Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:09 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:09 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.
Search as a member of an air search team
Search as a member of an air search team
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAAMS002B
PUAAMS002B
State Code
AVN13
AVN13
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the competency to conduct air search observation duties during an air search operation. All aspects of the unit should be implemented in line with organisational policies and procedures.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for search operations
- 1.1 Operational briefing is obtained from relevant search and rescueauthority.
- 1.2 Aircraft is configured and loaded in accordance with requirements and pilot-in-command instructions.
- 1.3 Involvement in briefings is undertaken.
- 1.4 Incident information is used to determine personal equipment needed for search operation.
2 Conduct search operations
- 2.1 Scanning distance is identified and aircraft windows are marked.
- 2.2 Search briefing is reviewed en route to task area.
- 2.3 Impediments toeffectiveobservation techniques are identified and appropriate adjustments made.
- 2.4 Observation technique is applied.
- 2.5 Search equipment is operated to maximise sighting and identification effectiveness.
3 Investigate sightings
- 3.1 Sightings are reported and maintained.
- 3.2 Sightings are investigated.
- 3.3 Sightings are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority.
4 Communicate outcome search
- 4.1 Signals are identified.
- 4.2 Communications are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority.
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.
Relevant search and rescue authorities may include:
rescue coordination centre
state and territory SAR authority
pilot-in-command
Impediments to effective observation techniques may include:
aircraft structure
glare
dirty or damaged windows
weather
environmental conditions
aircraft flight angle
Search equipment may include:
binoculars and other magnification equipment
radar
infra-red
radio direction finding equipment
video/camera equipment
night vision equipment
Sightings may include:
debris
damaged or discoloured vegetation
oil slicks
reflections
lights
smoke
burned areas
unusual colours, shapes or movements in the environment floating objects
Signals may include:
ground to air emergency signal code
international code of signals
signal panels
Morse code
improvised signals
Relevant search and rescue authorities may include:
rescue coordination centre
state and territory SAR authority
pilot-in-command
Impediments to effective observation techniques may include:
aircraft structure
glare
dirty or damaged windows
weather
environmental conditions
aircraft flight angle
Search equipment may include:
binoculars and other magnification equipment
radar
infra-red
radio direction finding equipment
video/camera equipment
night vision equipment
Sightings may include:
debris
damaged or discoloured vegetation
oil slicks
reflections
lights
smoke
burned areas
unusual colours, shapes or movements in the environment floating objects
Signals may include:
ground to air emergency signal code
international code of signals
signal panels
Morse code
improvised signals
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge and skill in the safe dispatch of target marking and communications equipment from aircraft in flight.
Consistency in performance
In order to assess these performance criteria it may be necessary for evidence to be collected over a period of time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Evidence can be collected on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation.
Specific resources for assessment
An appropriate training location/venue.
Access to aircraft and equipment required for learning and assessment activities.
Flight operations for learning/skills development and assessment.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment with the following units would help meet aspects of holistic assessment:
PUAAMS001B Work in an aviation environment
PUAEME001B Provide emergency care
PUATEA001B Work in a team
PUATE003B Lead, manage and develop teams
PUATEA004C Work effectively in a public safety organisation
Knowledge and skill in the safe dispatch of target marking and communications equipment from aircraft in flight.
Consistency in performance
In order to assess these performance criteria it may be necessary for evidence to be collected over a period of time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Evidence can be collected on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation.
Specific resources for assessment
An appropriate training location/venue.
Access to aircraft and equipment required for learning and assessment activities.
Flight operations for learning/skills development and assessment.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment with the following units would help meet aspects of holistic assessment:
PUAAMS001B Work in an aviation environment
PUAEME001B Provide emergency care
PUATEA001B Work in a team
PUATE003B Lead, manage and develop teams
PUATEA004C Work effectively in a public safety organisation
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAZ80 | PUAAMS002 | Search as a member of an air search team | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZS5 | AVI30216 | Certificate III in Aviation (Rescue Crewman) | Qualification |