Unit of competency Outline

Information current as of
14/09/2026 7:47 AM AWST

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Undertake marine search and rescue duties

Undertake marine search and rescue duties

Unit of competency
National Code
POLSAR026
State Code
OFK73
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 coordinate marine search and rescue (SAR) responses, determine current location and destination of subject(s), plan safe routes/courses, and plan marine SAR operations.This unit applies to those working as police staff involved in police marine SAR operations. It may be applied in the field and within an office environment.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 work health and safety (WHS).Those undertaking this unit would work within multi-agency teams and often liaise with stakeholders, while completing complex tasks in a broad range of contexts. They would make decisions independently while giving consideration to financial and human resource management requirements.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for marine SAR response
  • 1.1 Identify a command and control structure to facilitate marine SAR operations.
  • 1.2 Identify SAR coordination centre from which to facilitate marine SAR operations.
  • 1.3 Conduct risk and search urgency assessment to determine level of response.
  • 1.4 Identify jurisdictional information management systems required to gather information in relation to the subject(s).
  • 1.5 Assess information obtained from jurisdictional information management systems to inform marine SAR operations.
  • 1.6 Assess characteristics of the subject(s) and environment to inform SAR response.
  • 1.7 Communicate with stakeholders to facilitate flow of information to progress SAR operation.
2. Determine current location, destination and resources
  • 2.1 Assess information and intelligence gathered relating to the location and details of incident.
  • 2.2 Select appropriate charts, electronic navigation aids and navigation equipment from which to source and interpret information.
  • 2.3 Analyse information from charts and relevant resources to ensure accurate parameters of search area.
  • 2.4 Evaluate sea state, currents and tidal patterns to identify impacts on marine SAR operations.
  • 2.5 Plot last known position and estimated destination of subject(s) in distress on a chart using marine navigation techniques.
3. Determine and plan a safe route/course
  • 3.1 Evaluate information, including initial search areas and chart work to determine operational plan.
  • 3.2 Consider and allow for variables and prevailing conditions to record plots and search areas on charts.
  • 3.3 Estimate rescue asset’s speeds, search time, investigation time and endurance within prevailing conditions to provide an estimated search time/time of arrival.
  • 3.4 Identify potential obstacles and hazards to determine safe route/course.
4. Conduct marine SAR response
  • 4.1 Determine datum of subject(s) using wind and currents.
  • 4.2 Assess marine search strategies to inform SAR operations.
  • 4.3 Select marine search patterns in accordance with search strategy and prevailing conditions.
  • 4.4 Identify specialist marine resources to facilitate marine SAR operations.
  • 4.5 Determine taskings for specialist marine resources to facilitate marine SAR operations.
  • 4.6 Monitor and review size of search area based on prioritisation.
  • 4.7 Modify marine search strategies using on scene intelligence, continuously reviewing feasibility of rescue plan.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
ODO04 POLSAR019 Undertake marine search and rescue duties Unit of competency
No information