38th meeting papers pdf, 5.88 mb

38th National Search & Rescue Council 2014 Contents and Meeting Papers

Welcome Welcome to Manly

Contents & Meeting Papers List of meeting papers Australian SAR Award Dinner, Order of Proceedings

Session 1: Administration No paper

Session 2: NATSAR Council Meeting Agenda 2.1 Order of Business

WP 2-1-1 Agenda

Session 3: SAR Operations 3.1 SAR Authority Reports

WP 3-1-1 QLD WP 3-1-2a NSW (land) WP 3-1-2b NSW (maritime) WP 3-1-3 TAS WP 3-1-4 WA WP 3-1-5 SA WP 3-1-6a VIC (land) WP 3-1-6b VIC (maritime) WP 3-1-7 NT WP 3-1-8 AFP WP 3-1-9 ADF

NATSAR 38: Contents and Meeting Papers

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3.2 National Volunteer Marine SAR Committee

WP 3-2-1 NVMSARC Report

3.3 AMSA SAR Operations

WP 3-3-1 SAR Ops Report

3.4 AMSA SAR Resources & Training

WP 3-4-1 SR&T Report

3.5 International SAR Operations and Liaison

No paper

Session 4: National SAR System Arrangements 4.1 IGA Review Process

Ref IGA 2012

4.2 IGA Roles, Responsibilities and Obligations

WP 4-2-1 Coordination Responsibilities for Land SAR Incidents

4.3 Council Strategic Outlook and Business Plan

WP 4-3-1 Strategic Outlook WP 4-3-2 Business Plan

4.4 Risk Register

No paper

Session 5: MH370 Presentation No paper

Session 6: National SAR Capability 6.1 SAR Map Working Group

Ref. SARMap Meeting Notes


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6.2 National SAR Statistics

WP 6-2-1 National SAR Statistics WP 6-2-2 Statistics of Deceased

6.3 Lost Person Behaviour

WP 6-3-1 LPB Statistics

Session 7: SAR Technology 7.1 Mobile Technology

WP 7-1-1 SAR Master Computer

7.2 Maritime Communications

No paper

7.3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

No paper

7.4 Electronic Visual Aids

No paper

Session 8: National SAR Manual 8.1 Manual Amendments

WP 8-1-1 Amendments to NLSOM WP 8-1-2 Amendments to NATSARMAN WP 8-1-3 Standardised SAR Terminology

8.2 Review of Amendment Process

No paper


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Session 9: Training and Education 9.1 ANZPAA Presentation

No paper

9.2 Volunteer SAR Training

No paper

9.3 National Police SAR Manager’s Course

WP 9-3-1 Managers Report

9.4 National Training Initiatives

No paper

Session 10: Council Administration & Development 10.1 SAR Conference Initiatives

No paper

10.2 NATSAR Council action table

WP 10-2-1 Updated Action Plan WP 10-2-2 Beacon Legislation

Session 11: Any Other Business 11.1 Beacon Registration Stickers

WP 11-1-1 Beacon Registration Stickers

11.2 NVMSARC Web Presence

WP 11-2-1 NVMSARC Web Presence

Tab 12: Reference Papers Teleconference May 2014 Teleconference Aug 2014

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2014 Australian Search and Rescue Award

Order of Proceedings

Date: Thursday 2nd October 2014

Time: 1900-2230

Venue: Australian Institute of Police Management, Collins Beach Road, Manly, NSW.

Dress: Jacket and tie (uniform optional)

Contact: Louise Proctor 0428 133 739

Shauna Binutti 0400 480 638

Time Occurrence

1900-1930 Welcome drinks

Welcome drinks provided.

1930-1940 Official Welcome

John Young, NATSAR Council Chair

1940-1955 Entree Served

1950-2000 Introduce Guest Speaker

Mark Hutchings, Detective Superintendent, Marine Area Command, NSW Police

2000-2030 Guest Speaker Presentation

Ann Sherry AO, Carnival Australian CEO

2030-2100 Mains Served

2100-2140 Presentation of the 2014 Australian Search & Rescue Award

Mick Kinley, AMSA CEO

2140-2155 Dessert Served

2230 Guests Depart

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38th National Search and Rescue Council Meeting

Sydney, NSW

1 – 3 October 2014 Australian Institute of Police Management

Collins Beach Road, Manly NSW 2095 Contact number: 02 6279 5558 or 0428 133 739

DAY 1 Wednesday, 1st October 2014

Time Topic Speaker

1200-1300 1 Commencement Lunch

1300-1315 2 Formal Opening Assistant Commissioner, NSW Police

1315-1330 3 Session 1: Administration

1.1 Welcome and apologies

Chair

1330-1345 4 Session 2: NATSAR Council Meeting Agenda

2.1 Order of business and any other items

Chair

1345-1500 5 Session 3: SAR Operations

3.1 SAR Authority Reports

3.2 National Volunteer Marine SAR Committee

All Members

NVMSARC

1500-1515 6 Afternoon Tea

1515-1630 7 Session 3: SAR Operations cont.

3.3 AMSA SAR operations

3.4 AMSA SAR Resources and Training

3.5 International SAR Operations and Liaison

AMSA

AMSA

NZ

1630 8 Meeting ends

1650 Transportation to Manly Wharf for evening entertainment NSW Police

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DAY 2 Thursday, 2nd October 2014

Time Topic Speaker

0830-0900 9 Tea and coffee on arrival

0900-1030 10 Session 4: National SAR System Arrangements

4.1 IGA review process

4.2 IGA roles, responsibilities and obligations

4.3 Council Strategic Outlook and Business Plan

4.4 Risk Register

All

1030-1100 11 Morning Tea

1100-1230 12 Session 4: National SAR System Arrangements cont.

1230-1330 13 Lunch

1330-1400 14 Session 5: MH370 Presentation

5.1 Implementing the national arrangement for a major SAR incident

AMSA / APASA

1400-1530 15 Session 6: National SAR Capability

6.1 SAR Map Working Group

6.2 National SAR Statistics

6.3 Lost Person Behaviour

Sasha Zigic

Jim Whitehead

Steve Cooke

1530-1545 16 Afternoon Tea

1545-1615 17 Session 6: National SAR Capability cont.

1615-1700 18 Session 7: SAR Technology

7.1 Mobile Technology

- Marine Area Command app

- SAR Master Computer

- Triple Zero App

7.2 Maritime Communications

7.3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

7.4 Electronic Visual Aids

Microsoft Representative

Jim Whitehead

AMSA

AMSA / AFP

AMSA

1900-2230 19 Australian SAR Award Dinner

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DAY 3 Friday, 3rd October 2014

Time Topic Speaker

0830-0900 20 Tea and coffee on arrival

0900-0930 21 Session 8: National SAR Manual

8.1 Manual amendments

8.2 Review of amendment process

All

Secretariat

0930-1030 22 Session 9: Training and Education

9.1 ANZPAA Presentation

9.2 Volunteer SAR Training

9.3 National Police SAR Manager’s Course Report

9.4 National training initiatives

Amy Mehrton

Alex Barrell

Mick Wear

All

1030-1100 23 Morning Tea

1100-1200 24 Session 10: Council Administration & Development

10.1 SAR conference initiatives

10.2 NATSAR Council action table

All

Secretariat

1200-1230 25 Session 11: Any other business

11.1 Beacon Registration Stickers

11.2 NVMSARC Web Presence

AMSA

NVMSARC

1230-1330 26 Lunch

Queensland SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-1

Date: 01/10/14 Originator: QLD

Top 5 Report Highlights 3 new 25m vessels for Qld Water Police 2 member increase in diver numbers Only 6 SAR targets unaccounted for Training has been maintained at a cracking pace SAR is being moved from Water Police to Disaster management Section

Summary of activities for past financial year There have been many changes at a departmental level within the Qld Government. The most important from a SAR perspective is the moving of all volunteer groups under the newly formed Qld Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). This now means that a non SAR Authority is responsible for the day to day management of all SAR volunteer resources. It is unknown how this will affect SAR procedures but may mean we have to ask for resources from another agency to conduct SAR.

Marine / Land SAR Statistics Marine: 931

Land: 368

Targets recovered alive: 2067

NATSAR 38 3-1-1 – Queensland SAR Activity Report

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Targets recovered deceased: 54

Targets not recovered: 6

Total Police Man-hours: 8,228.5hrs

Total Volunteer man-hours: 29,665hrs

Savings to Community: $8,350,680,000.00 in returned lives.

Notable SAR Incidents A 24yr old male went missing in the Glencore Mine at Mt Isa. Eventually he was located deceased under 360 tons of rocks in a stope 1.8km underground. The search created some interesting issues such as complete darkness and temperatures in the mine shafts ranging from 34 to 68°C.

A 89 year old dementia sufferer went missing from home on Bribie Island. Disappeared within a one hour window and was never found in spite of an intensive 7 day search.

There were numerous SAR incidents in the Simpson Desert, 100-300km west and south of Birdsville.

There were also 3 separate incidents in the Torres Strait where between 5 and 10 persons had disappeared while sailing from PNG to visit relatives in the Strait. Extensive searching failed to locate any debris or evidence.

Causative Factors The number of SAR incidents has remained reasonably level over the last 4 years, with some movement between land and marine, depending on the financial situation of the State. There is a slow creep up of land SAR incidents, mainly due to an increase in Queenslanders remaining at home for their holidays and exploring our natural resources. The cyclones and other disasters caused few SAR incidents.

Search and Rescue Capability The Queensland SAR capability has been augmented by the delivery of the first of the new 25m catamarans to Cairns. The next two are believed to be ready for late 2014, going to Townsville and Whitsunday. These new vessel will allow for patrols up to 8 days duration for eight members.

NATSAR 38 3-1-1 – Queensland SAR Activity Report

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Training During this period there has been 6 Field Search Courses conducted throughout Queensland with 92 members trained for field operations.

One course was conducted for the AFP in March.

SAR Training was also provided to a small number of Timorese members through a US funded program.

Safety Programs and Community Awareness Torres Straits Marine Safety Program

Future Developments Consolidation of the new SAR Courses, development of tertiary qualifications and the maintenance of the National Land SAR Operations Manual are planned for the coming year.

The mine search undertaken at Mt Isa will be used to develop a standard for underground searching based on the lessons learnt.

Dead Person Behaviour is also a major undertaking to augment that of LPB. It is hoped that this will lead to us looking at some of the cold cases throughout the nation.

State/Territory SAR Committee Report The State SAR Committee met in December 2013. A wide range of SAR issues were discussed, including the dispersing the EMQ personnel and assets, the volunteers coming under the control of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, call out procedures and SAREX’s.

NSW Police Rescue SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-2a

Date: 1 Oct 2014 Originator: NSW

Summary of Activities for the past year A total of 151 land searches were recorded on the Police Rescue Land Search Database from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014. Of these 151 land searches, 77 were attended by Land Search Coordinators, being 50.99%.

NATSAR 38 3-1-2a – NSW Police Rescue SAR Activity Report

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Land SAR Statistics The 151 is marginally up from the 144 finally recorded for the 2012/2013 Financial Year. The comparison across the Regions is depicted in the table below.

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Central Metropolitan 11 5 3 5 North West Metropolitan 45 32 59 51 Northern Region 25 23 24 23 South West Metropolitan 11 8 6 10 Southern Region 27 30 25 36 Western Region 35 27 27 26

The comparison across the Local Area Commands is depicted in the table below. LAC 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Albury 1 2 2 3

Ashfield 1 0 0 0

Bankstown 0 1 3 2

Barrier 3 4 4 4

Barwon 1 4 3 3

Blacktown 2 1 1 1

Blue Mountains 22 12 40 25

Brisbane Water 1 3 1 0

Burwood 1 0 0 0

Cabramatta 0 0 0 1

Camden 4 1 0 2

Campbelltown 0 1 0 0

Campsie 0 0 1 0

Canobolas 4 4 1 5

Castlereagh 1 1 0 2

Central Hunter 0 2 0 0

Chifley 8 3 11 2

Coffs/Clarence 5 1 6 3

Cootamundra 1 2 0 2

Darling River 3 2 1 2

Deniliquin 5 3 1 1


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Eastern Beaches 2 1 0 1

Eastern Suburbs 5 1 3 0

Eastwood 0 0 1 0

Fairfield 2 3 5 4

Far South Coast 5 4 4 6

Gladesville 0 0 0 1

Goulburn 0 1 1 9

Green Valley 1 0 0 0

Griffith 0 0 0 3

Harbourside 5 2 4 0

Hawkesbury 1 0 1 2

Hunter Valley 0 1 0 0

Hurstville 1 5 5 0

Kuring Gai 1 3 0 6

Lachlan 1 3 3 3

Lake Illawarra 1 2 3 2

Lake Macquarie 1 0 0 0

Leichhardt 2 1 0 0

Liverpool 1 0 0 0

Macquarie Fields 2 2 3 1

Manly 0 0 0 1

Manning/Great Lakes 1 0 0 4

Marrickville 0 2 4 0

Mid North Coast 1 1 1 3

Miranda 4 3 7 0

Monaro 0 0 1 3

Mt Druitt 1 1 2 0

Mudgee 4 2 1 1

New England 0 1 0 1

Newcastle City 2 3 0 4

North Shore 0 4 3 2

Northern Beaches 5 2 1 10

Orana 5 2 2 0

Oxley 1 0 0 3

Parramatta 2 2 2 0

Penrith 2 0 1 2

Port Stephens 1 0 0 3

Redfern 4 3 1 0

Richmond 4 4 2 2


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Rose Bay 0 0 0 2

Shoalhaven 1 0 0 2

St George 2 1 0 0

St Marys 4 2 2 0

Sutherland 2 0 1 2

The Hills 4 1 1 1

Tuggerah Lakes 5 6 3 4

Tweed/Byron 0 3 1 0

Wagga Wagga 4 1 0 0

Wollongong 4 1 0 5

The comparison and breakdown of why persons go missing is in the table below.

2011/12 2012/13 2012/14

Canoeing 1 5 2 Canyoning 2 12 2 Caving 0 0 1 Cycling 1 3 1 Dementia 14 10 25 Driving/Riding 17 7 8 EPIRB 1 0 0 Fishing 2 4 1 Flying 1 0 1 Hiking 19 32 22 Hoax 1 0 0 Hunting 0 2 0 Not Missing 1 0 4 Offender 1 0 0 Other 0 5 6 Runaway 6 8 13 Suicidal 19 27 26 Suspicious 5 1 3 Unknown 0 0 10 Wandering 33 28 26


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LandSAR Incidents breakdown and comparison is in the table below.

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Downed Aircraft 1 0 1 Medivac 0 0 0 Other 40 66 44 Overdue 36 12 8 PLB/EPIRB 2 11 0 Senior Person 14 12 25 Tip Search 0 0 0 Tow 0 0 0 Vehicle 17 4 5 Walker/Outdoor 33 39 58

2013/2014 Financial Year Land Sear & Rescues


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Notable SAR Incidents A significant large scale LandSAR event that captured the attention of the media was that of missing person Gary Tweedle. The search commenced 16th July 2013 and concluded after a ten day period of time before being suspended. A number of other inquires regarding the missing person was running in parallel to the search. Gary Tweedle’s body was subsequently located by an emergency services helicopter during a training flight in the vicinity of the search area. Last year’s large scale search for missing Canadian national Prabhdeep SRAWN, missing in the Snowy Mountains at Charlottes Pass continued into this financial year with a second search effort conducted in November. This second push commenced once the snow melt had begun with further ground resources and assisted by aerial assets from Westpac. In December 2013 a private search party from Canada funded by the family of the missing person also undertook several searches looking for any sign of Prabhdeep SRAWN again with negative results. The search saw extensive resources and many hours invested into the search and challenges faced when dealing with foreign nationals. The search was officially suspended in May 2014.

Causative Factors The subsequent investigations of both searches were the result of very different actions of both the individuals concerned. Gary Tweedle became disorientated whilst under effects of drugs/alcohol or both and fell from the cliffs in thick bushland in darkness. His body was wedged in a rock crevice located within the search area. His body was not easily seen unless being at the right angle to the position of his body. This area was searched by ground teams and aircraft as a tasking, however given his location this accounts for not being found in the early stages of the search.

Pradeep SHRAWN was ill prepared for the sudden and unexpected climatic conditions that of the Alpine regions. It was apparent that sometime during his trek across the ranges he has been caught out by the sudden change and succumbed to


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hyperthermia. The initial notification that SHRAWN was missing did not reach police until five days after it is believed he had set off for his walk. By this time there was no likely chance of survival.

Search and Rescue Capability

Viking UATV Royal National Park Sydney

The LandSAR capability of the NSW Police rescue has increased with the recent acquisition of Yamaha WR 450 police trail bikes and a Viking, Utility All terrain Vehicle. These vehicles have been used extensively within the Land SAR role to date. All operators have undertaken training in either the trail bikes, UATV or in some cases both to allow for greater coverage of both the asset and operator. The trail bikes and ATV assets have been deployed operationally on several occasions and have made significant impact in locating persons within the search area in a timely manner. These positive actions will see increased use of both trail bikes and ATV in SAR and other operational duties.


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Yamaha WR 450’s on search deployment in Western New South Wales for a missing male

The flood boat and swift water RHIB to enhance the operational capability of police rescue with assistance of the MAC


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The NSW Police have committed heavily to undertaking use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in all areas of operational policing. This undertaking and commitment has seen five “pilots” recently trained from the Police rescue with the expectation that when fully operational the UAV’s will be able to be deployed for LandSAR duties to assist in a timely and cost efficient manner. This will be a significant increase in the capability of NSW Police Rescue in respect of LandSAR.


