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 Information

Legislative 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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

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

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying procedures from the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

attending to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping

establishing radio communications and following correct communications procedures at all stages of search and rescue (SAR) operations

identifying and solving problems that may arise during SAR operations, reporting problems and issues, and taking appropriate action based on available information

liaising effectively with internal and external authorities/agencies

modifying activities according to vessel contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating hazards and risks that may arise during SAR operations and taking appropriate action

planning to coordinate SAR operations according to international guidelines and standards

providing one of the following high-quality reports:

briefings to authorities

initial advice forms

management reports and briefings

messaging systems

taking appropriate initiative for SAR operations

using relevant publications, charts, meteorological data, particulars of vessels involved, radio communications equipment and other available facilities.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

chain of command and organisational requirements used in SAR operations

external authorities/agencies

IAMSAR Manual

limits of the vessel and the environment, including:

fuel range

prevailing weather

propulsion

sea conditions

steering

vessel stability

maritime communications techniques applicable to SAR operations

principles involved in determining the duration and scope of a SAR

responsibilities when participating in SAR operations

SAR techniques and procedures

sequence of actions to be taken after sighting or receiving a distress signal or call for assistance

types of emergency signals

types of distress and emergency, and response required in each case, including:

ditched aircraft

person/s in distress in sea

person/s in distress in survival craft

vessel/s in distress

types of search patterns and their application

typical SAR problems and appropriate actions and solutions

WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Practical assessment must occur in a workplace, or realistic simulated workplace, under the normal range of workplace conditions.

Simulations and scenarios may be used where situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely, in particular for situations relating to emergency procedures and adverse weather conditions where assessment would be unsafe, impractical or may lead to environmental damage.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry, including one or more of the following resources:

communications systems

electronic aids

equipment

facilities

fuel

instructions

maps/charts

people

vessels.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Not applicable.

F – Operational Quality and Safety