobile telephone
Radio
Signalling systems
Written
Survival techniques may include:
Conserving water, food and energy
Constructing temporary shelters
Locating other craft
Locating shelter
Obtaining water
Skills relevant to the local areas (such as cold, heat, sea conditions, aquatic conditions)
Operational documentation may include:
Notes or sketches of findings
Other relevant information required for potential coronial or other legal proceedings
Operational stress symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Headaches
Illness
Indecision
Intolerance
Lack of focus
Nausea

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
comply with search orders
observe the safety of self and others at all times during the search
search during the day and night
correctly apply survival techniques, search safety procedures and lost searcher procedures throughout the search when required
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time during an extended day/night activity during which a variety of searches for persons and objects are undertaken.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an actual or simulated search environment by observing the individual carry out a number of search activities relating to various search scenarios.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
appropriate environment to conduct the search operation
other organisations in the operation such as police, helicopter rescue, marine search and rescue, other aquatic organisations - as required
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s:
PUATEA001B Work in a team.
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions