Coordinate search and rescue operations

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:08 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
MARF6001A

State Code
WG424

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
06/06/2013

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

10/02/2014

Field of Education

080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.

Original Release Date

10/02/2014

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist in planning and coordinating search and rescue operations at sea.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1 Activate search and rescue support plan

1.1 Distress and emergency signals, and communications are recognised and evaluated
1.2 Type of emergency, and level and nature of assistance required is assessed and its practicability is considered
1.3 Communications are established, where possible, with the parties in distress, other vessels and relevant authorities/agencies
1.4 Search and rescue parameters are identified based on available information
1.5 Search and rescue strategy is developed based on all available information and after consultation with others, in the established chain of command
1.6 Required resources are identified according to the strategy
1.7 Strategy is evaluated and reviewed as determined by the input of all information and review of available resources
1.8 Organisation and command chain with other stations involved in the search and rescue is established in collaboration with search and rescue authorities

2 Coordinate crew in search and rescue operations

2.1 Crew members are informed of the scenario and strategy
2.2 Crew members are briefed on their roles and responsibilities and the way the crew will operate, and are deployed to the required stations
2.3 Tasks are allocated to crew members according to their roles in the crew and level of competence
2.4 Confirmation is gained from crew members of their understanding of the scenario, their role and the roles of other crew members
2.5 Performance of crew members is monitored and reviewed as the scenario unfolds to determine ongoing requirements
2.6 Directions are given to others involved in the search and rescue operation according to agreed plan and established chain of command
2.7 Manoeuvres of vessel are made according to agreed plan and with due regard to limits of the vessel and the environment
2.8 Feedback from crew members and others involved in the search and rescue operation is received and relayed to others according to agreed plan and established chain of command

3 Liaise with internal and external authorities/ agencies

3.1 Radio communication is established and maintained with all parties involved in the search and rescue operations
3.2 Briefings are provided to appropriate people according to operational procedures
3.3 Search and rescue progress is monitored and information is provided to internal and external authorities/agencies
3.4 Issues are negotiated with internal and external authorities/agencies
3.5 Resources are monitored and reviewed to meet changing requirements according to operational procedures
3.6 Problems/potential problems with the search and rescue are identified and solutions are developed in liaison with internal and external authorities/agencies
3.7 Guidance and support are provided and sought to/from internal and external authorities/agencies according to requirements

4 Manage communications systems

4.1 Communications systems are identified as appropriate to the situation and the strategy
4.2 Communications systems are selected according to agreed plan and established chain of command
4.3 Communications systems are managed to provide optimum capability

5 Conclude search and rescue support

5.1 Duration of the search and rescue operation is determined by the level of emergency
5.2 Instructions from internal and external authorities/agencies about the duration of the search and rescue are complied with
5.3 All information is collected and preserved
5.4 Debrief is conducted with relevant people involved
5.5 Items for improvement are identified and action is taken to have improvements built into support plans

6 Manage search and rescue records

6.1 Records of the search and rescue are made in the vessel log
6.2 Other documentation is completed as required by regulatory requirements
6.3 Reports are completed and disseminated according to organisational requirements

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Type of emergency may include:
Ditched aircraft
Person/s in distress in sea
Person/s in distress in survival craft
Vessel/s in distress
Information may include:
Agents and operators both private and commercial
Government departments
Members of the public
Search and rescue authorities
Specialist search and rescue information systems
Vessel/aircraft owners
Volunteer organisations
Resources may include:
Accommodation
Aircraft
Australian Defence Force/Police assets
Communications systems
Electronic aids
Equipment
Facilities
Fuel
Instructions
Manuals
Maps/charts
People
Vessels
Limits of the vessel and the environment may include:
Fuel range
Limits of propulsion
Prevailing weather
Sea conditions
Steering
Vessel stability
External authorities/agencies may include:
Aircraft
Other vessels
Search and rescue authorities
Other parties involved in the rescue
Reports may include:
Board reports and briefings
Briefings to government
Covering reports
Initial advice forms
Media releases
Messaging systems
Search and rescue logs

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
effectively liaising with internal and external authorities/agencies
providing high quality reports
attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where coordinating search and rescue operations can be conducted
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate coordinating search and rescue operations
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
S5397	TDMMF107B	ASSIST IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS	Unit of competency

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AVD93	MARF020	Coordinate search and rescue operations	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
J568	MAR60213	Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited)	Qualification