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Training Over the past twelve months there has been ongoing training and development of Land Search Coordinators. A number of Land Search Coordinators honed their skills during this year’s Navshield which is a multi agency event, hosted by the Bushwalker Wilderness Rescue Squad. A major multi-agency Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) conducted in the Barrington Tops National Park in October 2013 saw up to 150 personnel deployed or engaged in logistics over the four day exercise. This exercise was primarily focused on deployment and interoperability between emergency services and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services. In June 2014, the Police rescue unit took up an invitation from the AFP Search and Rescue Unit to attend a course in lost person behaviour. This course was facilitated by Robert Koester and held in Canberra. This invitation saw NSW Police rescue from Illawarra, Blue Mountains, Goulburn and Sydney participate in a train the trainer course. On completion of this course Robert attended the NSW Police Rescue base


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at Alexandria where he conducted further training in lost person behaviour with invitations being accepted from all emergency service agencies, including Ministry of Police and Emergency services and Health representatives. This training was invaluable and reinforced the practices that are currently conducted in land search coordination course in NSW. Development of the MapInfo mapping program with a dedicated “tool box” for LandSAR will see improvements in the planning, plotting and overall collation of search data for coordinators and those assisting. The initial training will be conducted for Team Leaders of the police rescue units with an anticipated roll out to the police rescue units in December 2014.

Safety Programs and Community Awareness The NSW Police Rescue Facebook page has several links to the “Think B4 you Trek” Trek NSW website to remind those that venture into the bush that a small amount of prior planning will assist emergency services in the event of becoming lost. A joint venture between NSW Police Force and National Parks and Wildlife Services.

Every opportunity is taken to post all high profile searches and missing persons reported as a reminder of the dangers and risks involved of adventuring.


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Future Developments Expansion of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in SAR

Further expansion of the Police Rescue Units in Western NSW to enhance the LandSAR capability and operational support.

Search teams involved in Navshield 2014,

NSW Marine Area Command SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-2b

Date: 1 Oct 2014 Originator: Sgt Paul

Farquharson

Top 5 Report Highlights Xxx

Summary of activities for past financial year The Marine Area Command and State Government last year introduced a Marine Compliance Taskforce, which was formed to progress a series of reforms whilst maintaining and improving front line on-water compliance services. The reforms are designed to help agencies with an on-water function work together and ensure more effective use of assets and resources.

As a result of the findings by the task force the pilot programme at Botany Bay sector of the Marine Area Command has so far been deemed successful and continues with major works being upgraded at the sector. This involves a more effective use of the state resources and sees combining of the Marine Area Command, Fisheries, and Roads and Maritime service personnel and assets to provide a more effective and cost efficient product to the community, thus allowing assets to be redeployed to alternate areas of operation. Currently the building which houses all agencies is under rebuild to facilitate the amalgamation of agencies specific to their needs. Completion of the project is expected before December 2014.

NATSAR 38 3-1-2b – NSW Marine Area Command SAR Activity Report

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The Safer Coastal Waters Committee – Chaired by the Marine Area Command, has addressed the issue of mandatory wearing of lifejackets by Rockfishes and the result has now been elevated for the consideration of Cabinet. A draft bill is proposed and would include an education phase prior to enforcement.

NSW Marine Rescue is now the official sole accredited Marine Rescue organisation for NSW. This occurred with the remaining non-affiliated groups having their accreditation removed by the Minister. This process has been ongoing for several years as a result of the recommendations of the Wood report and will allow for further advancement and coordination of SAR within the Maritime environment for NSW. This initiative and outcome is a first for any state within Australia.

SAR Incidents 2013/2014

A total of 1861 Marine Rescue incidents were recorded in NSW waters for financial year 2013-2014. This represents a minimal increase from the previous year.


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The monthly distribution of workload remains consistent with previous years, highlighting peak holiday periods and the traditional boating season.

The State Rescue Board of New South Wales Annual Report can be found at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au


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ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES INCIDENT AND FATALITY SUMMARY 2013 - 14

Summary of incident data (2013-2014 and 2012-2013)

2013-2014 2012-2013

Vessel Type Rec Com Com/Rec Total Rec Com Com/Rec Total

Incidents 207 83 31 321 256 65 39 360

Fatalities 7 1 0 8 26 1 0 27

Serious Injuries 71 18 3 92 56 13 3 72

Minor Injuries 13 16 0 29 34 12 2 48

*Statistics Current as at 1 August 2014. Based on reported incidents only.

Incident and fatality summary

Roads and Maritime recorded 321 boating incidents for the year, which involved both recreational and commercial vessels. The number of incidents was 11 per cent less than the previous year (360) and 14 per cent less than the 10-year average of 373.

The table above provides a summary of incident data for 2013-2014 compared with the results for 2012-2013. The table shows that:

64 per cent of all incidents (207) involved recreational vessels 26 per cent of all incidents (83) involved commercial vessels 10 per cent (31) of all incidents involved both commercial and recreational vessels.

Looking at the types of injuries during the year, there were:

8 fatalities – this was down 70.3 per cent from 27 in 2012-2013 92 serious injuries – this was up 27.7 per cent from 72 in 2012-2013 29 minor injuries – this was down 39.5 per cent from 48 in 2012-2013 8 fatal incidents – this was down 65 per cent from 23 in 2012-2013.

Preliminary analysis indicates that drowning was the cause of death in the majority of fatalities. Most of the fatalities were the result of incidents involving a vessel capsizing or a person falling overboard (5), one was from a high speed fall whilst water skiing, one was due to a jump from a vessel resulting in a head injury and the other was from a person who died from a suspected heart attack.


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The decrease in the number of fatalities (8) is considerable compared to the previous year (27), however does not stand out as statistically different from longer term indicators in these areas. The number of fatalities (8) is 47 per cent lower than the 10-year average of 17.

The combination of small, open vessels getting into trouble in adverse conditions continues to be a major source of preventable death and reinforces the importance of wearing a lifejacket.

Notable SAR Incidents - Marine 1. Operationally there were 32 major SAR incidents coordinated from the State Marine

Rescue Coordination Centre at Sydney Water Police, NSW Marine Area Command. Noteworthy incidents include:

3 day Search and recovery of five year old child on the NSW Central Coast.

2 deceased in ultra-light ditching on NSW Central Coast.

Assist AMSA and NAVY with 2 persons on board sinking yacht 380nm East Tuross

Heads.

Missing diver Black Rock, Sth West Rocks recovered after extensive search.

Overturned vessel 12nm East Evans Head. 2POB located after two day search, recovered safe and well.

The Command coordinated a total of 10 separate incidents to recover or locate

missing rock fishermen washed into the ocean.

Causative Factors


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Marine Area Command Rescue Capability 2. A total of 52 vessels are in operation with NSW Police Force Marine Area Command,

supported by 60 accredited Volunteer Marine Rescue vessels. NSW Police Force Marine Area Command operates the State Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Sydney Water Police, Balmain and oversees 16 regional Volunteer Marine Rescue Search and Rescue Coordination centres and an additional 29 Marine Radio bases are provided by NSW Marine Rescue. Marine Area Command authorised strength remains at 130 Police.

3. Marine Area Command Diving Unit operates with 12 Police Divers providing NSW state

wide coverage and training to various jurisdictions.

4. New Capability – Marine Area Command has acquired 6 new vessels purpose built for conducting flood Rescue, working in swift water and assisting flooded communities. 20 staff at the Command have been trained in operations and are available for immediate deployment to flood affected areas around NSW.


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Training 5. NSW Marine Area Command continues to conduct state level Marine SAR Coordination

courses. Attrition and introduction of new staff requires annual courses to be run and currently 42 MAC Police hold the state level Marine SAR Coordination certificate. 12 MAC staff has obtained the Advanced Diploma Police SAR Management qualifications. The current post course assignments has allowed a great number of staff to fully complete the National Course and all students will complete this diploma after graduating from NAT SAR School with 100% compliance since the new method was introduced. The MAC also continues to provide directing staff to facilitate this training each year.

The annual Volunteer Marine Rescue SAR Coordination training weekend program facilitated by Marine Area Command continues and is supported in part by the Minister for Police and Emergency services State rescue Board. The objectives of this training are to provide an appreciation of SAR planning methodology and practical On Scene Coordination and observer experience to 450 VMR members each year.

As in previous years, excellent support has been provided to the training program by the RAN 723 Squadron, who have attended the training weekends, delivered training in SAR Capability before flying the RAN 429’s and AS350 aircraft during the offshore search exercise. This has provided excellent opportunities to test communications between RAN, Police and VMR assets and exposed VMR members to helicopter rescue practices as well as providing significant motivation for SAR Coordination training.

6. Westpac lifesaver helicopters have also participated in numerous exercises conducting winching from vessel exercises and providing training similar to the Navy. AMSA have been providing excellent support for all the exercises sending a representative to each SAREX to participate in the theory lectures and made themselves available to the volunteers throughout the weekends. This is a fantastic initiative which enables the volunteers to meet and ask questions of the AMSA staff.

Future Developments 7. The Volunteer Marine Rescue partnership continues with major efficiencies in the area

of VMR rescue coordination including unit accreditation, like for like vessel replacement and training. NSW Police Force Marine Area Command continues to support the organisation. Details of the organisation’s status, processes and future direction can be found on their website. www.marinerescuensw.com.au

Tasmania Police SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-3

Date: 20 Aug 2014 Originator:

Inspector Lee Renshaw

Top 5 Report Highlights Lunasea Jensannette L’Astrolabe Disposal of PV Fortescue New Vessel’s

Summary of activities for past financial year Tasmania Police maintain a permanent staff of 24 personnel known as Marine and Rescue Services (MRS) based in Hobart, who are primarily responsible for all activities as they relate to land and water rescue. MRS are responsible for all helicopter deployments within the state and the aircraft is crewed by personnel from MRS and Ambulance Tasmania. The OIC of MRS is responsible for administering the contract arrangements for the helicopter between Tasmania Police and Rotorlift Aviation.

The Northern and Western Districts maintain a part time land rescue capability carried out by trained personnel as a secondary function to their primary tasks.

The PV Fortescue has been unserviceable due to a number of reasons and was deemed not suitable for police maritime usage and was disposed of by sale of in early August 2014.

On 21 August 2014 the Minister for Police and Emergency Management, the Honourable Rene Hidding announced that the Tasmanian Government will be allocating $5M to acquire

NATSAR 38 3-1-3 –Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Services

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a new police vessel, which is to be the equivalent of the PV Van Diemen. The Van Diemen is a proven, fit for purpose vessel which has provided reliable and significant service to the community of Tasmania.

The new vessel will be 23M in length and will mirror the existing capability of the Van Diemen but with current day technology.

On 16 September 2014 Tasmania Police will take possession of a new 6M Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). It is to be named the ‘Resolute’ and will replace the ‘Swift’ which is of the same design.

PV Resolute

In June 2014 MRS moved to a new purpose built facility at Glenorchy in the northern suburbs of Hobart. The facility is a significant improvement on the rented premises previously occupied by MRS in North Hobart. The building provides hangar space for trailerable vessels, workshop area and storage. Separate storage areas have been provided for S&R land based equipment with another area set aside for dive gear storage. The facility is part of a new Glenorchy Police complex with the new Police Station adjacent to MRS which is a separate building.


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New Marine and Rescue Services Facility

Marine and Rescue Services Worksop and Hangar Space


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Marine / Land SAR Statistics Helicopter Services

Category Last YTD Current YTD Change

Search & Rescue 185 172 -13

Ambulance Tas 92 83 -9

Police Operational 41 32 -9

Exercise Hours 0 0 0

Flight crew Training Hours

41 97 56

Pilot Training Hours

0 0 0

Other Training Hours

0 0 0

Total Training Hours

41 97 56

Total Hours 359 384 25

AMSA Activated Hours

AMSA Hours 39 50 11

Search and Rescue Operations

District Last YTD Current YTD

South 152 182

North 31 48

West 27 51

State Total 210 281


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Notable SAR Incidents Rescue of yacht ‘Lunasea’

The PV Van Diemen during each Sydney to Hobart yacht race is deployed to the Flinders island area in order to respond to any incidents involving competitors in the yacht race. On 29 January 2013 police were advised that the yacht Lunasea was in difficulty approximately 60kn miles north east of Flinders Island and required assistance. The sea state at the time was rough with winds gusting up to 40kt’s. The Van Diemen had been on patrol for three days at that time and required refuelling prior to transiting to the Lunasea. Conditions at Lady Barron wharf were extremely difficult due to the wind and due to the tide going out. Wind conditions were extreme to the point where Van Diemen burst three fenders against the wharf whilst refuelling. Due to the state of the wind and the ebbing tide, the sponson on the starboard side of the vessel was holed. The crew carried out repairs to the vessel and set off to the yacht. Upon reaching the vessel it was taken under tow in very difficult conditions and the Van Diemen then commenced a 23 hour tow and took the yacht to St Helens.

As a result of the rescue, The Race Committee for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race awarded the crew of the Van Diemen the Rani Trophy, “For most meritorious performance as judged by the Race Committee 2103”, which was presented by the Governor of Tasmania, His Excellency Mr Peter Underwood at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania on 1 January 2014.

On 26 August 2014 the Commissioner of Police Mr Darren Hine presented the crew members with Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their efforts during the rescue.


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PV Van Diemen at Victoria Dock in Hobart

Rescue of the crew of ‘FV Jensannette’

On 3 January 2014 at about 2100hrs Tasmania Police were advised by the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), Canberra that an EPIRB had been activated approximately 23 nautical miles to the south of South West Cape. The EPIRB was unregistered however subsequent enquiries determined the vessel to be the FV Jensannette a 14.33M steel boat. Tasmania Police activated the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The helicopter aborted the mission some 15 minutes into the flight due to weather as winds were gusting up to 70kts.

Tasmania Police activated the PV Van Diemen which departed Hobart at 2300hrs on 3 January 2014. Conditions in Hobart were extremely windy however the transit to the vessel in the Derwent River and the D’entrcasteaux Channel was in reasonable sheltered conditions. Upon reaching Whale head and further on South East Cape the speed of the Van Diemen was reduced to approximately 6kts. Sea conditions were horrendous with winds gusting to 70kts and waves and swell up to 8M.

The Van Diemen arrived on station and sighted the stricken vessel at approximately 0430hrs. Communications with the vessel had been limited due to dwindling power supplies on the Jensannette, however the crew was advised that due to conditions a boat to boat


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transfer was not an option. They were advised to ensure they had Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) on if they hadn’t already done so and be prepared to jump into the water one at a time and they would be picked up by the Van Diemen tender.

The tender was deployed and on approaching the vessel all three crew jumped into the water together. In extreme conditions the tender crew retrieved each person and then made their way back to the Van Diemen. At the time Van Diemen was slightly to the North West of Walker Island in a sea state which can only be described as horrendous. It was not possible to retrieve the tender at that time. Van Diemen then transited to the lea of Flat Witch Island with the tender navigating in the wake of the Van Diemen which provided sufficient relief from conditions to retrieve the tender onto the Van Diemen.

The crew were taken to Woodbridge where they were taken by Ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where they were treated for shock and exposure.

It is appropriate to recognise that the rescue of the three crew is not solely down to the actions of the crew of the Van Diemen. The work undertaken by the Tasmania Police Search Controller in concert with the RCC staff, the crew of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Dornier, the Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse Keeper and the staff of Tasmanian maritime Radio Hobart all contributed in no small way to the successful rescue of the three fishermen. The transit time of the Van Diemen was reduced due to work undertaking in plotting the drift rate and direction of the vessel. It is significant to note that it is the best estimate of the Van Diemen crew that the Jensannette was approximately 20 minutes away from foundering when they arrived on scene.

The Jensannette was located a few weeks after the event totally submerged in a gulch in the Maatsuyker Group of Islands. There was significant damage to the vessel which would indicate that the crew would have had little chance of survival upon the vessel foundering.


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Rescue of injured crewman from French Antarctic Vessel L’Astrolabe

French Ice Breaker L’Astrolabe Tasmania Police Westpac Rescue Helicopter on board

On 30 January 2014 at about 1055hrs Tasmania Police were advised by the RCC, AMSA that a crewman was injured on the French Ice Breaker L’Astrolabe. At the time of notification the vessel was too far south of Tasmania for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to reach and return within the aircrafts fuel limitations. The pilot and crew calculated likely progress of the vessel and flight times and departed Hobart Airport at 1410hrs with a crew comprised of Pilot, two police rescue crew, a doctor and paramedic. The aircraft refuelled at Ryans Point (Moss Glenn) and one of the police rescue crewman remained at that site due to weight and fuel limitations.

The helicopter arrived on scene at 1705hrs and the doctor and paramedic exited the aircraft whilst it was at the hover over the landing pad at the rear of the vessel. The vessel was rolling and pitching at the time which prevented any landing attempt. Communication occurred between the pilot and the Captain of the vessel which resulted in the vessel changing course with a view to lessening the roll of the vessel in order to execute another landing attempt. Approximately 15 minutes after the doctor and paramedic were dropped off, the aircraft successfully landed on the vessel and was lashed to the deck. It was not known how long it would take to stabilise the patient and on that basis landing on the vessel was critical having regard for fuel reserves on the aircraft.

The patient was stabilised to a point and was transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) arriving there at 1955hrs. The injured crewman was gravely ill and remained in intensive care at the RHH for some months.

The complexity of the mission was exacerbated due to the need to take a doctor at AMSA’s request. The presence of the Doctor prevented the second police crewman transiting to the vessel which in turn could have seriously impeded the operation should winching been required instead of landing on the vessel. The additional problem was that the Doctor had no helicopter training and had to be briefed on exiting the aircraft at the hover on a pitching vessel prior to departing Hobart.


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Whilst circumstances such as this do not happen often, the transits from Hobart to the Antarctic will increase rather than decrease. It would be appropriate that AMSA identify appropriate Doctors who could be trained and proficiency checked annually in helicopter protocols rather than undertaking missions of this nature with unnecessary risk attached to it.

Causative Factors Lack of appropriate preparation and failure to properly study weather predictions remains the foremost causative factor regarding rescues in Tasmania.

On February 20 2014 Tasmania Police responded to two incidents at Cradle Mountain, both of which resulting in fatalities. An unusual low pressure system developed from the south which resulted in strong winds up to 100km\h and extremely low temperatures. The first incident involved a 64 year old male from NSW who suffered a heart attack whilst walking the Overland Track. Weather conditions for the helicopter were poor however after several attempts by and air and land the scene was reached and the male’s body was airlifted out.

Later in the day a Chinese National died on the Cirque behind Cradle Mountain. He was in a party of three who were extremely ill equipped for the bush walking in optimum conditions let alone the conditions prevailing on that day. The rescue helicopter was unable to reach the site due to weather and a land party walked to the scene arriving at 0300 the following day. The other members of his party had left due to them also becoming hypothermic. His body was retrieved the following day and airlifted out.

Numerous documents and advertisements advise of the requirements for bush walking in areas such as Cradle Mountain and warn of the dangers associated with the activity, particularly being equipped for all weather conditions. Sadly some member of the public choose to not undertake research prior to the trek or simply ignore well intended advice and warnings.

In August 2014 two persons drowned in separate incidents in one week. On both occasions the deceased persons were wearing a PFD however the temperature of the water in inland areas is below 10 degrees.

The first incident occurred at Tooms Lake in the Midlands area of Tasmania when a dinghy overturned which contained a 29 year old man and a 14 year old boy. The 14 year old managed to swim to shore however the 29 year old succumbed to the cold and drowned.

One week later a 70 year old male fell from his small inflatable on the Derwent River near new Norfolk. He was wearing an inflatable PFD which was not inflated at the time his body was retrieved. Subsequent inspection revealed that the inflation cylinder had not been correctly screwed into place and it was apparent that some effort had been made on the part of the deceased to activate the device as the activation pocket was partially pulled down.


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Regardless of warnings and advice about fishing alone and fishing in remote areas members of the community continue undertake these activities despite the dangers involved.

Search and Rescue Capability Tasmania Police maintains a comprehensive Search and Rescue capability. Search and Rescue is one part of the Emergency Services response to effective Emergency Management. As a result recommendations from the review of the response to the Dunalley Bushfires Tasmania Police is currently undertaking a Gap Analysis Project in relation to Emergency Management response state-wide.

The Commissioner of Police (COP) is appointed as the secretary of the Department of Police and Emergency Management (DPEM) which encompasses the Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS), Forensic Science Services Tasmania (FSST), State Emergency Service (SES) and Tasmania Police. More recently the Minister for Police and Emergency Services advised that the Director of SES will cease to report direct to the COP and will report to the Chief Fire Officer (TFS) administratively.

The move will enable the SES and the TFS to better harness their volunteer base on a more cohesive multi skilled basis. Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Services regularly use SES volunteers on a myriad of land search and rescue tasks throughout the state. The combination of TFS and SES volunteers will provide more expansive range of skills to be called on should the need arise.

The provision of the new vessel will extensively enhance the ability of Tasmania Police to respond to events at sea as well as providing a significant platform to undertake marine enforcement duties.

Training MRS undertake significant training in all disciplines throughout any given year. Training days are gazetted and allocated to:

Search and Rescue Land Squad. Dive Squad. Helicopter Crew. Vertical Rescue.

Sergeant Simon Conroy represented Tasmania Police at the NATSAR Course as an Instructor. At the completion course he advised that Doctor Paul Luckin has established the


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Doctor Luckin, Search and Rescue Foundation and presented certificates to the Instructors on this year’s course.

Doctor Luckin also decided to recognise previous contributions to Search and Rescue and awarded certificates to Inspector Brian Edmonds, Inspector Maurice Massie (Ret) and Sergeant Paul Steane all of Tasmania Police. Sergeant Conroy accepted the certificates on behalf of the named members.

Whilst Tasmania Police were not represented in the form of a student for the course this year due to a number of internal issues, Tasmania Police remains committed to the purpose and intent of NATSAR Council requirements.

Safety Programs and Community Awareness Tasmania Police work in concert with Marine and Safety Tasmania MAST in order to provide information to the public concerning safety on the water. Safety awareness days are undertaken by MAST around the state and are supported by Tasmania Police.

MAST is currently in the process of upgrading their website which is expected to be finalised in the last quarter of 2014. In addition MAST regularly use Facebook to issue alerts and general information to the boating community of Tasmania.

As of 1 July 2014 Coast Radio Hobart ceased to exist under that name and are now called Tasmanian Maritime Radio. Coverage now is provided by seven VHF maritime bases, and the network is now one of the largest in Australia. The coverage now nearly extends all around the state from north eastern Bass Strait down the east coast and up the west coast to Temma. With the introduction of the west coast transmitters the coverage extends to 150 km to sea. It is expected that MAST will establish new base station infrastructure at Maatsuyker Island by summer 2014, which will provide the ability to monitor channel 16 in the area which hasn’t been previously available.

Prior to this year an annual Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) has been undertaken in the state to exercise the compatibility of Tasmania Police S&R personnel and volunteer based groups. It has now been decided to conduct a SAREX every two years and conduct smaller more localised mini exercises in order to provide more involvement annually as opposed to one exercise per year.

Whilst the development of the program is in its early stages a two day workshop was conducted in late July in the south of the state which was well received by walking clubs and SES volunteers.


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It became apparent during 2014 that wrong information was relayed to a Bush Walking Tourist Operator concerning the correct procedure concerning the activation of EPIRB’s. It would appear that an unknown member of Tasmania Police relayed information indicating that should phone contact be possible from a location it was appropriate to activate the EPIRB prior to ringing the Emergency Services. That information is clearly wrong and instruction and advice has been provided to all Tasmania Police S&R personnel on the correct advice to be given should circumstances of that nature arise into the future.

State/Territory SAR Committee Report The State SAR Committee has not met at this time due. The Committee will meet prior to the end of 2014. It is advised that Inspector Brian Edmonds has recently taken on a two year secondment with the SES as an Assistant Director and as such will have secretariat responsibility for the Committee. The OIC of MRS is liaising with Inspector Edmonds to convene the meeting.

Western Australia SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-4

Date: Aug 2014 Originator: M.Wear

Top 5 Report Highlights Marine related deaths have decreased from 13 in 2012/13 to 9 for the

reporting period of 2013/14; however the number of incidents has nearly doubled.

Marine SARs are occurring more often on week days than weekends and the incidents are occurring in the more isolated areas of the state.

During the last financial year there has been a drop in the total number of land searches across the State with no obvious reason for the reduction.

There has however, been a significant increase in incidents involving dementia both in the metropolitan and regional areas. This is due to the aging population and the consequent increase in the number of those suffering from dementia.

Development of a SAR program by the Fremantle Volunteer Marine Rescue group to assist in locating vessels, especially overdue vessels.

NATSAR 38 3-1-4 – Western Australia SAR Activity Report

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Summary of activities for past financial year

Marine SAR Statistics Incident 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Collisions 84 90 45 87 * 10 5 Fire 18 36 42 27 9 5 8 Groundings 69 80 137 87 * 50 65 Persons Overboard 40 82 49 63 * 89 40

Sunk Capsize 55 88 85 80 * 52 55 EPIRB 30 133 125 236 95 101 95 Flare Sightings 100 563 448 403 367 416 518 Medivac 13 31 36 20 14 19 22 Overdue 49 504 385 338 460 472 466 Breakdown/Tow 862 91 999 968 1259 1476 1487 *Computer data base incomplete, not all stats available

Other 1320 2526 2351 2309 * 2301 2271 Total 2640 5019 4702 4618 * 4991 5032

Land SAR Statistics


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Land SAR Statistics


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Notable SAR Incidents Marine

July 2013: Perth – Yacht “Thetus II” transmitted mayday after departing from Fremantle in gale force winds. Vessel was wrecked on offshore reef and washed up on suburban beach

Mar 2013: Perth - Overdue vessel in metro area. 3 men located following morning after 19 hours in the water

Mandurah - Missing Scuba diver, located 5 days later with torso missing

Oct 2013: Esperance - 8th Oct Male person attacked by shark near Esperance. Serious facial injuries

Exmouth – 8th Oct Vessel rolled over North West Cape, 1 deceased

Kalumburu – 8th Oct Male person jumped from cruise ship in Far North Kimberly.

Peel Water Police recovering 3 men after 19 hours in water.

Photo courtesy of Surf Life Saving


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Land

Jul 2014: Perth - John William WILLIAMS 03/09/1934 (80 years) discharged himself from hospital after rupturing his spleen. A few days later he was observed leaving a shopping centre with a trolley full of groceries promising to pay for them next week. Williams then spent one and a half days in his vehicle in the shopping centre car park before leaving his vehicle with his dog and walking off.

Three days later he was reported not having been seen for some time by an acquaintance. Police mounted a large scale search of the surrounding area. The MP vehicle was reported abandoned by the shopping centre staff which alerted Police and the search area was diverted around that area. On the Thursday night after being reported missing a member of the public reported having spoken to a man resembling the description given in the national park adjacent to the shopping centre. On the Friday a search of the national park by a rescue helicopter located the MP in the lake deceased. The MP dog was located nearby.

Jun 2014: Bluff Knoll EPIRB activation on Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges in the South of the State.

Benjamin GOODE had been orienteering in the Stirling Ranges for three days and on the morning of the third day had fallen over and lost his wrist compass. By 1500hrs he decided that he was lost so activated an EPIRB. JRCC notified WAPOL and Rescue 65 was contracted to conduct a rescue. Rescue 65 arrived on scene but decided that the rescue was too difficult and returned to Perth. Police Airwing was then requested to attend and they dropped a crew member into the area indicted by JRCC. Having dropped the officer in, the wind came up and the pilot was forced to abandon the rescue leaving the crew member and GOODE in location without adequate clothing or protection. A rescue was not possible until 1900hrs the following day. SES had been activated on the Saturday but was unable to conduct a rescue due the weather at the time.


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Causative Factors A distinct shift in Marine SAR activities from weekends to mid-week days. Significant Fly in Fly Out workers based in Perth and a shift in work schedules has contributed to this.

The increase in the number of incidents involving dementia during the reporting period is attributable to the aging population and the consequent increase in the number of those suffering from dementia.

The number of incidents of dementia will only increase in the foreseeable future as the population in Western Australia ages.

Search and Rescue Capability Water Police are currently in building stage for replacement two 10 meter vessels to be berthed at Peel Water Police and Fremantle Water Police. Vessels will be commissioned in Nov/Dec 2014.

Two 10m Vessels being built by Shoreline Marine, due for completion November 2014

Tracking of assets across the state has developed and Tracplus is the preferred system used. The Water Police Coordination Centre has tracking established on 90 assets across the state. These assets are not just vessels but also helicopters, Fixed Wings and the Surf life Saving PWC’s.


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Training Emergency Operations Unit provides Land Search Controllers training throughout the year to Police Districts and to the Police Academy for recruits. EOU also provide ICCS+ and the IMT Level 2 training as required.

EOU are reviewing our Land search Controllers course to reflect current trends and practices. This includes a substantial inclusion on dementia and lost persons behaviour. The Land search refresher course is also being reviewed.

Sgt Wear from Fremantle Water Police has been awarded a 2014 Winston Churchill Fellowship, to Study Marine Search and Rescue coordination with the use of technology in SAR planning.


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In 2015 he will visit the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and also under take 5 weeks training with the United States Coast Guards at their academy in Virginia and visits to operational centres in San Diego and Hawaii, with the main emphasis being on the operation of the USCG SAR Operations and their use of SAR OPS, which is closely related to Sarmap.

This is planned to commence in April 2015 and a full report to be presented to the council in 2015.

Safety Programs and Community Awareness The WAPOL as an organisation that continually promotes safety and community awareness as part of its core business. Seasonally, information is directed at a target audience to make the public aware of the dangers associated with weather and the vulnerability of those travelling outside the metro area and those people planning on heading out on the water.

Future Developments The Fremantle Volunteer Sea rescue Group have developed a web based program to assist in locating vessel but may also be used for land based adventures.

This programme can also be linked up with a SMS broadcast system to help located people in an emergency environment i.e. bushfire zone.

It is currently in use by the Fremantle VMR and is in the late stages of development with the view to be licensed pre-Christmas.

The Fremantle VMR have kindly created an account for Water Police to use and trial over the summer months.

Phil Martin from Fremantle VMR can be contacted for further details [email protected].


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The Fremantle Water Police Co-ordination Centre houses Coast Radio Perth (CRP) and Coast Radio Hedland (CRH). An equipment refresh was undertaken in 2014 on both CRP & CRH.

With 13,000 kms of coastline to cover for marine SAR, communications is and will always be an issue when it comes to SAR operations. Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) radio networks have now been installed at nine locations across the state at the following locations of Wyndham, Derby, Broome, Shark bay, Geraldton, Jurien Bay, Augusta, Albany and Esperance.

A further three more locations will be established in the next year to extend the coverage state-wide from Fremantle water Police.


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State/Territory SAR Committee Report The State Search and Rescue Advisory Group has representatives from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, Volunteer Marine Rescue Groups, Department of Defence, Bureau of Meteorology, Police, Department of Transport and other agencies as required.

The group has met on a quarterly basis for the previous 4 years and will now meet every 4 months.

The Advisory group was instrumental in removing the Epirb exemption zone in the Perth metropolitan area. This was implemented on the 1st January 2014.

A significant challenge facing the advisory group at the moment is to successfully manage the amalgamation of all Volunteer Marine Rescue Groups under one authority.

The Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue group, Perth’s largest group, has now aligned with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

This only leaves two VMR groups, out of 36 not under the umbrella of the Government structure.

Michael Wear Mark Regel Michael Wear Mark Regel Sergeant 8196 Senior Sergeant 6450 Marine SAR Coordinator Officer In Charge Water Police Emergency Operations Unit Western Australian Police Western Australian Police

South Australia Search and Rescue Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-5

Date: 9 Sept 2014 Originator: SAPOL

Top 5 Report Highlights The use of Facebook and Twitter to find missing persons.

o When a missing person is reported to police or a person suffering from suicidal tendencies, with the permission of the family, their details are posted on the SAPOL Facebook page and SAPOL twitter feed.

o This has resulted in a number of missing persons being located quickly by members of the public who are actively looking for them.

o It has also allowed Police and persons from other agencies (such as SES) to have details such as a photo and description of the missing person handy on their smart phones while searching.

An increase in the number of reported missing persons with mental health issues (such as depression and suicidal tendencies). This represented 21.3% of all missing person searches reported in South Australia during this review period.

A 25% decrease in the number of senior persons reported missing in this review period compared to last year.

Significant reduction in the number of reported swimmers in distress – this is a 51.6% decrease compared with last year.

Significant increase in the number of reported flare sightings - a 263% increase compared with last year.

NATSAR 38 3-1-5 – South Australia Search and Rescue Activity Report

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Summary of activities for past financial year In the past 12 months, South Australia has recorded 411 Search and Rescue

incidents which is a 17% increase compared to the results from the last review period.

In the current review period, Marine Search and Rescue incidents accounted for 68.7% of all SAR taskings.

In the current review period, Land Search and Rescue incidents accounted for 31.3% of all SAR taskings.

Marine / Land SAR Statistics

LAND SAR

Very slight increase in the number of land incidents in 2013 (165) to 2014 (166).

35 searches were conducted for persons with mental illness issues (compared with 22 last year). Searches for persons with mental health issues represents 21.3% of all land searches in this review period.

32 searches were conducted for persons with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease (compared with 27 last year). Searches for persons with Alzheimer’s disease represents 19.2% of all land searches in this review period.


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Incident 2011 2012 2013 2014

Walker /Outdoor adventurer 27 32 43 33

Senior Person 46 35 41 31

Vehicle 4 3 5 8

Downed Aircraft 2 1 2 0

PLB/ EPIRB 15 11 13 12

Tip Search 0 0 2 1

Medivac 4 3 5 4

Overdue 8 3 7 5

Tow 1 0 2 0

Other 37 32 45 35

Total 144 113 165 166

Land Based SAR Incidents – September 2013 to August 2014

7

11

20

16

5

10 9

21

10

7

24 26

0

5

10

15

20

25

30


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WATER SAR

Increase in the number of marine related incidents – last period (176) to current period (245).

Of the 245 Marine related incidents, 155 of those were classified as preventative actions – not requiring extended search efforts. Incidents include providing assistance to disabled vessels, either by Water Operations Unit (WOU) or by tasking Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) to attend.

Of the 245 Marine related incidents, 90 of those were actual Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents. Ranging from extended enquiries to deployment, coordination and management of search assets.

There has been a significant increase in the number of flare sightings in the last year. There have been a number of taskings where flares have been deployed maliciously – particularly in the Victor Harbor area.

There was also a spike in reported flare sightings when the Wave Generator was beached near Carrickalinga.

Water Based SAR Incidents – September 2013 to August 2014

15

23

20 21

20

25

22

32

21

15 17

14

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35


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Incident 2011 2012 2013 2014

Boat/Boat 1 1 2 4

Boat/Swimmer 2 3 1 0

Drowning 7 9 6 8

Fire/Explosion 1 2 1 6

Grounding 27 36 24 18

Person overboard 6 2 4 5

Swimmer in distress 44 35 31 15

Boat/Object 5 9 4 9

Capsize 2 1 1 12

EPIRB 9 12 10 9

Flare sighting 12 9 8 29

Medivac 2 3 2 2

Overdue 13 17 15 21

Sink/swamping 1 0 0 10

Tow 71 65 60 81

Other 12 5 7 16

Total 215 209 176 245


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Notable SAR Incidents 1. Missing hiker in Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges - 8/4/14

At about 1000h 8 April 2014 a 69 y.o. male walked with his partner to the Wangarra Lookout within Wilpena Pound. At the 1st lookout his partner turned around and he continued. He was due to return to the bus at 1100h but did not return. He was reported missing to police at about 1545h. Conditions at the time were cold with some rain. He was dressed in light clothing, had no food or water, and his skill and experience were described as poor.

At about 0730h on 9 April 2014 STAR attended Wilpena Pound via police fixed wing aircraft. Extremely poor weather meant that “visual” navigation at low level was required between Port Augusta and Hawker.

Extremely wet flying conditions

A FSHQ was established and a search coordinated utilising State Emergency Service (SES), South Australia Police, Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) and Country Fire Service (CFS) members. Low cloud prevented the use of a helicopter. STAR members were utilised to search steep terrain with consideration given to utilising ropes to assist.


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Searchers had to combat thick scrub and fog conditions

At about 1130h the male was found on a steep hill face. The male had attempted to self- rescue and had become weak and unable to walk any further. He was carried via stretcher to a vehicle and then assessed by SAAS.

STAR Operations members carefully carrying the missing hiker to safety.


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The assessment from SAAS members at the time was that he may not have survived the following night if he had not been located.

A very relieved wife kisses her missing husband!


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2. Missing Suicidal male in Kyeema Conservation Park – Adelaide Hills region 29/7/14

A male adult had been due on 28 July 2014 to appear in court for criminal matters. He did not show up for his court appearance and due to his history of attempt self-harm, Police were notified. Numerous enquiries were conducted and the missing person’s phone was triangulated. The phone location was placed in the Adelaide Hills region, between Meadows and Mount Compass.

Extensive searching of the area located the missing person’s vehicle in a remote part of the Kyeema Conservation Park. Search areas were designated and teams of searchers were sent out to look for the missing person. Numerous assets were deployed including Mounted Operations, Dog Operations, general patrols, RPAS (Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems), SES personnel, Police Helicopter.

By the end of the day it was raining heavily with 11oC and strong winds. The wind chill index equivalent temperature for the conditions was approaching zero degrees. Also heavy fog and low cloud had descended on the area and visibility was at about 20 metres. The search was suspended until first light the next day.

Due to the low cloud, the helicopter could not be used on the second day of searching. Again extensive resources were deployed in the field and late on the second day search teams located the missing male deceased (he had committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree scrub).

Aerial view of where the missing persons vehicle, items belonging to him and the final location where the missing person was found.


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3. Female French tourist deemed missing at the Great Australian Bight near Nullarbor, South Australia. 12/4/14

On the evening of Friday 12 April 2014 a French female tourist was sighted by other tourists alone in her vehicle in a remote camping sight near the Whale Watching Centre at the Great Australian Bight. The female was approached by staff from the centre for being parked in the wrong location, where they found her asleep in a sleeping bag in the passenger seat at this time. The location of the vehicle was 10km from the ocean. She was earlier sighted driving erratically in the area, reasons for this are still unknown. This was the last known sighting.

At 0700hrs the following morning witnesses report the matter to police when the vehicle was still at the same location but no person present. Police attend the scene and located $5500 cash in the vehicle, the female’s phone, purse and other belongings, medication, sleeping bag, and the car key stashed under the wheel arch. The vehicle was deemed fit to drive and had ½ tank of fuel. The vehicle was a hire car from Hindley Street, Adelaide, and had some minor front end damage.

STAR Operations was notified - 2 x FSC’s, 2 x air observers and 1 x Dog Operations member were flown to Ceduna in the Pilatus fixed wing aircraft that same day. FSC’s made numerous enquiries with Interpol, French Consulate, Facebook, phone etc. FSC’s were able to speak to a Danish friend who lives in Adelaide after obtaining caller records via the missing persons mobile. This friend provided an in depth profile of the missing persons personality.

Ongoing enquiries and searching the next day result in a blanket being located on the cliff face near the whale watching lookout 10km from the vehicle. On the blanket is a head torch. FSCs make enquiries with the missing persons friends and ascertain that the head torch is definitely the property of the missing person – confirmed via the Danish friend who purchased the exact same torch with the missing person months earlier. This narrowed down the search area considerably.

An Aboriginal Tracker was then used to track from that location. He tracked footprints along the cliff face identifying numerous points where the person had walked and then sat down. He then identifies a point where a person had sat and then possibly slipped / fallen / jumped from the cliff. The cliff face is a 50m sheer face, if anything concave in nature, with a vertical drop onto rocks. At this point searchers are able to identify what appears to be human legs at the base of the cliff. Nothing else is able to be seen.

Due to insufficient SAR equipment at the location further STAR members then flew from Adelaide to Ceduna with SAR equipment. At 1600hrs that day a member is belayed utilising a Larkin Frame to the base of the cliff where a deceased female is located. The female is identified as the missing person. She is then raised to the top of the cliff via a Z-Pulley / Larkin Lifting Frame.


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Police, SA Ambulance and SES working together to retrieve the missing person’s body from the sheer cliffs at the Great Australian Bight


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The beautiful but rugged terrain of the Great Australian Bight


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4. Missing diver off Edithburgh York Peninsula – 8/2/14

On 8 February 2014 there was a report of a shark attack on a free diving spear fisher at Edithburgh Yorke Peninsula. SAR with Police helicopter, 3 x VMR boats and SES conducting coastal searches on foot and using quad bikes. Nil located on surface search. Dive search recommenced the next day located a spear gun and lead weights, both with teeth marks in them.


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5. Search for overdue vessel with 2 x POB off Cape Jervis Fleurieu Peninsula 16/2/14 – 20/2/14

Report received of an overdue 4.6 m vessel with 2 x POB from Cape Jervis Fleurieu Peninsula with vague information of fishing location. Subsequent large scale SAR with up to 12 VMR vessels, SES searching shoreline, police vessel and air assets including 3 helicopters, 2 x fixed wing and Dornier. RCC accepted coordination of the air search during the first day of searching. Full scale search conducted until late afternoon on 18/2/14 with further shoreline searches conducted over the following days. Subsequently the vessel and missing men were not located.

Numerous objects were located and confirmed as belonging to the vessel, unable to locate the vessel itself or the occupants.


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Total aviation search area coverage of 2583 SQNM.


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Just some of the assets deployed during the search for the missing vessel and men.

6. Overdue Vessel Gulf St Vincent with 3 POB – 1/4/14

Report received at 1505 hours of overdue 5 m vessel - due in 2100 hours previous evening. Fishing destination unknown and possible locations of Wallaroo, or Ardrossan suggested. Vehicle & trailer eventually located at St Kilda. Serious concerns were held for 3 POB (76 yr old male, 8 month pregnant Female, and diabetic Male). SAR coordination commenced using 2 x Polair, fixed wing requested, coastguard vessels x 2 activated, and Police Launch 1 tasked to search a large area covering Gulf St Vincent north of Adelaide to Ardrossan. Polair eventually located vessel aground, 3 x POB AAC. PL1 attended and rescued 3 x POB and recovered their vessel - towed to North Haven. Ambos assessed occupants, nil injuries.


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South Australia Police STAR Group SARMC – 20 members qualified. South Australia Police STAR Group Field Search Controllers – for land based

searching – 20 members qualified. Helicopter Rescue Aircrew - 9 members qualified. Dive Operations – 14 commercially qualified divers - All part 1 (SCUBA to 30

m) 9 - Part 3 (SSBA to 50 m) 5 - Part 2 (SSBA to 30 m).

Police launch 1 – Investigator II – 20 m aluminium mono hull – 2B survey – 200nm

Police launch 3 – Ron Jeffery – 7m fibreglass twin hull – trailerable – 2C survey – 30 nm

Police launch 4 – 8.2 m tactical RHIB – trailerable

Police launch 11 – 5.9 m RHIB – trailerable – currently under survey review.

Police launch 2 – 9 m fibreglass twin hull (inboard diesel engines).

VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE organisations within SA: Numbers supplied relate directly to VMR controlled vessels, not auxiliary recreational vessels:

SA Sea Rescue Squadron 6

Australian Volunteer Coast Guard 7

Victor Harbor/Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron 2

Whyalla Sea Rescue Squadron 3

Cowell Sea Rescue squadron 2

State Emergency Service

Inland Waters – 8 Units Offshore waters – 8 units

Royal Volunteer Coastal patrol 2


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Training Marine:

During the review period 4 VMR SAREX’s were conducted – this involves an exercise in SAR Management for WOU members and search training for the VMR members.

22/11/13 & 23/11/13 – conducted in Metro Adelaide ( 10 x VMR vessels in attendance)

29/11/13 & 30/11/13 – conducted at Wirrina Cape Jervis on Fleurieu Peninsula (8 x VMR vessels).

31/1/14 & ½/14 – conducted at Wallaroo on Yorke Peninsula (5 x VMR vessels) 4/4/14 & 6/4/14 – conducted at Cowell on Eyre Peninsula (6 x VMR vessels)

Land:

SAPOL STAR continue to provide SAR training across all Response Units during our Semester training phases concentrating on vertical and swift water rescue skills. There has not been any Search Management Coordinator (SMC) Courses conducted this year but STAR will be conducting a SAR workshop with AusSAR for all SMC’s on Monday 29th September.

VMR vessel audits x 3.

Audits conducted during October and November 2013 in the West Coast, South East and Yorke Peninsula areas.

Future Developments South Australia Police are in the process of replacing rescue systems some of which

are 10 years old. South Australia Police will continue with the use of the Remote Piloted Aircraft

Systems (RPAS) in Search and Rescue incidents. This is a cost effective and safe way of searching areas particularly those with restricted access.

South Australia Police are looking to the further expansion of using social media to assist with searches – particularly those involving young persons.

South Australia Police are currently undertaking a review of the Water Operations Unit.

Victorian (Land) SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-6a

Date: 04/09/2014 Originator: Vicpol

Top 5 Report Highlights Continued increase of notifications received at SAR in regards to “High Risk”

Lost/Missing Person’s Dementia and Suicidal persons still trending up. Busy winter period with numerous large scale rescues/recoveries in Alpine Region Increase in underwater work/diving operations - body/evidence recovery over

summer period Challenges faced with recording/accounting for lost/missing persons reported to SAR

Summary of activities for past financial year This report is based on the activities of the Victoria Police Search & Rescue Squad.

The role of the Search & Rescue Squad (SAR) is to serve the community and general police members by providing a professional response capability utilising specialist skills for most SAR incidents. Areas such as but not limited to State wide coordination and response, to searches for and rescue of missing or injured persons in all environments, urban, bush, water and alpine, underwater search & recovery, searches for evidence, investigation of outdoor activities, protestor extraction, vertical rescue, mine & cave rescue, swift water rescue and external training activities.

The Squad actioned 1,178 Incidents (excluding training) for the 2013/2014 financial year. This is up from 643 incidents from 2012/2013 financial year. 83% increase. This increase


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is due partly because of the changes in the reporting process involving lost/missing persons across Victoria but also because of a heavy workload over the 2013/14 summer period. SAR operatives took the lead role in investigating numerous dive fatalities over the summer period where inquest briefs were prepared for the coroner. SAR were also involved in numerous protestor extraction jobs involving the controversial East/West Link construction project where protestors held up exploratory drilling by attaching themselves to machinery at various sites across Melbourne. SAR crews also assisted crime squads with conducting search warrants on Outlaw Motorcycle Clubrooms and places of interest throughout the year.


Land SAR

LAND SAR Incidents (Financial year)

Incident 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14

Bushwalkers 13 19 30 23 23 18

Day Hikers 14 23 25 27 14 14

Hunters 3 5 5 2 3 4

Child 1 - 6 9 13 5 3 10 10

Child 7 - 12 6 8 8 7 29 52

Child 13 - 15 2 5 6 9 88 298

Dementia 5 11 16 21 40 73

Mentally Handicap 2 7 4 7 20 26

Psychotic 2 3 9 4 28 35

Autism 5 2 4 5 6 14

Alpine Skier 1 2 3 1 4 3

Nordic Skier 0 2 5 2 3 1

Climbers 3 4 8 5 2 1

Rock Fisherman 0 4 0 3 0 2


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Suicidal Persons 37 63 56 64 63 95

Mental Health 158

4x4 / Trail bikes 17 33 26 25 34 24

Adults 78 78 88 88 154 214

Evidence searches 66 73 90 82 78 104

Other 13 15 27 23 44 32

Total 276 370 418 401 643 1178

Notable SAR Incidents 10 Notable Land SAR Incidents for SAR over the past financial year are:

Numerous protestor extraction tasks – East/West Link/Tecoma/Toolangi

SAR teams were called to respond to numerous protests across Victoria involving demonstrations against the East/West link road project – Toolangi forest group & Tecoma McDonald Restaurant construction. Demonstrators at these sites used numerous methods to attach themselves to machinery /equipment and trees to disrupt lawful activities.

October 2013 – Search/Recovery of plane wreckage Mt Hotham

SAR crew involved in identifying/recovering wreckage and pilot from crashed aircraft Mt Hotham area. Pilot had been returning from NSW when plane crashed into side of mountain near Mt Hotham ski resort. Wreckage and pilot both recovered from isolated bushland with evidence gathered for CASA investigation.

December 2013 – Search/Recovery of Ultra light Aircraft Kinglake

SAR involved in search for and recovery of wreckage and victims as a result of gyrocopter crash at Kinglake. SAR team were able to interpret phone triangulation data resulting in crash site being identified and access into same.

Summer period 2013 - 2014 – Numerous drowning’s throughout Victoria and subsequent body recoveries including 3 from Murray River


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SAR divers were utilised on 3 occasions to locate and ultimately recover 3 drowning victims from the Murray River on Victorian/NSW border. Extensive searches were conducted on all occasions after victims drowned and were located on river bed by divers.

Above – Murray River diving operations during summer 2013-14

March 2014 – River sweep Geelong area

Scanning of Barwon River Geelong by Water Police UST revealed numerous underwater targets. SAR Divers attended over a number of days and dived all targets enabling retrieval and cleanup of numerous cars and vessels from waterways.

April 2014 – Vertical rescue of 2 x males at Mt Sturgeon

2 x males were stuck on a vertical cliff face whilst doing a climbing recce at Mt Sturgeon in the Grampians National Park. A SAR team was deployed and with assistance from the SES/CFA were able to successful locate the males and raise them safely back to the top of cliff before walking them out.

April 2014 – Search for Dementia sufferer at Kinglake

Elderly male suffering from Dementia wandered off from family. Resulted in 3 day search for male in thick bushland on outskirts of Melbourne. Male was subsequently located by Police and conveyed to hospital.

April 2014 – Rescue of male climber trapped between rocks at Mt Arapiles

Male attempting the “squeeze test” at Mt Arapiles was stuck between two rocks for 10 hours. Male critical when SAR responded and successfully extracted male from rock. Male’s core temperature had dropped significantly and delicate operation to remove due to crush syndrome. Conveyed to intensive care and survived.


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April 2014 – Search for missing school group at Mt Baw Baw

SAR crew were deployed via Helicopter into Mt Baw Baw after school group had reported being lost in area. SAR were able to locate group, treat for hypothermia and successfully walk group out to safety overnight.

Winter 2014 – Mt Buller ski resort for missing 7year old boy.

Located boy deceased one metre beneath the snow outside his ski lodge. It appears a snow slip off lodge roof has buried him alive.

SAR crews were involved in 3 separate searches/recoveries in and around Mt Bogong over the early part of 2014 winter period. An early large dump of snow resulted in numerous visitors to the alpine area resulting in people being caught out in adverse weather conditions. Tasks included rescuing stranded hikers and recovering snow boarders as a result of an avalanche.

Winter 2014 – Mt Bogong Rescue of 2 x hypothermic walkers.

Winter 2014 – Mt Bogong Rescue of stranded walker.

Winter 2014 – Mt Bogong Search and Recovery of two missing snowboarders.

Above – Photos from Mt Bogong Rescue/Recoveries during busy winter period


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Causative Factors Earlier figures show an 83% increase in the workload at the Search & Rescue Squad. This large increase is strongly related to the recent changes in the reporting process and protocol for Lost/Missing persons being reported to Police. General duties police are now notifying SAR more frequently inline with requirements that the coroner recommended some years ago. SAR have been involved with promoting this notification process across general policing through internal social media and supervisors courses. This process has had the benefits of SAR being notified earlier and being able to provide professional advice/support to general policing across the state. SAR is experimenting with how follow up in relation to these jobs is recorded and held accountable. Some days as many as 15 separate missing person reports/jobs are received at SAR. With many of the jobs ongoing, keeping track of what has been resolved and what is outstanding is a task in itself. The recording process and follow up requires time and commitment from all involved. As is the case for other states and territories across Australia there has been an increasing trend in the number of cases relating to dementia sufferers being reported lost.

SAR are currently in the process of training suitable members to Coxswain level and engaged in having current vessels surveyed and brought up to commercial standards to conform with the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety.

Search and Rescue Capability SAR are continuing with ongoing vertical rescue training in relation to the Southern Star Observation Wheel. This requires teams to train on the wheel and remain familiar with its operations whilst the wheel shuts down for maintenance work.

Prior to the commencement of the 2014 winter, SAR purchased 3 new over snow vehicles including 2 x snow mobiles and an Argo snow transport vehicle. Members have been training in the use of these new machines during winter alpine training.

SAR are currently running at full strength with 20 full time members attached permanently at the unit. Suitably qualified members remain on “Reserve” and will fill vacancies as they become vacant.


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Training SAR has been involved in the following training over the past financial year:

Dive Medical Technician Course – 2 x SAR members travelled to Singapore to re- qualify as Dive Medical Technicians. 2 week course.

Southern Star Vertical Training – All SAR members were trained over 3 day period in rescue from heights at Melbourne Southern Star Observation Wheel – ongoing.

Chamber Course – 4 SAR members trained in initial Hyperbaric Chamber use.

Above – Chamber Course and Part 3 Surface Supply Diver Training at Lake Eildon

IRATA Roping Course – 6 SAR members were trained in Industrial roping course – 1 week duration.

Part 3 Diver Training – 8 SAR members received continuation training in Surface Supply diving to 50 metres at Lake Eildon – 8 days duration.

Swift Water Rescue Course – All SAR members received continuation training in Technical Swift Water Rescue on Mitta Mitta River. 5 days Duration.

Initial Alpine Skills Training – 3 SAR members including an instructor trained in initial Alpine Skills in High Country for 5 days.


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Above – students on SAR Alpine Skills course run at Bogong High Plains Winter 2014

NATSAR 2014 – SAR were able to send 1 x student and an instructor to 25th NATSAR course in Canberra. Both students from previous year’s course submitted workbooks towards attaining Advanced Diploma.

Certificate 4 Workplace Training – 5 SAR members were upgraded to comply with Cert 4 Workplace Training requirements with an additional member trained in the initial course.

Lost Person Behaviour “Train the Trainer” 1 x SAR (Sgt Dower) member attended Rob KOESTER’s “Train the Trainer” course held at AFP College Canberra. Presentations and training opportunities to be rolled out to Command and SAR members. Course was very beneficial in formalising through reflex tasking of dogs and volunteers to do features quickly. These learning’s to be incorporated in future courses.

Safety Programs and Community Awareness Due in part to the increase in drownings around the state over summer media interest/coverage was higher than past years. SAR members contributed in relaying vital safety message across to holiday makers and swimmers through timely media interviews and local newspapers.

The busy start to the 2014 winter also allowed SAR to spread the “Snow Safe” message during stand up interviews, newspaper articles and social media.


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Future Developments SAR are currently in the initial stages of running the Initial SAR Training Course for early 2015. Management has identified the need for further “reserve” members to be trained as basic SAR operatives in order to fill vacancies in the foreseeable future. Prior to the commencement of the course potential applicants are tested through October-December to determine their suitability in gaining selection to participate in the 14 week course. The course itself will be run over a 14 week period involving 9 weeks of diving, 2 weeks of vertical training, 2 weeks of bushmanship and a week of boat handling/seamanship. Once deemed competent in all these areas members will remain on the “reserve” list and await future vacancies at the squad. All elements of the course will be run internally at SAR and the instructional staff will all be suitably qualified SAR personnel. These courses are run approximately every 4-5 years and require a big commitment from all involved.

State/Territory SAR Committee Report In the wake of the 2009 Victoria Bushfires Royal Commission and the 2010-2011 Flood Warnings and Response Review, Emergency Management (EM) arrangements in Victoria have undergone significant reform. Under new governance arrangements, the State Marine Search and Rescue Committee (SMSARC), after reconfirming its relevance as a part of the formal EM structure, has maintained its function and composition with Victoria Police retaining the role of Chair. These past 12 months the committee has progressed the Swift Water Rescue Project (carried by the SES), the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety (DCVS) (carried by AMSA/TSV) and the draft arrangements for volunteer Marine SAR.

Substantial change within the Committee is anticipated over 2014/2015 in the wake of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Marine Rescue Services. The Inquiry found that Victoria’s MSAR volunteers operate under an ‘ad hoc’ regulatory environment which detracts from the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector. The Inquiry has recommended the introduction of an accreditation system for all volunteer MSAR units, changes to the governance arrangements and the formation of a single state-wide volunteer MSAR organisation, such as the NSW model. The Chair of SMSARC fully supports the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry and eagerly awaits the State Government’s response. In the interim, SMSARC will continue in its present format.

Victoria (Marine) SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-6b

Date: 04/09/14 Originator: VICPOL

Top 5 Report Highlights Increase in boating fatalities (up from 4 to 10) including three non related marine

fatalities on the 19th of January, 2014.

Commissioning of new 15m police off-shore patrol boat at Gippsland Lakes VP09.

PFD non-compliance featuring in fatalities.

Over 60 age group and solo operators over represented in fatalities.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Marine Rescue Services in Victoria may drive significant reform through the Volunteer Marine Rescue community.

Summary of activities for past financial year The Water Police Squad was involved in 1435 marine incidents during FY 2013/2014. This accounted for a total of 4926 personnel hours, and compares to 1499 incidents in the previous year.

The types of responses varied between simple vessel breakdowns, overdue vessels, groundings, capsizing, swampings, protracted searches, collisions and fatalities.

In addition to attending marine incidents, as the Control Agency for Water Rescue, the Water Police Squad co-ordinates attendance by volunteer marine rescue agencies, across the state. The breakdown is as follows:

NATSAR 38 3-1-6b – Victoria (Marine) SAR Activity Report

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Incidents attended by Water Police Squad: 468

Incidents attended by volunteer marine rescue agencies: 967

Boating related fatalities:

There were a total of 10 boating related fatalities in Victoria during the reporting period. A short summary of each incident is as follows:

03/09/13: 63 year old intoxicated male fell from vessel at Shallow Inlet. Male was alone at the time. Found deceased, separated from his vessel (no PFD).

21/11/13: 57 year old male drowned whilst swimming from shore to his vessel after it blew offshore unexpectedly (no PFD).

13/12/13: 60 year old male killed after being struck by propeller of dive charter vessel at Rye. Incident investigated by Marine Investigation Unit and operator of vessel charged with Manslaughter and other marine offences. Matter currently subject to the judicial process.

02/01/14: 27 year old male drowned after his vessel broke down and he attempted to swim to shore on Waranga Basin (no PFD).

05/01/14: 50 year old male deceased after his vessel capsized in foul weather at Point Cook. Male made it to shore but died shortly after.

10/01/14: 14 year old female, killed as a result of a collision between two ski vessels on Lake Eppalock. Investigation is ongoing.

19/01/14: EPIRB detection in Bass Strait. Vessel located shortly after washed onto rocks at Kilcunda. 36 year old male was fishing alone on vessel. Male has not been located (evidence to suggest no PFD).

19/01/14: 66 year old male drowned after vessel capsized during a bar crossing at Waratah Bay.

19/01/14: 21 year old male drowned after his kayak overturned in Kananook Creek, Frankston (no PFD).

20/06/14: 65 year old male failed to return home from solo fishing trip off Port fairy. Vessel located some time later. Male has not been located (evidence to suggest no PFD).

**There were several other drownings in Victorian waters, however they were not directly related to boating activities and are not captured here.


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Marine SAR Statistics


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Notable SAR Incidents January 2014:

Male fisherman lost in Bass Strait after his EPIRB was activated and his vessel washed onto rocks at Kilcunda. Large scale air and sea search coordinated by VicPol conducted over two days. Male not located.

Vessel overturned crossing bar at Waratah Bay. One male drowned and another male winched to safety by the Police helicopter. Vessel lost.

8 stand-up paddle boarders blown offshore into Corio bay. Unable to make way back to shore. All 8 boarders rescued by SLSV helicopter (3) and VMR vessels (5).

Small recreational vessel has collided with an unknown object and sank in Port Phillip Bay (Carrum). Lone operator was in water for approx 5 hours. Air and sea search coordinated by VicPol. Minor injuries to vessel operator. Was wearing a PFD.

February 2014:

Private helicopter located a suspected overturned yacht hull approx 20 NM’s off Lakes Entrance. Air and Sea search conducted, vessel was a tender that had been washed off another yacht.

5 metre recreational vessel capsized in Port Phillip Bay (Tootgarook) and 2 males entered water wearing PFD’s. Both males located and winched to safety by Police helicopter.

Recreational vessel rollover at Point Nepean (Port Phillip Bay). 2 males in water, rescued by passing vessel. 1 male taken to hospital with serious leg injuries.

March 2014:

3 males abandoned damaged yacht in Bass Strait whilst transiting from Sydney to Hobart. Males rescued by East Gippsland Water Police vessel from life raft. Search conducted for vessel, presumed sunken.

2 males anchored kayak in Port Phillip Bay whilst fishing. Weather changed and the males ended up in the water, unable to weigh anchor. 1 male was tangled in the anchor line. Civilian fishing on a small vessel nearby held the male above water until Water Police arrived and affected a rescue. Male suffered serious injuries.


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April 2014:

Cabin cruiser located anchored off Wilson’s Promontory with no person on board. Large scale air and sea search conducted for vessels occupants. Resulted in the location of all persons who had gone diving and become separated from the vessel.

June 2014:

Male fisherman overdue in Bass Strait, off Port Fairy. Large sea and air search conducted over three day period. Police vessels, volunteer vessels, Police Air Wing and multiple aerial SAR units utilised. Air search coordinated by AMSA. Sea search coordinated by VicPol. Missing person’s vessel was located. Missing person not located.

** Various vessel fires and vessel collisions of a serious nature throughout the

reporting period. Incidents not expanded upon here.

Causative Factors Emerging causative factors as seen below:

Not wearing PFD’s where required by either legislation or heightened risk level

Solo vessel operators

Vessel rollovers whilst crossing bars

Males over the age of 60

The Water Police Squad and Transport Safety Victoria are working together on a multi-pronged strategy for the upcoming summer boating season. The strategy will be designed around the causative factors seen above. The new reporting period has already seen two boating related fatalities with similar causative factors.


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Search and Rescue Capability 5 x dedicated SAR response vessels (permanent in water)

1. VP01 (16 metre Austal Patrol Boat)

2. VP02 (12 Metre Steber Patrol Boat)

3. VP16 (10 metre Steber Patrol Boat)

4. VP10 (10.2 metre Naiad Patrol Boat)

5. VP09 (15.5 metre Quay-West Patrol Boat)

4 x 7.4 metre trailer vessels utilised for general patrols and SAR missions.

2 x 6 metre trailer vessels utilised for general patrols and SAR missions.

3 x 9.5 metre RHIBS utilised for Marine Response Team capabilities, general patrols and SAR missions

A fleet of smaller craft including eight (8) PWC’s, three (3) small aluminium vessels and 3 Inshore Rescue Boats.

The Water Police Squad also operates a fully equipped Rescue Coordination Centre, with a full suite of communications devices, and search planing software.

VP09 is a new vessel launched on the 6th March 2014 and located in the Gippsland region. It has greatly increased the capability of the Water Police to respond to offshore rescue and still maintain a shallow draft as required in the inland lakes area.


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Training Members of the Water Police Squad are involved in both internal and external training courses. The skills required, to operate effectively as part of a specialist unit, are particularly varied in nature. Skill sets range from operating SAR Software to operating large vessels and everything in between.

The breakdown of training conducted is as follows:

Course / Training: Number of members qualified:

Coxswain 7

Master V 5

MED II 3

Swift Water Rescue 12

Advanced Swift Water Rescue 7

Water Police Squad Induction 2

Basic Personal Watercraft 7

Advanced Personal Watercraft 2

Surf IRB 9

StateSAR 18

NATatSAR 1

Marine Response Team 5

Underwater Security Team Training 3

3 Day Training Block (incorporating, first aid level 1, survival at sea drills, bronze

medallion)

47

Internal Water Police Initial Training Courses

24


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Swift Water Rescue Course -

Inflatable Rescue Boat Course -

Underwater Security Team Course -


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Safety Programs and Community Awareness The Water Police Squad fostered community awareness throughout the reporting period in a number of ways.

Law Enforcement

Lectures/presentations at industry groups

Water Police Squad facility tours and info sessions for industry groups

Dedicated site at the 2014 BIA Melbourne Boat Show.

All official safety programs and community awareness programs in Victoria are administered by the state body, being Transport Safety Victoria (Maritime). Transport Safety Victoria conduct large scale community safety programs each year that are usually comprised of enforcement, education and media promotion.

The Water Police Squad has some input into the strategy for each summer boating period. Strategies are generally based upon causative factors such as those seen earlier in this report.

Future Developments Rollout of a web-based 3G/Satellite tracking solution for all WPS and VMR vessels in

Victoria is ongoing. The program is still expanding. The more progressive VMR’s in Victoria are utilising the system to good effect. The system is managed by and monitored at the Water Police Squad in Melbourne.

The Water Police Squad / Search & Rescue Inspector is re-visiting a fleet replacement program. Several vessels are already past their useful service life and require replacing. A single supplier agreement with Quay-West in New Zealand is being considered as part of the fleet replacement program.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade is part way through the inception of a marine based fire fighting capability. The WPS has provided advice and training to the MFB in this regard, therefore striking a close working relationship. The project is ongoing.

WPS management is currently examining a roster reform strategy, in order to streamline and/or maximise capability and service delivery.


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State/Territory SAR Committee Report In the wake of the 2009 Victoria Bushfires Royal Commission and the 2010-2011 Flood Warnings and Response Review, Emergency Management (EM) arrangements in Victoria have undergone significant reform. Under new governance arrangements, the State Marine Search and Rescue Committee (SMSARC), after reconfirming its relevance as a part of the formal EM structure, has maintained its function and composition with Victoria Police retaining the role of Chair. These past 12 months the committee has progressed the Swift Water Rescue Project (carried by the SES), the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety (DCVS) (carried by AMSA/TSV) and the draft arrangements for volunteer Marine SAR.

Substantial change within the Committee is anticipated over 2014/2015 in the wake of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Marine Rescue Services. The Inquiry found that Victoria’s MSAR volunteers operate under an ‘ad hoc’ regulatory environment which detracts from the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector. The Inquiry has recommended the introduction of an accreditation system for all volunteer MSAR units, changes to the governance arrangements and the formation of a single state-wide volunteer MSAR organisation, such as the NSW model. The Chair of SMSARC fully supports the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry and eagerly awaits the State Government’s response. In the interim, SMSARC will continue in its present format.

Lachlan HOLDING

Sergeant 32422

Water Police Squad

Northern Territory SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-7

Date: 05/09/2014 Originator: NT

Report Highlights National SARMC course – Canberra – August 2014 (Luke KINGSBURY/Meacham

KING); NT planned ASARMC course – October 2014; Helicopter approval – increase in efficient deployment; Marine SAR responses increasing in line with population rise and boat ownership; NT Police value the working relationship and assistance provided by AMSA

contracted assets; and Imminent arrival of eight new coastal regional vessels and a fast response vessel for

the greater Darwin region.

Summary of activities for past financial year The primary recording method of SAR incidents is the Police Real-time Online Management Information System (PROMIS).

In the previous twelve months, NT Police have responded to 214 incidents involving SAR activity (land and water).

NATSAR 38 3-1-7 – Northern Territory SAR Activity Report

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Marine

Incident Type / FY 2005-

06 2006-

07 2007-

08 2008-

09 2009-

10 2010-

11 2011-

12 2012-

13 2013-

14

Beacon Activation 38 19 25 35 29 44 34 38 49

Flare Sighting 20 17 15 11 21 19 21 24 18

Overdue Party - Marine 42 51 50 46 53 59 52 55 47

Total 100 87 90 92 103 122 107 117 123

During the previous year Water Police responded to 123 SAR incidents (Beacons/Flares/Overdue).

A reduction in the number of breakdown recoveries was identified. This may be due to the increased capacity of Surf Life Saving NT and the Australian Volunteer Coastguard.

Land

Incident 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Walker /Outdoor adventurer

3 2 2 1 0 11 12 5 10

Senior Person 19 42 31 25 22 12 11 8 4

Vehicle 5 0 2 0 1 8 37 20 26

Downed Aircraft 3 7 4 5 6 1 1 2 3

PLB/ EPIRB 8 3 12 8 5 16 24 30 34

Overdue 24 19 48 28 27 62 26 72 77

Total 62 73 99 67 61 112 111 135 154

There were 154 land based SAR incidents which highlights a steady increasing trend. It has been noted that education campaigns have resulted in a sharp rise in the number of SARs relating to overdue parties. This is due to increased reporting from family and friends that are awaiting contact from travelling persons


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Notable SAR Incidents

Marine – reported by Water Police Water Police identified a general increase in efficiency of operation and a decrease in resolution time for water based SAR activities where a registered encoded EPIRB has been activated.

The benefits of encoded EPIRBs have been strongly supported through various marine dealers, media and community events. Increased community interaction and education has resulted in an improvement in marine safety compliance within the greater Darwin region.

SAR responses for overdue parties in remote regions and communities along the NT coastline continue to be an issue for Water Police, due to isolation and lack of population within these areas.

It is not uncommon for persons from these locations to undertake long journeys for the purpose of hunting and social interaction.

Often the vessels utilised for these purposes are in poor condition, have inadequate fuel or are not designed for the task undertaken. Combined with a lack of planning; analysis of weather conditions, navigation, food, water and safety equipment, the result is increased sea rescue activity which may have been avoidable.

A small number of incidents have highlighted the potential time it can take for an EPIRB position to be resolved for non-encoded beacons. One man was rescued by a fishing vessel as he floated out of Darwin Harbour clutching his EPIRB. The EPIRB light attracted the vessel. It had been activated for nearly two hours before a position could be determined.

Since the last reporting period, Water Police have responded to an increased number of crocodile attacks. Four fatal attacks have occurred whereby persons entered waters known to inhabit saltwater crocodiles. It is envisaged that this trend may continue due to the continued interaction of man and crocodile.

Finally, Water Police responded to a number of drownings in rough waters in the greater Darwin area. This is unusual for Darwin, however, during the monsoon season, the combination of weather and tides can create a surf that includes rip tides. During this period, a teenage girl and a middle-aged man were drowned as a result of these conditions.


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Water Police Officers responding to an incident at Nightcliff Jetty.

