Description

This unit covers the competency to conduct air search observation duties during an air search operation.

Pre/Co-Requisites

Pre-requisite units:

• Nil

Co-requisite units:

• PUAAMS001A Work in an aviation environment
• PUATEA001A Work in a team
• PUATEA004B Work effectively in a public safety organisation
• PUAEME001A Provide emergency care
• PUATEA003A Lead, manage and develop teams

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for search operations

1.1. Operational briefing is obtained from relevant search and rescue authority

1.2. Aircraft is configured and loaded in accordance with policies, procedures and pilot-in-command instructions

1.3. Involvement in briefings is undertaken in accordance with policies and procedures and relevant documentation

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 in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2. Search briefing is reviewed en route to task area in accordance with policies and procedures

2.3. Impediments to effective observation techniques are identified and appropriate adjustments made in accordance with policies and procedures

2.4. Observation technique is applied in accordance with policies and procedures

2.5. Search equipment is operated to maximise sighting and identification effectiveness in accordance with policies and procedures

3. Investigate sightings

3.1. Sightings are reported and maintained in accordance with policies and procedures

3.2. Sightings are investigated in accordance with policies and procedures

3.3. Sightings are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority in accordance with policies and procedures

4. Communicate outcome search

4.1. Signals are identified in accordance with policies and procedures

4.2. Communications are logged and communicated to the relevant search and rescue authority in accordance with policies and procedures

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Relevant search and rescue authorities may include

• Rescue Coordination Centre
• State and Territory SAR authority
• pilot-in-command

Search operations may include

• fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft engaged in the location
• identification and communication with persons in distress on land or sea by day or night. This includes searching for evidence of the remains of vehicles. It also includes other Search and Rescue associated duties such as the placement of electronic beacons for use as search datums and drift indicators.

Policies and procedures may vary between sectors and organisations and may include

• legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response
• legislation relevant to the organisation
• jurisdictional requirements
• operational
• corporate and strategic plans
• operational Standing Operating Procedures
• operational performance standards
• organisational personnel practices and guidelines
• organisational quality standards, aircraft flight manuals

Impediments to observation techniques may include

• aircraft structure
• glare
• dirty or damaged windows
• weather
• environmental conditions
• aircraft flight angle

Observation techniques may include

• scanning
• saccading

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

Targets may include

• persons
• vehicles
• wreckage
• aircraft crash sites
• ships and small craft
• Target markers may include smoke/flame pyrotechnics, electrical lights, electronic beacons, dye, streamers, buoys
• Signals may include ground to air emergency signal code, international code of signals, signal panels, Morse code, improvised signals
• Communications equipment may include radio transceivers, mobile telephones, heliographs, signal panels, message bags
• Sightings are maintained to keep the target in sight
• Search briefing is reviewed to utilise the time en route to optimally prepare the searchers
• Briefings may include task, crew, pre-flight, safety, aircraft equipment

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

• Knowledge and skill in the safe dispatch of target marking and communications equipment from aircraft in flight

Underpinning Knowledge

• a basic understanding of search planning
• a basic understanding of the physiology of sight
• an understanding of factors which may indicate evidence of a search target
• an understanding of observation techniques and procedures
• an understanding of signalling/message equipment and procedures
• an understanding of target marking equipment and procedures

Underpinning Skills

• communicate information clearly within the search team
• make decisions based on available information
• select and use available technology appropriate to the search task

Resource implications

• An appropriate training location/venue
• Access to aircraft and equipment required for learning and assessment activities
• Flight operations for learning/skills development and assessment

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 assessment

• Evidence can be collected on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation