Manage search and rescue operations

Unit of competency Outline

Information current as of
14/09/2026 11:11 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
POLSAR029

State Code
OFK76

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Pending

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
30/07/2026

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

Original Release Date

30/07/2026

Nominal Hours

Field of Education

091105 - Police Studies

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan for and manage police search and rescue (SAR) requirements, including communicating with stakeholders, analysing assets and evaluating activities.This unit applies to police officers involved in police SAR operations.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to human resource management and reporting requirements.Those undertaking this role may work autonomously and supervise teams while remaining responsible for reporting to senior staff. They would demonstrate adaptability while performing sophisticated tasks across a broad range of contexts.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

General notes

N/A

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Oversee initial SAR operations.

1.1 Review information relating to the incident to assess an operation.
1.2 Assess assetsrequired to complete SAR operations based on available information.
1.3 Evaluate plan to determine feasibility and likelihood of achieving SAR operation mission.

2. Manage SAR stakeholders.

2.1 Communicate nature of the operation to SAR stakeholders.
2.2 Assess roles, responsibilities and activities to brief SAR coordinators and stakeholders involved in operations.
2.3 Assess tasks and validate allocation.
2.4 Monitor performance, health, safety and wellbeing of SAR personnel and adjust plans as required.
2.5 Evaluate and disseminate feedback from teams and stakeholders to inform SAR operations.

3. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

3.1 Develop briefings for external stakeholders to ensure consistency of information.
3.2 Monitor assets to determine changing circumstances.
3.3 Negotiate with stakeholders to acquire assets for SAR operations.
3.4 Provide guidance and support to stakeholders to improve SAR effectiveness.

4. Manage SAR reporting requirements.

4.1 Collate information from internal and external sources to maintain comprehensive records.
4.2 Evaluate information to determine relevance.
4.3 Analyse available information to identify trends.
4.4 Develop recommendations for continuous improvement purposes.

5. Manage SAR media requirements.

5.1 Assess incident characteristics, and jurisdictional, legal and media requirements to develop a media strategy.
5.2 Control incident access to personnel/ volunteers/ victims/ casualties to maintain operational security and safety.
5.3 Assess provision of information and operational responsibilities when engaging with media.
5.4 Liaise with media to facilitate the two-way communication process and provision of information.
5.5 Oversee the provision of current and consistent information to media.
5.6 Identify and uphold work health and safety considerations for media requirements.
5.7 Oversee the maintenance of media interaction records, including media enquiries, briefings and interviews.

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
ODO06	POLSAR016	Manage search and rescue operations	Unit of competency