4145 version 3
28-Jun-16
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SEA SURVIVAL AND SEA SAFETY
Control, conduct and respond to search
and rescue operation
level:
6
credit:
6
planned review date:
July 2006
sub-field:
Maritime
purpose:
People credited with this unit standard are able to conduct
and assist in search and rescue (SAR) operations; respond
to requests for assistance; implement and coordinate SAR
plans/operations; and command SAR operations.
entry information:
Open.
accreditation option:
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and industry.
moderation option:
A centrally established and directed moderation system has
been established by Competenz.
special notes:
Own vessel includes vessel as only respondent to the
distress, or one of a number of respondents. Operations are
undertaken in coastal waters and ocean areas. Level and
nature of assistance includes: record and relay distress,
rendezvous with distress, implementation of search and
rescue procedures, as only vessel and as instructed.
Communication occurs with the distress, other vessels,
shore, and aircraft.
Enactments include: International Convention on Standards
of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers,
Regulations II/2, II/3, II/4, 1978.
Knowledge supporting this unit standard includes: search
and rescue as described by MERSAR (Merchant Ship
Search and Rescue Manual); setting up chains of command,
communicating during search and rescue; difficulties in
sighting various types of vessels, planes, survival craft;
principles of length and duration of search; drift patterns of
disabled vessels and craft with relation to wind and currents;
and specific types of distress and emergency signals.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
4145 version 3
28-Jun-16
2 of 3
SEA SURVIVAL AND SEA SAFETY
Control, conduct and respond to search
and rescue operation
Elements and Performance Criteria
element 1
Respond to a request for assistance.
performance criteria
1.1
Requests for assistance are immediately recorded and responded to in
accordance with International Regulations and procedures.
1.2
Information of the position and nature of distress is as comprehensive as can be
obtained given time and conditions.
1.3
Complete reports of the distress are made to the correct authorities within a
time-frame which reflects the nature and severity of the distress.
element 2
Plan and implement a coordinated rescue approach at sea.
performance criteria
2.1
The level and nature of assistance provided is based on a realistic assessment
of the practicality and ability of own vessel to help.
2.2
Communications are maintained in line with International Regulations and
Procedures.
2.3
Plans for search and rescue procedures are designed to minimise risk to own
vessel and crews, and comply with MERSAR and SOLAS regulations.
2.4
Organisation and command chain with other stations involved in the rescue
comply with MERSAR procedures.
2.5
Manoeuvres to implement search and rescue are taken promptly and with due
regard to the existing circumstances and conditions.
2.6
Records of incidents are complete, accurate and comply with statutory
requirements.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
4145 version 3
28-Jun-16
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SEA SURVIVAL AND SEA SAFETY
Control, conduct and respond to search
and rescue operation
2.7
Duration of search and rescue operation meets the severity and type of
distress, and the existing conditions and circumstances.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Competenz qualifications@competenz.org.nz if you wish to suggest
changes to the content of this unit standard.
Please Note
Providers must be accredited by the Qualifications Authority or a delegated interinstitutional body before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards
or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by the Qualifications Authority before
they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards
must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for providers wishing to
develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and
assessors, and special resource requirements.
This unit standard is covered by AMAP 0054 which can be accessed at
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/site/framework/search.html.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016