Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:05 PM AWST

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Coordinate search and rescue operations

Coordinate search and rescue operations

Unit of competency
National Code
MARF036
State Code
OCH42
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/10/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/04/2021
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
09/04/2021
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to assist in planning and coordinating search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea.This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:Master of a commercial vessel Unlimited.Licensing/Regulatory InformationLegislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit. This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Master Unlimited and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Activate SAR 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 SAR parameters are identified based on available information
  • 1.5 SAR 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 SAR is established in collaboration with SAR authorities
2 Coordinate crew in SAR 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 SAR 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 SAR 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 SAR operations
  • 3.2 Briefings are provided to appropriate people according to operational procedures
  • 3.3 SAR 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 SAR problems/potential problems are identified and solutions are developed in liaison with internal and external authorities/agencies
  • 3.7 Guidance and support are provided and sought 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 SAR support
  • 5.1 Duration of the SAR operation is determined by the level of emergency
  • 5.2 Instructions from internal and external authorities/agencies about the duration of the SAR 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 SAR records
  • 6.1 Records of the SAR 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
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVD93 MARF020 Coordinate search and rescue operations Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BFW9 MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited) Qualification