Land – reported by TRG (Tactical Response Group)

The remoteness of the NT continues to provide challenges to SARMC’s and corresponding search teams. People are confidently utilising technology to locate and travel to areas not commonly traversed. This has resulted in land SAR incidents occurring in wider ranging locations. During the reporting period, the TRG responded to incidents involving seasonal flooding, persons suffering from various health conditions and assisted in the locating and destruction of salt water crocodiles that were responsible for the deaths of missing persons. It is noted that despite warnings relating to weather conditions and wildlife, people continue to place themselves at risk, often by failing to inform persons of their plans and from failing to remain on commonly utilised tracks. Regional stations are also providing high quality information and assistance with land based activity which is improving resolution.


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Causative Factors

Marine Licensing of Skippers / Registration of vessels - No requirement is placed on

recreational boat users to demonstrate maritime knowledge. This lack of knowledge and preparation, combined with a lack of identification of vessels, potentially increases SAR activity and reduces efficiency in response.

Weather & Tides – The NT coastline experiences large tidal movements that can make navigation precarious and difficult. Further, the volatility associated with seasonal weather patterns compounds the risk.

Crocodiles – there is increasing interaction between man and crocodile due to the expansion of human movements, as well as an escalating crocodile population and increased size of the animal.

Land Ageing population/Pre-existing health conditions - TRG in this reporting period

have completed search and rescue activities in response to persons suffering from, mental health and other general health issues which may have exacerbated their susceptibility to succumbing to the elements.

Preparedness - The Top End terrain is conducive to travelling great distances in established tourist areas. Parties that divert from planned routes, take shortcuts, or otherwise find themselves undertaking unplanned travel, compound the risks associated with an emergency situation (i.e. health/vehicle/stores). Rescuers are continuously hampered due to a lack of well communicated travel plans by some subjects. Given the tyranny of distance and large areas devoid of communications infrastructure, one can reason that efficient and effective SAR response relies heavily on initial notifications or the subject’s travel plan contingencies.


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Marine The Marine Search and Rescue capability of the NT Police is being enhanced with the introduction of the below new vessels

Regional Coastline - Eight Stabicraft 6.9 metre vessels are being deployed at major coastal centres.

Greater Darwin Region - An 11.3m fast response Naiad vessel is due to come into service in October 2014. The vessel is fitted to act as a forward command post and is fitted with night vision and flir to ensure improved 24-hour response to SAR incidents.

Land Helicopters are a force multiplier in quick reactions to SAR incidents in the NT. They

are relied upon by SARMC’s to provide the best possible coverage in the timeliest manner. The NT Police is becoming more efficient in approving their deployment, resulting in the efficient resolution of SAR efforts.


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Training Senior Constable Luke KINGSBURY (student) and Sergeant Meacham KING

(instructor) attended the National SARMC course in Canberra during August 2014.

An ASARMC course is planned for October 2014, which will increase the number of ASARMC qualified personnel by 16.

Water Police conducted a number of joint SAR operation with NT Police Airwing, NT Emergency Services (NTES), Tiwi Island Marine Rangers and Tiwi Island Police. Bilateral training has also been conducted with Surf Life Saving NT.

Safety Programs and Community Awareness Water Police sit on the NT Water Safety Advisory Council and contribute to policy

advice and participate in Water Safety week in addition to other boating related public education.

TRG provide PowerWater contractors working in remote locations with a safety briefing, covering topics such as actions on ‘lost’, timeline of SAR responders and necessary safety equipment guidance. As infrastructure programs roll out across the NT, such briefings are invaluable to external stakeholders and their frequency is expected to increase.

Territory Duty Superintendents and Watch Commanders provide contemporaneous safety information to the public when releasing details of SAR operations. This information is provided by SARMC’s.

Future Developments Introduction to service of the 8 Stabicraft regional Police vessels and the Niaid fast

response SAR vessel on Darwin Harbour.

Surf Life Saving NT will be introducing a voluntary skipper’s ticket and radio operators training course to help educate boat users.

State/Territory SAR Committee Report The Northern Territory does not have a SAR Committee.

Australian Federal Police SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-8

Date: 25/8/14 Originator: Cooke

Marine / Land SAR Statistics Marine SAR Incidents

Incident 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Boat/Boat 1 8 2

Boat/Swimmer 5 3 0 Drowning 1 2 0

Fire/Explosion 0 0 0 Grounding 8 0 2

Person overboard 6 2 0 Swimmer in distress 3 4 3

Boat/Object 2 3 3 Capsize 2 5 3

EPIRB 6 1 4 Flare sighting 9 7 3

Medivac 7 4 4 Overdue 76 2 1

Sink/swamping 4 0 0 Tow 16 3 1

Other 15 0 0 Total 171 44 24

NATSAR 38 3-1-8 – Australian Federal Police SAR Activity Report

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LAND SAR Incidents Incident 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Walker /Outdoor adventurer 5 7 15

Senior Person 5 9 24 Vehicle 0 0 2

Downed Aircraft 0 0 0 PLB/ EPIRB 0 0 0 Tip Search 0 0 1

Medivac 0 0 6 Overdue 3 2 6

Tow 3 0 6 Other 9 11 56 Total 25 29 116

171 44 24 0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Maritime


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Notable SAR Incidents On 06/12/2013, a Sea and Land SAR was activated after 8 asylum seekers walked out of the jungle, stating their SIEV ran aground south of Dolly Beach on Christmas Island some four days earlier. Further information indicated there were still 19 persons (men, women & children) missing. Ten persons were located on the shore-line in the sea search, and 9 persons were located in the jungle during the land search. All 27 missing persons were located safe & well over a two day period. All persons including those on the shore line had to be recovered from land, due to the poor sea state.

Causative Factors In the ACT, despondent and dementia related illness continue to contribute

significantly to SAR incidents Decrease in SIEV arrivals

25 29 116 0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Land Incidents


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Search and Rescue Capability Cocos Keeling Islands

1. 8.5 metre Naiad RHIB 2. Nil dive (AFP SRG Maritime call-out) 3. No new capabilities

Christmas Island

1. 8.5 metre Naiad RHIB 2. Volunteer Marine Rescue 8.5 metre Naiad RHIB 3. Dive Units (callout of AFP SRG Maritime or request to WA) 4. No new capabilities.

Jervis Bay

1. 5.8 metre Naiad RHIB 2. 4 X Trail bikes 3. 2 X 4WD 4. Dive Units – (Callout of AFP SRG Maritime) 5. No new capabilities

Australian Capital Territory

1. Full time Search and Rescue Team trained in a range of SAR capabilities. 2. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Quad Rotor) 3. Maritime Team Divers and Swift Water Rescue 4. A number of off-road vehicles including over snow capability.

Training Four AFP members including 2 from Christmas Island completed the NatSAR

Course in Canberra in August 2014.

AFP SAR Training Structure being developed with AFP Learning and Development. Diploma Search and Rescue Coordinator Course developed awaiting AFP L&D endorsement.


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Safety Programs and Community Awareness National Missing Persons Week - Dementia

Future Developments Indo-Pacific Training as capability development to be rolled out. Will include

PNG, Timor Leste, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. Additional development for Indonesia National Police through JCLEC also under progression.

Establishment of Unmanned Aerial vehicle capability, fully CASA endorsed. Establishment of a full-time electronic mapping capability.

ADF SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38 3-1-9

Date: SEPT 2014 Originator: ADF

Summary of activities for past financial year

1. SAR Activities to the end of 2013 remained steady due to activity in the North West, but reduced significantly throughout 2014. As a result, the requirement for ADF resources to assist in civilian SAR has been less than in previous reporting periods.

2. The ADF has been involved in a total of 80 SAR events since the last council meeting, the most notable being support provided to the international search for Malaysian Airlines MH370 under the auspices of Operation Southern Indian Ocean. The number of SAR events relating to asylum-seeker vessels was 46. This is a marked decrease from the last report, reducing the percentage from 91% to 58% of total SAR events involving ADF support.

3. The ADF continued to support regional SAR efforts, including those related to numerous small boat incidents in the Solomon Islands and PNG, with air and surface assets.

NATSAR 38 3-1-9 – ADF SAR Activity Report

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SAR Statistics

Number of SAR Events with ADF Involvement FY13/14

-2147

1013161922252831343740

Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14Months

Eve

nts SIEV

Total

Figure 1 – ADF Involvement in SAR July 13 to June 14

Number of SAR Events with ADF Involvement by FY (to July 14)

0102030405060708090

100110120130140150

FY 11-12 FY 12-13 FY 13-14

FY

Tota

l

Figure 2 – ADF Involvement in SAR by Financial Year


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Notable SAR Incidents

09 March 2014 – Operation Southern Indian Ocean

Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, with 227 passengers and 12 crew aboard, departed from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing on the evening of the 7th of March 2014. The flight was reported missing in the early hours of the 8th of March.

The ADF was officially tasked to provide assistance for the search on the 9th of March.

AP-3C assets undertaking border protection duties off North-West Australia were re-tasked to assist with the search, initially in South-East Asia, and then redeployed to RAAF Pearce as a staging point for further search activities.

After an unsuccessful Malaysian-led search in South-East Asia, the Australian-led Southern Indian Ocean element of the search progressed through a number of phases, with the first phase led by AMSA and supported by air and surface assets from eight nations, along with an ADF Joint Task Force (JTF) and RAAF Air Task Group (ATG) based in Western Australia.

Official tasking from JRCC to the ADF to support the Southern Indian Ocean search occurred on the 18th of March.

Coordination of the whole of government support for the search was facilitated through the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC), established by the Australian Government to synchronise the efforts of the Malaysian RCC, the Australian JRCC, military elements other government and civilian agencies committed to the search across 3.5 million square kilometres of ocean.


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Nine participating nations committed 21 military aircraft (that flew 345 missions for a total of 3002 hours for 885 hours on station search), 19 military and commercially contracted ships and a commercially contracted Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to the Southern Indian Ocean search for over two months, with the level of ADF support varying throughout each phase, scaling back as the search progressed.

Visual, radar, satellite and acoustic search techniques were employed during the initial search phase without finding or retrieving evidence of the aircraft.

The present Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) led phase, features multi-national bathymetric profiling activities that aim to comprehensively ‘map’ the sea bottom as a pre-cursor to the next search phase, which is likely to employ sophisticated towed acoustic search devices across a broad area of the Southern Indian Ocean sea bottom.


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15 March 2014 – Overdue skiff in Micronesia

Fishing skiff with two POB that departed Uman Island, Micronesia was noted as overdue on the 14th of March.

One AP-3C under control of JTF632 was assigned to assist with the search, operating out of Pohnpei.

Over a period of two days, the 15th and the 16th of March, the AP-3C (ASY205) flew for 17 hours. Assistance was also provided by five ‘Good Samaritan’ vessels, one US Coast Guard C-130 from Hawaii, one US Navy P-3 from Japan and the Patrol Boat FSS Micronesia from Pohnpei. A total of 5300 square NM was covered in the search.

The skiff was spotted by locals off the island Satawal on the 25th of March, drifting one NM from the coast.

The locals immediately launched a vessel and provided assistance to the sole survivor; a 50 year old man, who was later identified as the Mayor of Uman Island.

A second POB reportedly went overboard a few days after the skiff broke down and became adrift - the second POB was not recovered.

The Federated States of Micronesia passed a resolution formally thanking all parties involved for their search efforts.


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29 April 2014 – Overdue Banana Boat

A Banana Boat departing Nissan Island, bound for Buka Island with 15 POB, was reported missing - PNG MRCC requested assistance from AUS JRCC.

Due to the distances involved, AUS JRCC requested ADF assistance.

RSCU101 from JTF639 was tasked with the search, departing Darwin to pre-position at Port Moresby for visual and radar search.

RSCU101 VID at 0527Z on the 29th of April, then deployed one ASRK and a datum buoy to subsequently observe survivors reach the life raft.

RSCU101 attempted contact with local vessels and eventually made contact with MV Corebest Ol and requested assistance. Corebest Ol advised ETA on scene between 1300 and 1400Z.

Corebest Ol refined ETA to 1515Z, then RSCU101 informed JRCC that it would return to Port Moresby and would not be returning to the scene for over-watch.

Cease Order promulgated shortly after as Military assistance was no longer required.

While the Corebest Ol was en route, the Provisional Disaster Organisation tasked a banana boat IVO the search area to assist. The crew of this boat recovered all 15 POB and brought them safely ashore at Feeder Island.


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Training 4. A SAREX was conducted with 38SQN on the 28th of July, to assess and test the

squadron’s ability to respond to a distress phase, carry out a localised SAR and to test the command and control arrangements from the JRCC through the JPR cell and to the squadron. This activity was conducted IAW the National SAR Plan, and DI(G) OPS 47-1 - ADF SAR Command and Control Arrangements.

5. One MilSAR Course has been conducted since the last council meeting. The course was conducted in HMAS Harman, and resulted in 8 members of the RAAF being trained. Due to a review of course training outcomes, the next course will not be held until May 2015. Future iterations of the MilSAR course will be significantly changed in focus to reflect current and future ADF force structure. There will be less emphasis on tactical level coordination and more focus on the ADF’s role within the National SAR plan.

Future Developments 6. Following from the previous report, the ADF SAR Beacon Database is in the process of

being transferred from the Defence Science and Technologies Organisation’s network to the Defence Protected Network. There has been a marked decrease in the number of inadvertent activations of beacons, and JPR has noted that the Army and RAAF have maintained their compliance to beacon management requirements.

7. RAN compliance performance and associated records are ongoing issues. To address this, JPR has fostered a relationship with the Fleet Life Support Safety Equipment Authority within Navy’s Fleet Command to facilitate the application a tailored, ‘service-specific’ approach to rectifying the RAN beacon records, with a particular focus on ensuring that they are accurately maintained.

National Volunteer Marine SAR Committee

NATSAR 38 Date:

Originator:

Background

As a result of a discussion paper presented at the 2009 NATSAR Council meeting and subsequent endorsement, the National Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue Committee (NVMSARC) was established to provide a consultative forum for agencies involved in volunteer marine rescue. While representation was sought on a state by state basis and the committee continued to gain momentum and provide a legitimate forum with tangible outcomes, prior to 2014 not every state (Tasmania and Northern Territory) had provided a delegate.

During 2013/14 the committee met on three occasions with the following notable occurrences:

Following his appointment to the position of Chair in 2011, in August 2013 Mr Paul Kimber of Western Australia stood down due to a change of duties. Mr Kimber’s contribution to the NVMSARC and marine SAR in general should be noted by Council.

At the meeting of the NVMSARC conducted in November 2013, Mr Darryl Wright of South Australia was elected to the position of Chair, with Mr Doug Kent of Victoria elected as Deputy.

Also in 2013/14 two further positions changed. Due to a change of duties, Mr Graham Swift was replaced as the Western Australia delegate by Mr Gary Gifford. Also, Mr Harry Hubner of Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland stood down from

NATSAR 38 – National Volunteer Marine SAR Committee

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the voluntary Executive Officer position, which he had undertaken since inception. Mr Matt Thompson of Marine Rescue NSW has taken on that role.

2013/14 Highlights

National Representation

Ongoing consultation with AMSA re National Marine Reforms

SAR Capability

Operational Response

State Reforms

National Representation

For the first time since inception, during 2013/14 it was extremely pleasing to have all States and Territories represented. Current delegates are as follows:

New South Wales: Stacey Tannos, Marine Rescue NSW

Northern Territory: Lee Symons, Northern Territory Emergency Services

Queensland: Mike Vosti, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (Qld)

Keith Williams, Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland

South Australia: Darryl Wright, SA State Emergency Service

Tasmania: Paul Hawkins, Surf Life Saving Tasmania

Victoria: Doug Kent, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (Vic)

Western Australia: Gary Gifford, Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Ongoing Consultation with AMSA re National Marine Reforms

On 1 July 2013 the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 20122 came into effect. While these reforms have little effect for those states that had previously operated under ‘commercial’ maritime legislation, for the majority they represent a significant departure from traditional requirements in vessel design standards and training competencies. The committee wishes to convey to Council its appreciation of AMSA’s Domestic Vessel Division for their willingness to engage


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with the committee, and consider their industry specific issues. Compliance with the requirements of the Act continues through an interim exemption issued by AMSA, consultation continues and although the outcomes will most likely result in a significant cost implication for some states, it is not anticipated that this will compromise the ability of volunteer agencies to support SAR authorities or respond to emergencies.

SAR Capability

Investment in capital programs and human resources continues within respective agencies at a state level. Without exception, agencies continue to upgrade assets (particularly vessels) on needs and risk basis. Some agencies have flagged the increasing cost of doing business, a widening gap between revenue and expenditure and uncertainty in funding streams as an area of significant concern. These agencies are dealing with issues at a state level.

Volunteer marine rescue agencies continue to invest a significant amount of capital and human resources towards monitoring marine radio emergency frequencies, and logging vessel movements.

Operational Response

In addition to complementing the service provided by SAR authorities and attending ‘distress’ situations, nationally volunteer marine rescue agencies invest a significant amount of time and money attending to non-SAR tasks or ‘preventative actions’. The term ‘preventative action’ is used to describe more holistically those non-SAR tasks that, had they not been undertaken, may have escalated to a more serious scenario. Traditionally, these relate to vessels that have broken down, run aground or become disorientated. During the 2013/14 year, volunteers operating under agencies represented at the NVMSARC attended in excess of 8500 preventative actions, as follows:

NSW: 2297

QLD: 3598 (VMRQ and AVCG Qld combined)

SA: 597

VIC: 1287

WA: 834


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(Tasmania and Northern Territory statistics were not available at the time of preparing this report)

State Reforms

Following previous moves in both Western Australia and New South Wales to integrate volunteer marine rescue services into Government or Government supported structures; two further states are currently reviewing their arrangements.

On 3 September 2014 the Victorian Parliament Economic Development, Infrastructure and Outer Suburban/Interface Services Committee handed down its recommendations following a review of marine rescue services in that state. While a number of those recommendations relate to greater integration of volunteer marine rescue services, Government is currently considering its position.

Also in September 2014 the South Australian Minister for Emergency Services released a discussion paper surrounding potential reforms across the emergency services sector. In addition to raising the potential for the administrative amalgamation of traditional emergency services into a single departmental structure, the paper also outlines opportunities for improved integration of volunteer marine recue services, which are currently met through an arrangement with the Sa state Emergency Service. Submissions close in late October 2014.

The NVMSARC next meets in Western Australia on 6-7 October 2014.

Darryl Wright

Chair

National Volunteer Marine SAR Committee

AMSA SAR Activity Report Summary of Search and Rescue Activity for 2013/14 NATSAR 38

Date: Sept 2014 Originator: AMSA

Top 5 Report Highlights AMSA operational involvement in suspected illegal entry vessel incidents. AMSA coordination of search efforts for Malaysian airlines flight MH370. Procurement processes for:

o replacement MEOSAR system; o sustainment of AMSA Tier 1 dedicated airborne search asset program; o mass casualty capability enhancement with procurement of life rafts to

sustain life to 200 persons from each dedicated fixed wing airborne aircraft. Regional SAR engagement and capability initiatives, Indonesia, Indian Ocean, Papua

New Guinea and South West Pacific. AMSA coordinated 7124 incidents, saving 4619 people representing 99.59 per cent

of lives saved.

Summary of activities for past financial year We have statutory duties under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 to provide a national search and rescue (SAR) service in a manner consistent with Australia’s obligations under the:

Convention on International Civil Aviation, 1944 (Chicago Convention) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS) International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 (SAR Convention).

NATSAR 38 – AMSA SAR Activity Report

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These cover international shipping, international and domestic civil aviation, and maritime search and rescue.

In order to meet these obligations and effectively respond to increasingly complex search and rescue incidents, we provided a range of technical systems, human and resource capability; and strengthened national search and rescue relationships.

Incidents response

During 2013-14, JRCC Australia coordinated the search and rescue of 4619 people across 7124 incidents, representing 99.59 per cent of lives saved. This performance is comparative to previous years; however it is evident that the complexity of search and rescue response continues to grow.

Last financial year (2013-14), the AMSA Dornier aircraft responded to 169 SAR incidents with the total flying hours being 890 hours.

Of particular note were the prolonged sustained search and rescue responses for two significant international incidents: the Akademik Shokalskiy and Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

Technology

To continue coordinating effective and efficient search and rescue operations to assist persons in distress, AMSA retained our focus on important technology developments in search and rescue (SAR). Specifically, three major approaches to market were closed for:

Medium-altitude Earth Orbiting Search and Rescue (MEOSAR), which will result in an upgrade to the International Cospas-Sarsat satellite system and dramatically improve both the speed and location accuracy of distress beacon detections;

Airborne SAR service, which involves the procurement of a service provider to sustain our dedicated fixed-wing airborne SAR capability; and

Mass casualty capability enhancement, involving the procurement of life rafts to increase our capacity to sustain life to 200 people from each dedicated fixed wing airborne aircraft.

Whole-of-Government

Operation Sovereign Borders continued to draw on the Emergency Response Division’s resources with the requirement for a liaison presence within the Australian Maritime Security Operations Centre located within Border Protection Command throughout most of the year. This included providing a business day presence and a 30-minute on-call response after hours.

AMSA assisted the Australia Customs and Border Protection Service develop a first response search and rescue capability from their aircraft operating from Christmas Island.


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Beacon Registration

AMSA continued to manage the world’s second largest 406 MHz distress beacon databases with 329,870 beacons, a 15.5 per cent increase in the 2013-14 year. The beacon registration team also allocated 1894 maritime mobile service identity numbers in Australia, taking this register to a total of 11,509 as at 30 June 2014.

To support this system for the future, a three-year enhancement program was progressed, which will improve our ability to effectively manage the beacon database

system. It includes improvements to the system’s user functionality, technical innovations to improve online access and increased efficiencies in the end to end system’s operation.

This includes the intended improvement to modify the proof of beacon registration component by removing the “proof of registration” sticker and replacing it with more modern techniques including mobile phone and SMS communications. This more modern approach is in line with recent adjustments in comparative sectors that have moved away from “proof of registration” stickers, such as car registration. (Ref WP 11-1-1 Beacon Registration Stickers)

Aviation Policy

AMSA has responsibility for meeting Australia’s international obligations for aeronautical search and rescue (SAR) services as determined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). AMSA increased engagement and contribution to the work of ICAO (regionally and internationally) in working towards further development of aeronautical SAR services..

AMSA continues to Chair the ICAO Asia/Pacific Search and Rescue Task Force which was established following a proposal by AMSA in 2012. This Task Force was established to promote the enhancement and improvement of SAR facilities and services within the Asia-Pacific Region, and develop a regional SAR plan.

Following the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 incident, ICAO held a Multi-Disciplinary Meeting on Global Tracking of Aircraft. AMSA attended as part of the Australian delegation where our representation contributed to ICAO looking to review methods to support improvement of the global SAR system. The associated work included participation in two new groups established to address global flight tracking:


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ICAO Ad-hoc Working Group on Flight Tracking International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aircraft Tracking Task Force. International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and ICAO continue to work together towards the harmonisation of aeronautical and maritime SAR services globally, and our work with ICAO also involved collaboration with IMO SAR technical advisors.

Marine / Land SAR Statistics 7124 incidents involving 506 searches at a cost of $17.5 million AMSA assisted with air search coordination in:

Queensland $0.5 M

New South Wales $0.08M

Western Australia $0.2 M

Northern Territory $0.14M

1910 incidents involving beacon activations

121.5 MHz 435

406 MHz 1475

Beacon activation reasons

Real distress 406 MHz 217

Real distress 121.5 MHz 5

Hoax\Malicious 46

Incorrect disposal 63

Inadvertent 589

Search hours flown by all airborne search and rescue aircraft 5516

Tier 1 aircraft 890 hours

Tier 2 rotary wing aircraft 700 hours

Defence 2191 hours (2075 MH 370 search)

Beacon ground homing tasks 63, 5 per month on-average


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Notable SAR Incidents Search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370

On Saturday 8 March 2014, a Boeing 777, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, disappeared while enroute from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing, China. There were 239 people on board.

After almost ten days of searching in the Malaysian region, analysis of Inmarsat satellite signals indicated that MH370 continued to fly for over six hours after contact was lost. The analysis indicated that the aircraft could have taken one of two routes—to the north or south of the equator. The southern route transited through large areas of the Australian search and rescue region.

On 17 March Australia assumed coordination of the search for MH370 along the possible southern corridor and over the next 15 days over 4.7 million square kilometres of ocean were searched, involving 345 aircraft flights, and totalling 3177 hours. On 31 March the Australian Government’s Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) took over the day-to-day communications as the search transitioned from a search and rescue operation to an investigation phase. We continued to coordinate the surface search, which involved personnel, military and civil aircraft and ships from over eight countries, until 28 April. This incident generated substantial workload, with staff from all areas of the organisation contributing to the response.

On 4 April, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, visited JRCC Australia to meet the staff involved in the search. The Prime Minister discussed the search with our officers, thanking all involved for their contribution to this very challenging search.

“You are the people bringing extraordinary professionalism and commitment to the search and the Australian Government thanks you,” Prime Minister Abbott said. “I can’t think of better people to handle this difficult task.”


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MV Akademik Shokalskiy

MRCC Falmouth, United Kingdom notified JRCC Australia on the morning of 25 December 2013 that a Russian ice-strengthened research turned passenger ship, Akademic Shokalskiy, had issued a distress alert near Commonwealth Bay approximately 180 kilometres east of the French Dumont D'Urville base, Antarctica (2700 kilometres south of Hobart), within the Australian search and rescue region. The vessel had 52 passengers and 22 crew members on board.

When contacted by AMSA the master advised that the Akademic Shokalskiy was beset by ice and required assistance from an ice breaker to reach open water, eight kilometres away. The master expressed concern that icebergs adrift in the area also threatened the safety of the ship.

JRCC Australia tasked three ships of opportunity, the Chinese Antarctic Program supply ship Xuě Lóng which carried a helicopter capable of transferring passenger in case of emergency, the French research ship L'Astrolabe, and the Australian Antarctic Division ship Aurora Australis.

The Xuě Lóng attempted to reach the ship but could only close to within six nautical miles of the Akademik Shokalskiy. Xuě Lóng’s Master advised he would remain in his current position to provide assistance to Akademik Shokalskiy if required. On 2 January, after discussions between the masters of the Aurora Australis, Xuě Lóng and Akademic Shokalskiy, a rescue of the 52 passengers from the Akademic Shokalskiy was conducted utilising the helicopter embarked on the Xuě Lóng to transfer passengers to the Aurora Australis.

On 8 January the Akademik Shokalskiy reported they had been able to move out of the area of the heaviest ice and the Xuě Lóng advised that it was making its way to open water. Both vessels reached open water later that day.

Vessels and personnel from the National Antarctic Programs of France, China, the United States and Australia were involved in the response. In total five ships were involved in the multi-lateral cooperative effort: Akademik Shokalskiy (Russia); L’Astrolabe (France); Xuě Lóng (China); Aurora Australis (Australia); and USCGC Polar Star (United States of America). The National Antarctic Programs of the five countries were engaged in operational responses, contingency planning, and/or the provision of specialist data.

Search and Rescue Capability Antarctic


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AMSA continued to have extensive involvement in the Antarctic with a growing level of cooperation and exchange of information through engagement in the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), collaborative work with Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), extensive work on the Polar Code, and extensive close engagement with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

AMSA also continued to have significant operational level engagement in regards the Antarctic including: providing search and rescue training and equipment to AAD deployed aircraft operating from their Antarctic bases; and participating in search and rescue exercises (SAREX) and debrief processes. The training included the provision of specialist equipment and training in proper visual search technique, deployment of equipment and use of distress homing equipment.

Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT)

AMSA continue to work with the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT) through the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and IMO towards future improved SAR coordination and cooperation in the South Pacific, including the development of a regional SAR memorandum of understanding and representation of ICAO SAR matters.

Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package (ITSAP)

AMSA has participated in delivering major components of the Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package (ITSAP), a program of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, since the program’s inception in 2008. In 2013-14, we provided assistance in a number of areas:

Provision of SAR capability Officers embedded within Indonesia’s search and rescue agency BASARNAS.

Delivery of the AMSA developed ship tracking and e-broadcast system to BASARNAS.

Conducted two search and rescue exercises in Lombok November 2013 and May 2014 and a biannual SAR forum in August 2014.

Continuation of BASARNAS SAR officer long term attachment to AMSA, four cycles have been completed to date.

Papua New Guinea

AMSA is also concluding work on the 2012 Gap Analysis Project for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ( DFAT).The Project highlighted a number of opportunities for improvement in the current capability of the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) Search and Rescue systems. A final report was approved in May 2013 and outlined a number of recommendations considering the provision of SAR services at the national level by the NMSA’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and the PNG Air Services Limited (PNGASL) Aviation Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC). The associated


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recommendations within the report are now being costed over a short, medium and long term deliverable program. This is due to be finalised by the end of October 2014.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS FOR DEVELOPMENT (GPFD) – INDIAN OCEAN

AMSA has submitted a proposal to DFAT for funding to strengthen the national SAR services of Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Maldives. It is a 2 ½ year program, 3.6 million dollar funding bid to enable a more effective response to both large and small scale maritime and aviation distress situations in their SAR regions; and improve regional SAR capability for the Indian Ocean Region.

Training BASARNAS Exchange Officer Deployment and Training package

AMSA continued with the BASARNAS Exchange Officer Deployment and Training package. This development course commenced in April 2013 with an initial 3 officers being embedded into the JRCC on a 3 month rotational basis as part of the Indonesian Transport Safety Assistance Package. The program was suspended in November 2013 and recommenced in the first quarter of 2014 with an adjustment to a two month training rotations. The deployment of the fourth BASARNAS officer concluded in August 2014 with a present deployment due for conclusion on 3 October 2014. The training syllabus includes:

Nexus

Good working knowledge of Nexus key functions NWM and SARMAP drift modelling SLDMB data Nexus Online (SARWEB) Broadcast to Shipping

JRCC Room Operations

Logon/off/ active/operationally complete/closed JRCC structure and pertinent manuals, procedures

Tiered Asset Functions

Tier 1-4 Fixed wing versus Rotary


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Tasking protocol/costs/funding

In country training of BASARNAS SAR staff in e-Broadcast web based tool took place in 2013. BASARNAS now has the capacity to issue the broadcasts to ships within their search and rescue region.

Additional training in SARMAP drift calculations is also planned to take place by the end of 2014.

General Training

Internal training has seen the JRCC move towards external online training. The new successful contractor, e3learning, is providing targeted online interactive training, in specific areas identified as requiring additional focus and attention.

AMSA initiated the development of an employee wellbeing program to support our search and rescue officers in their ongoing involvement in high tempo operations, specifically where there are a significant number of persons at risk and SAR response requirements are of high intensity.

The analysis identified a series of options to manage and improve individual, team and organisation resilience under a banner of targeted skills development.

Safety Programs and Community Awareness The Torres Strait Marine Safety Program (TSMSP) has continued its success in 2013-14, running a number a safety courses and information sessions in an effort to reduce the number of incidents of lost seafarers in the region, increase the chances of survival of lost seafarers, and increase community and industry commitment to safety.

During the year, the Torres Strait Marine Pathways Program (TSMPP), coordinated the training and qualification of 60 Torres Strait students including Certificate II level Coxswain and Marine Engine Driver, resulting in commercial qualifications that allow the students to work safely in the Near Coastal Maritime Industry. In addition, the program delivered the inaugural Certificate III Seafood Industry/Fishing and Dive Operations course to 12 students. Last year’s training also resulted in AMSA, AMC and the TSMPP partner agencies being awarded the Excellence in Industry Promotion Award by the Transport Logistics Industry Skills Council, recognising the program’s success in developing the seafaring skills of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people, and improving maritime safety in the Torres Strait Region.


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Future Developments Future developments include:

During 2014\15 AMSA will commence operational trials of airborne mobile phone direction\location finding equipment on its Tier 1 dedicated search and rescue aircraft.

In addition operational trials will commence using search are video processing software (starring array) to attempt to detect objects over water.

AMSA has recently updated its online incident and briefing web portal SARWEB (AMSA Online Services | Log In). The site provides access to current search and rescue incidents information e.g. common operating picture, search and rescue briefing and debriefing capability and is accessible to authorised Australian and International SAR agencies.

AMSA had been to integrate telephony capability into the Nexus incident management system, this was achieved in September 2014 when AMSA’s voice over IP telephony system was integrated into Nexus allowing ready access to a common call record and audio play back of all incident related telephone conversations.

https://www.operations.amsa.gov.au/STS/STS/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FSTS%2F%3Fwa%3Dwsignin1.0%26wtrealm%3Dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.operations.amsa.gov.au%252fSARWeb%252f%26wctx%3Drm%253d1%2526id%253dpassive%2526ru%253d%25252fSARweb%25252f%26wct%3D2014-09-22T02%253a56%253a44Z%26wreply%3Dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.operations.amsa.gov.au%252fSARWeb%252f&wa=wsignin1.0&wtrealm=https%3a%2f%2fwww.operations.amsa.gov.au%2fSARWeb%2f&wctx=rm%3d1%26id%3dpassive%26ru%3d%252fSARweb%252f&wct=2014-09-22T02%3a56%3a44Z&wreply=https%3a%2f%2fwww.operations.amsa.gov.au%2fSARWeb%2f

SAR Resources and Training NATSAR 38 3-4-1

Date: 19/8/2014 Originator: AMSA

Dedicated Airborne SAR Service

AMSA’s Dedicated Airborne Search and Rescue Aircraft AeroRescue Pty Ltd has been contracted to provide five dedicated Dornier turboprop aircraft for search and rescue at bases in Darwin, Perth, Cairns, Melbourne and Brisbane. These aircraft are fitted with a range of communications (UHF, VHF, HF and satellite telephones) and sensor systems (search radar, FLIR, NVG, DF, AIS, UV/IR line-scan). The Dornier is able to drop a range of life-support equipment on land and sea, by day and night. Communications equipment (radios and satellite phones) can also be dropped which, using the multi-mode communications relay capability of the aircraft, enable communications to be established between the surface and RCC Australia or another command/control or response facility. Last financial year (2013-14), the AMSA Dornier aircraft responded to 169 SAR incidents with the total flying hours being 890 hours.

NATSAR 38 3-4-1 – SAR Resources and Training

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The aircraft are available to other government agencies, such as the police, fire and emergency services, on a whole of government basis, for assistance with response to emergency operations. The aircraft have also been utilised by Australian Customs and Border Protection under their Maritime Surveillance Program.

AMSA is currently undertaking a procurement process to sustain this service as the existing contracts end. An approach to the market in late 2013 resulted in a number of bids being received, these have since been evaluated. AMSA expects to be able to award a contract no later than November 2014.

The immediate challenge in aircraft capability is in Darwin where the current contract expires in January 2015, two years ahead of the remaining bases. The new service provider is unlikely to be able to provide a capability this soon in Darwin, and AMSA is making other arrangements to ensure an effective service in the Northern Territory.

Equipment AMSA purchased MetOcean self-locating SAR datum marker buoys during the last financial year and they have proved themselves to be an effective capability. Fifty-five of the units were deployed in the last 12 months. The buoys were deployed extensively during the search for MH-370 and provided invaluable information on net water movement in an area where records were sparse.

The project to increase the life-raft capacity that can be deployed from an AMSA Dornier aircraft has progressed with the purchase of a number of RFD liferafts that, with multiple drops from the aircraft, will give capacity for up to 200 people. Delivery of the rafts is expected imminently after which development of a parachute aided delivery system can be concluded and trials undertaken. The capability is expected to be in service later this financial year.

AMSA is also conducting trials of a guided stores delivery system using small remotely piloted devices. The aim is to develop a feasible, cost effective, solution that allows stores to be dropped from the aircraft and then be “flown” to the target point by an operator on board the rescue aircraft. This has potential to allow delivery in low light and from higher altitudes, enhancing both safety for the aircraft crew and the effectiveness of the delivery.

AMSA has deployed around 90 surface direction-finding units around Australia, including to selected opportunity operators and a few specialist police units. These currently include devices manufactured by Titley and L-Tronics (L-Per). The Titley device (which is simple to use) is ageing and no longer in production, although the existing equipment is still supported. Other devices are known to be available. AMSA is considering a procurement activity to supplement its existing stocks and could make any resultant agreement accessible to State agencies who wish to purchase the device.

NATSAR 38 3-4-1 – SAR Resources and Training

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Provision of Opportunity Based Search and Rescue Services – Multi-Use List AMSA has continued to receive applications from suitably qualified aviation operators to be included on a Multi-Use List (MUL) for the provision of opportunity based Search and Rescue services. The three broad levels of services sought are:

Operators with rescue helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that are trained and equipped for SAR (Tiered Services – Tier 2 & 3 helicopters and Tier 4 fixed wing);

Operators with helicopters and fixed wing aircraft who are not trained or equipped for SAR (Supplementary Services); and

Operators with turbo-prop and jet aircraft who can provide transport and logistics services to support responses to SAR incidents (Transport and Logistics Services).

The MUL is an ongoing procurement process that will be open for a further two years. The location of the operators is dynamic and will fluctuate in response to changes in available capability and demand.

Air Search Observer Programme AMSA maintains a partnership with State/Territory Emergency Service (S/TES) organisations to provide the SAR system with a large and dispersed pool of trained and readily mobilised air search observers. S/TES volunteers undertake several days of training each year which addresses safety on and around aircraft, emergency procedures (including pool drills with liferafts and lifejackets) and air search operations. Training is usually carried out with Tier 4 and police aircraft operators. The location of observers is constantly reviewed to deliver a sensible balance between having enough people available for a sustained large search, versus the cost to keep large numbers trained.

Coordination responsibilities for Land SAR incidents

NATSAR 38 4-2-1 Date: 4 Sep 2014 Originator: LW\AB

Coordination Responsibility for Land SAR incidents involving personal locator beacons and satellite enabled notification devices.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss and agree upon guidelines for the coordination of search and rescue incidents on land involving alerts received by AMSA from personal locator beacons, satellite enabled notification devices (SEND) and similar sources.

Introduction At Meeting 33 (Perth 2009) the Council reviewed coordination arrangements following the cessation on 1 February 2009 of satellite detection and alerting of analogue 121.5 / 243 MHz distress beacons. Amongst other points, the Council supported coordination arrangements in which State authorities would prosecute distress beacon incidents where information obtained by AMSA indicated the location of the incident and that it represented a land SAR situation, i.e. it was well located, not aviation in nature or at sea.

Recognising that increasing numbers of such alerts might pose challenges to State budgets if transferred early, the Council also agreed procedural changes not be implemented until February 2011. However, a significant movement towards implementing practical procedures for State coordination of land SAR incidents alerted through AMSA was not achieved in 2011, largely because the 406 MHz distress beacon population of the time had a low proportion of GPS equipped beacons. AMSA therefore routinely needed to locate a distress through the use of aircraft, and once an aircraft was on-scene the risks in

NATSAR 38 4-2-1 – Coordination responsibilities for Land SAR incidents.Coordination responsibilities for Land SAR incidents

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transferring coordination midway through the operation were generally unattractive. This practice still prevails but should be reviewed again in light of developments since 2011.

Developments since 2011 Most new devices used for land SAR distress alerting in Australia are GPS-enabled so the proportion of devices capable of rapidly providing a GPS-accuracy location is steadily increasing as the user stock is turned over from old to new. Such devices include 406 MHz personal locator beacons (PLBs), SPOT trackers, Iridium phones, etc.

On 30 June 2014 there were 84,849 registered PLBs. The great majority of these PLBs (84%) are GPS equipped. Almost all (92%) of new PLB registrations are GPS equipped and there are no companies manufacturing non-GPS PLBs for the Australian market. It is estimated that there is an additional 30% approximately that are not registered, but they would likely reflect the registered population.

The great majority of devices associated with land SAR incidents are now located with sufficient accuracy in line with a GPS provided position. Although a rescue plan may still include an aviation asset this would be determined by incident specific circumstances and not the need to localise the location. It is expected that in many incidents it will be appropriate to mount a local land SAR response immediately without a need for an aircraft to arrive on-scene first. Similarly, PLB numbers overall have grown significantly since 2011, and registration information indicates that almost all are acquired for use in land SAR situations. AMSA’s registration database allows for aircraft and vessels to be associated with the PLB for those pilots and mariners who may wish to do so. Only 7% of PLBs are associated with an aircraft and 7% with a vessel. The identification of an alert as coming from a PLB is a solid predictor that a land SAR response will be required.

Finally, registration information very often provides a firm indication of the activity being conducted by the user and hence the nature of distress that might be occurring. Not only are 70% of PLBs registered, all SEND are registered providing additional information.

Hence, AMSA concludes that already in the great majority of cases the nature of an alert to AMSA can be assessed to indicate land SAR and a location sufficiently accurate to enable a State authority to respond immediately can be provided.

Early transfer of coordination At the recent convening of the coronial inquiry into the death NSW Ambulance Special Casualty Access Team (SCAT) paramedic Michael Wilson, the coroner made recommendations related to coordination arrangement for a land based SAR incidents. Michael Wilson was killed in a winching accident in December 2011 during a canyon rescue alerted by a PLB that delivered both accurate location and next of kin confirmation of


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activities related to land SAR. A coronial inquiry was convened during 2014 and the Coroner’s report was handed down two weeks ago on 16 September.

In her report the Coroner dealt specifically with coordination of the rescue based on advice from AMSA, the NSW Police Force and the NSW Ambulance Service. She observed that an early transfer of coordination from AMSA to NSW Police may have resulted in improved communications between the agencies and availability of ground-based rescue options that had not eventuated on the day.

The Coroner made recommendations to Commonwealth and State Ministers as well as AMSA and NSW Police that AMSA in conjunction with the NSW Police Force:

develop a Council paper in relation to the early transfer of coordination of land SAR operations from AMSA to the NSW Police; and

review their joint arrangements in relation to the prompt exchange of data relevant to SAR incidents.

It is also noted that the prospects for simultaneous use of dual or multiple alerting paths by persons requiring assistance are increasing as people carry more devices and have improved connectivity. This factor also points to a need for early consultation and exchange of current data between AMSA, Police and other State agencies.

Current guidance The Inter-Governmental Agreement on National SAR Response Arrangements (IGA) paragraph 14 define State and Territory Authorities (i.e. Police) to have responsibility for coordinating SAR operations for persons and vehicles on land, and for persons and vessels on inland waterways. Paragraph 16 of the IGA effectively obliges AMSA to take action in the case of an alert notification to AMSA until Police can assume coordination of the response.

The National SAR Manual is aligned with the IGA, defining the responsible authority as Police (1.2.7 and Appendix B) and that coordination of a Police land-based search cannot be transferred to AMSA (1.2.17). These provisions correctly reflect that AMSA is not skilled or equipped to coordinate intra-state agencies and operations for land SAR effectively. They are consistent with the Coroner’s observations about effective inter-agency communications and with her recommendation for early transfer of coordination from AMSA to Police when AMSA receives an alert related to land SAR.

For a distress beacon, the Manual also requires AMSA to retain coordination until intelligence has established the location of the distress beacon and the nature of distress (1.2.26). As described earlier, innovation of devices mean that a majority of land SAR incidents alerted to AMSA will now meet both criteria automatically and should be transferred to Police early in the response.


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AMSA concludes that these proposals are consistent with existing IGA and Manual guidance on land SAR responses. However, the provisions need to be implemented practically in operations, a task that has become more viable with increasing numbers of GPS equipped PLBs and SENDS being used as the alerting sources. The precise wording in the IGA and Manual should be reviewed and updated.

Resourcing The IGA (paragraph 20) requires that each party provides resources to its SAR Authority based on planning for SAR operations outlined in the IGA. The financial consequence of earlier transfer of more land SAR alerts to Police for coordination may be felt in the cost for helicopters on those occasions when Police decide that a helicopter is required.

To assist with resource planning AMSA can advise that:

The number of PLB incidents p.a. has ranged from 105 to 168 over the last five years and the number has been relatively steady over the past three years, 121 to 139 p.a.;

The number of SEND incidents p.a. has ranged from 10 to 25 and 90 in total over the last five years. Of these 86 were from SPOT devices;

With the relatively short notice for this paper AMSA has not been able to analyse the actual costs associated with the quoted incidents, which jurisdictions they would have fallen to if tasked by Police, and whether the locations would have permitted responses not involving helicopters. This work can be done.

Jurisdictions may wish to consider budget bids for FY 2015-16 accordingly and liaise directly with AMSA for the information that they may require.

In the meantime, AMSA will seek arrangements with the jurisdictions whereby coordination responsibilities for eligible incidents can be transferred expeditiously to Police as described in the outline of a proposed coordination process below.

Outline of a proposed coordination process AMSA will usually be the first SAR Authority to receive a PLB or SEND alert. On some occasions, the Police may receive advice that a PLB has been activated or notified that it will be activated during the course of an incident.

AMSA will assess the accuracy of the position as the situation dictates but in normal circumstances a GPS position will be considered to have been “located”. In the case of a PLB or SEND alert located on land AMSA will transfer coordination on the basis that the nature of distress is from persons and vehicles on land for which the Police are responsible. These two criteria (location and nature of distress) will create the basis for Police to assume coordination unless there are compelling reasons otherwise in accordance with the Manual (1.2.12).


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AMSA will continue to seek additional information relevant to the alert from emergency contacts to confirm the initial assessment of land SAR. When confirmed, liaison with emergency contacts will also be transferred to Police for most effective communication.

Police will initiate the land SAR response as required. If Police assess that a helicopter response is warranted given the operational circumstances, AMSA may be requested to assist in accordance with the Manual. AMSA would task the helicopter but seek arrangements in which Police would coordinate its activities.

While AMSA would normally consider tasking of a helicopter to be within Police capabilities without assistance, these arrangements would enable the proposed coordination arrangements to be successful while recognising the resource implications for Police. The Council would need to set a sunset date for this interim assistance.

AMSA will also provide ongoing intelligence information, e.g. continuing hearing reports from aircraft and beacon detections if available. Recommendations

It is recommended that the Council:

Recall the Council’s intention in 2009 that 406 MHz distress beacon alerts for land SAR incidents would in future be transferred to Police for coordination, to have been implemented by 2011 but found impractical given beacons in use at the time;

Note developments in recent years that now make it practical to identify land SAR incidents and locate them accurately on a great majority of occasions based on alerts received by AMSA from PLBs, SENDs and similar devices;

Note a report by the NSW Coroner that reinforces the difficulties that can be experienced when AMSA attempts to coordinate a land SAR response that engages multiple intra-State agencies, and her recommendation relating to early transfer of coordination for such incidents from AMSA to Police;

Agree in principle to implement the 2009 intention and the Coroner’s recommendation consistent with the outlined proposed coordination process, recognising a need to develop operational procedures and to give State and Territory SAR Authorities time to make resource provisions; and

Establish a Council working group to develop the operational procedures for decision at the next meeting.

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Map prepared 16 July 2014AMSA Reference: USD50739

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2015 - 2020

NATSAR Strategic Outlook 2015-20

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Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. 2

Search and Rescue in Australia ............................................................................................ 3

Vision ................................................................................................................................ 3

Mission .............................................................................................................................. 3

Environment .......................................................................................................................... 6

Emerging Trends ............................................................................................................... 6

Challenges to our SAR System ......................................................................................... 7

Strategic Objectives .............................................................................................................. 8

Objective One .................................................................................................................... 8

Objective Two .................................................................................................................... 9

Objective Three ................................................................................................................. 9


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Search and Rescue in Australia

Vision

To be discussed and agreed by the Council

Where do we see ourselves in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time? Who do we want to be? Short, concise statement of the NATSAR Council’s future

Mission

To develop and maintain an integrated and efficient National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) system that meets international obligations and domestic requirements.

What is our core purpose? An overarching, timeless expression of our core purpose, addressing what we seek to accomplish. It’s a declaration of why the NATSAR Council exists. Search and Rescue (SAR) is the search for and provision of lifesaving assistance to people in distress and imminent danger of loss of life. Australian SAR response arrangements are intended to complement other emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) in circumstances where those services are unable to respond immediately. Such circumstances could include, for example, remote area operations, rescues at sea, and the need for specialist SAR facilities not normally available to emergency services.

Depending upon the extent and complexity of the incident and on the availability of staff and facilities, SAR may take many forms in response to a distress situation. Unless the action is indivisible from that of safeguarding life, a SAR operation does not include salvage or the saving of property.

Who we are

Formed in 1976, the National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Council is the national coordinating body for search and rescue response arrangements; including the formulation of NATSAR policies and rescue procedures.

In 2004, the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for search and rescue response in Australia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on National Search and Rescue Response Arrangements (NATSAR Arrangement). The IGA confirmed the National Search and Rescue Council’s functions are to:

oversee the implementation of search and rescue arrangements within Australia’s search and rescue region for consistency with NATSAR Arrangement;

sponsor the NATSAR Manual detailing agreed search and rescue response and coordination arrangement in Australia; and


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promote continuous improvement, ensuring a consistent approach to SAR operations and the maintenance of a flexible and cooperative SAR response plan between the SAR Authorities.

Membership of the NATSAR Council comprises representatives from each of the following SAR Authorities:

- Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA),

- Australian Defence Force (ADF), and

- Federal, State, Territory Police Services

What we do

In practice, many SAR operations are conducted jointly by Commonwealth and State / Territory authorities. It is, therefore, essential that the available resources and operational techniques are standardised and coordinated across the Australian region. All SAR authorities in Australia must be able to act cooperatively. NATSAR has responsibilities for coordinating search and rescue operations for:

International civil aircraft, manned space vehicles and aircraft on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus) register.

Aircraft not included in the CASA and RA-Aus register including ultralights, para-gliders, hang-gliders and gyrocopters.

Persons on or from a vessel at sea and on inland waterways. Persons and vehicles on land.

The NATSAR Council meets annually and consults out of session when necessary in order to:

develop, review and, if necessary, amend the National Search and Rescue Manual to provide policy for the prosecution of search and rescue incidents

report on ongoing improvements and developments in matters relating to search and rescue both nationally and internationally

ensure an efficient and effective search and rescue response capability is possible throughout Australia and its area of responsibility

maintain a network for key search and rescue response agencies to ensure a seamless coordination of search and rescue incidents

ensure compatibility of procedures for joint search and rescue operations involving State and Commonwealth authorities


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maximise the potential of SAR operators by promoting and supporting the work that they do

monitor and review the National Police Search and Rescue Coordinators’ course investigate, develop and review search and rescue strategies examine, and where appropriate, endorse suggested national policies for the

continuous improvement discuss issues relating to search and rescue as raised at the National Search and

Rescue Council; and take appropriate actions in relation to other matters resolved at Council.


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Environment The Australian search and rescue region covers the Australian continent and large areas of the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans as well the Australian Antarctic territories. This is an area of about 52.8 million square kilometres, or about one tenth of the earth’s surface. Dedicated SAR assets are limited in Australia and other government, private and commercial assets may be diverted from their primary function by charter, arrangement and request.

The NATSAR Council operates in an environment influenced by:

The range of Jurisdictions with differing populations, geographies, assets and resources

Budget pressures as domestic and international economic movements occur

The Geographical distribution of population centres and assets.

Emerging Trends

Are there any other noticeable trends emerging in the SAR space? A few noticeable trends emerging from our environment in recent years are:

The rapid evolution of information technology can assist the NATSAR Council to interact with the community in new ways and has the potential to activate the SAR system in the event of an incident. The growing use and functionality of social media presents both opportunities (for building awareness of SAR in the community) and challenges (release of potentially sensitive incident information). Similarly, the development and deployment of new applications for smart phones, and the integration of disparate functions into smart phones, also brings potential evolution for coordinating search and rescue. With improved connectivity, there is an evident tendency for people to activate search and rescue services through new channels.

There is a general increase in the number of people venturing into the remote outdoors for leisure activities, such as the full spectrum of water sports, and tourists hikers and four wheel drivers travelling into the unfamiliar remote outdoors. We are responding to the increasing demand for search and rescue services as outdoor lifestyle activities continue to grow among the Australian community.


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Challenges to our SAR System

Arising from the emerging trends and the constant evolving environment, what are some of the challenges that the Council is currently facing? Each challenge should have a definition of what they are and the reason why they are a challenge, which will then lead into the strategic objectives that the Council aims to achieve in the next 5 years. Our operating environment is constantly changing and growing in complexity. With the expanding demographic and diversity of ethnic groups, the Australian community, which includes the significant number of tourists in Australia at any one time, continues to place additional pressure on search and rescue services both on land and at sea.

The challenges facing the NATSAR Council are:

1. Competing priorities for resources and funding – Obj 1 2. Coordination of SAR assets, including the opportunity for economies of scale when

purchasing resources – Obj 1 3. Opportunities for collaboration between NATSAR Council members – Obj 1 4. A lack of understanding about search and rescue in the Australian community Obj 2 5. Regional influences (our border region) – Obj 3 6. Differing legislative frameworks and SAR arrangements in each jurisdiction impacts

the ability for a highly interoperable workforce and the commonality in SAR operational tools – Obj 3


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Strategic Objectives These are long term strategic objectives that span a 5-year or more time horizon. They answer the question of what we must focus on to achieve our vision, taking into consideration the environmental challenges we are facing. