Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:37 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:37 AM 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.
Coordinate search and rescue operations
Coordinate search and rescue operations
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAAMS007B
PUAAMS007B
State Code
D3763
D3763
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/05/2014
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
29/05/2014
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit covers the competency to coordinate a Search and Rescue incident.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare search plan
- 1.1 Search and rescue assets and potential assets are identified and recorded in databases.
- 1.2 Strategic and tactical objectives are identified in accordance with unit plans.
- 1.3 Strategies to achieve objectives are identified.
- 1.4 Risk management strategies are identified and incorporated/conducted.
- 1.5 Information management strategies are identified and applied.
- 1.6 Search and Rescue procedures and policies are communicated to interested and affected persons, groups and organisations in accordance with the needs of those people.
2. Apply datum search planning principles
- 2.1 A last known/most probable position is established from available data.
- 2.2 Initial search procedures are implemented in accordance with the National Search and Rescue manual.
- 2.3 Calculations are made to establish intended track/area/position in accordance with planned route.
- 2.4 Time frame for survival of the missing person(s) is calculated.
- 2.5 Physiological and environmental factors are determined as a basis for decision making.
- 2.6 A search area is calculated consistent with organisational policies and procedures.
- 2.7 Search pattern and track spacing is determined.
- 2.8 A probability of detection factor is calculated.
- 2.9 Acceptability of probability of detection factor is evaluated.
- 2.10 Search area is recalculated or redefined, determined by availability of assets, changing weather conditions and search time available.
3. Apply rescue-planning principles
- 3.1 The nature of problem/distress is determined in accordance with the available information.
- 3.2 Rescue resources are identified, mobilised and monitored.
- 3.3 Operational risks are assessed and minimised.
- 3.4 Survivor delivery points are identified in accordance with requirements and capability of the rescue platform.
- 3.5 Physiological, geographic and medical factors are considered for rescue and delivery as per the situational requirements.
- 3.6 Time factors are considered as per the situational requirements.
- 3.7 The chosen solution is evaluated and reported against the determined criteria.
4. Evaluate operational direction
- 4.1 The search and rescue plan is implemented and amended as dictated by the requirements of the situation.
- 4.2 A process of continual evaluation is applied.
- 4.3 Contingency planning is conducted.
- 4.4 Regular briefings and debriefings are conducted.
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.
Assets may include:
aircraft
including helicopters
Australian Defence Force aircraft
vessels and personnel
police equipment and personnel
civilian vessels
volunteer groups
clubs and associations
Databases may include:
contact names
telephone numbers
addresses (where appropriate)
aircraft/vessel details
aircraft/vessel requirements
databases are maintained by updating details on a regular basis as determined by local policies and procedures
Information management strategies may include:
communication flow
use of technology
compatibility
audit trails
standardised information reporting procedures and formats
Available data may include:
route taken
last verbal/radio or other contact
known patterns based on historical/routine data
navigation plan
Calculations may include:
sweep width and track spacing calculations
area - time - velocity - spacing calculations
probability of detection factors
time/distance/speed calculations
time frame for survival and mobility calculations
Physiological factors may include:
physical condition
age
sex
mental condition
health
Environmental factors may include:
terrain
weather conditions
Determining a search pattern and track spacing may include:
taking into account environmental factors including: weather conditions
currents
terrain
target type including:
person
type of vessel/life raft; and physiological factors including body mass
clothing
medical conditions and state of mind
The nature of the problem may include:
size of area
time of day
number of lives at risk
location/accessibility
condition of survivors
capacity of available resources and speed of rescue platform(s)
Survivor delivery points may include:
hospital facilities
medical facilities
Time factors may include:
time frame for survival
speed of rescue platform
time of mobilisation
transit times
rescue platform endurance
Assets may include:
aircraft
including helicopters
Australian Defence Force aircraft
vessels and personnel
police equipment and personnel
civilian vessels
volunteer groups
clubs and associations
Databases may include:
contact names
telephone numbers
addresses (where appropriate)
aircraft/vessel details
aircraft/vessel requirements
databases are maintained by updating details on a regular basis as determined by local policies and procedures
Information management strategies may include:
communication flow
use of technology
compatibility
audit trails
standardised information reporting procedures and formats
Available data may include:
route taken
last verbal/radio or other contact
known patterns based on historical/routine data
navigation plan
Calculations may include:
sweep width and track spacing calculations
area - time - velocity - spacing calculations
probability of detection factors
time/distance/speed calculations
time frame for survival and mobility calculations
Physiological factors may include:
physical condition
age
sex
mental condition
health
Environmental factors may include:
terrain
weather conditions
Determining a search pattern and track spacing may include:
taking into account environmental factors including: weather conditions
currents
terrain
target type including:
person
type of vessel/life raft; and physiological factors including body mass
clothing
medical conditions and state of mind
The nature of the problem may include:
size of area
time of day
number of lives at risk
location/accessibility
condition of survivors
capacity of available resources and speed of rescue platform(s)
Survivor delivery points may include:
hospital facilities
medical facilities
Time factors may include:
time frame for survival
speed of rescue platform
time of mobilisation
transit times
rescue platform endurance
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge of defining the search area
preparing search and rescue plans and making recommendations to the Senior Search and Rescue Officer that are based on research.
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competence must be demonstrable for the relevant work situation by day or night. The assessment for this unit is most effectively undertaken on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation e.g. Search and Rescue Exercise - (SAREX).
Specific resources for assessment
On job assessment will not entail additional resources however, rosters may need to be amended in order for simulation e.g. Search and Rescue exercise (SAREX) to be effected.
Knowledge of defining the search area
preparing search and rescue plans and making recommendations to the Senior Search and Rescue Officer that are based on research.
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competence must be demonstrable for the relevant work situation by day or night. The assessment for this unit is most effectively undertaken on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation e.g. Search and Rescue Exercise - (SAREX).
Specific resources for assessment
On job assessment will not entail additional resources however, rosters may need to be amended in order for simulation e.g. Search and Rescue exercise (SAREX) to be effected.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3834 | PUAAMS007A | Coordinate search and rescue operations | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAZ76 | PUAAMS007 | Coordinate search and rescue operations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J679 | RII30713 | Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response and Rescue | Qualification |
| AZD6 | RII30715 | Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response and Rescue | Qualification |