Description

This unit covers the competency to identify, procure and task human and physical resources for Search and Rescue. The requirement to coordinate resources may be national, State and Territory and regional levels.

Pre/Co-Requisites

Pre-requisite units:

• Nil

Co-requisite units:

• PUACOM003B Manage information
• PUATEA001A Work in a team
• PUAAMS007A Coordinate search and rescue operations

Performance Criteria

1. Obtain required resources

1.1. Tasks are prioritised and analysed to determine resource requirements in accordance with the rescue plan

1.2. The availability of required resources is determined using intelligence gathering methods

1.3. Strategies for obtaining the required resources are identified as determined by the necessities of the Search and Rescue activity in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2. Organise resources

2.1. Resources are assessed and allocated in accordance with their suitability for the task, equipment carried and availability consistent with organisational policies and procedures

2.2. Resources are coordinated to ensure timely completion of tasks within physiological and environmental constraints

2.3. Personnel are encouraged and motivated to complete tasks consistent with organisational policies and procedures

2.4. Personnel needs are continually reviewed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.5. Support considerations for personnel are taken into account in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.6. Resource needs are continually reviewed based on intelligence

3. Liaise with supporting authorities

3.1. Contacts are identified in supporting authorities to facilitate liaison and cooperation

3.2. Details of contacts and resources/services are recorded and maintained in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.3. The role and support capabilities of other Search and Rescue authorities are determined through liaison, consultation and exchange of information in accordance
with organisational policies and procedures

3.4. Advising, activation and deactivation procedures for other Search and Rescue authorities and agencies are initiated 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

Intelligence gathering methods may include

• Interrogating databases
• making phone calls

Resources may include

• Human resources –
  • personnel within own work area and other areas and personnel from outside statutory bodies/agencies such as:
    • Australian Defence Force (ADF)
    • police
    • voluntary agencies
    • owners/agents
    • offshore mineral/energy facilitates and international agencies
• Physical resources:
  • equipment
  • facilities
  • vehicles
  • vessels
  • aircraft
  • fuel
  • accommodation
  • computer-based Search and Rescue systems
  • ADF/police assets
  • communications systems and stationery

Organisational policies and procedures protocols may include

• National Search and Rescue Manual
• International Search and Rescue Manual and reference texts
• legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response
• legislation relevant to the organisation
• operational
• corporate and strategic plans
• operational performance standards
• organisational personnel practices and guidelines
• organisational quality standards

Physiological constraints may include

• hypothermia
• hyperthermia
• physical condition
• age
• sex
• mental condition
• health

Environmental constraints may include

• terrain
• weather conditions

Human resource support considerations may include

• welfare
• health (mental and physical)
• safety
• overtime
• transport
• communications
• management of stress
• occupational health and safety

Strategies for obtaining resources may include

• conducting a cost/benefit analysis and risk analysis
• formal applications
• both internal and external
• verbal requests

Contacts may include

• individuals within organisations sections of an organisation(s) or general members of the public

Search and Rescue (SAR) authority

• is one of the designated search and rescue authorities in Australia and overseas as defined in the National Search and Rescue manual

Support considerations may include

• revising make-up of shifts
• meals and refreshments
• breaks
• accommodation
• fuel

Reference publications/material/documents may include

• IMO Manual
• ICAO Manual
• NATSAR Manual
• MERSAR Manual
• Organisational policies and procedures

Databases may include

• AusSAR
• SAR light calculator
• tidal predictions
• conversion tables
• SAR datum
• Maritime SAR planning
• Skyglobe
• TSD
• Sightmaster
• SHR
• COORDS
• Vector calculator
• SOS

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

• Identify and obtain relevant resources
• Knowledge in allocating appropriate assets to suit the situation
• Assessing the capabilities and limitations of assets and continual review of resources

Underpinning Knowledge

• accessing the various databases for contact names/numbers for resource allocation
• types of assets that are suitable for situations including:
  • land search
  • maritime search
  • coastal search
• duration
• equipment range and performances of resources available for Search and Rescue
• policy relating to the secondment of Australian Defence Force assets for Search and Rescue
• each person’s role within the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)
• understanding of organisational policies and procedures
• understanding of personnel entitlements and administrative procedures
• understanding of occupational health and safety requirements
• understanding of technical maintenance state of Search and Rescue resources

Underpinning Skills

• collect and analyse information
• cooperate as part of a team with minimum supervision
• effectively communicate and consult with a range of individuals by a range of means including fax, telephone and face-to-face negotiate

Resource implications

• On job assessment will not entail additional resources
• However, rosters may need to be amended in order for simulation eg Search and Rescue exercise (SAREX) to be effected

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 or may be undertaken in a simulation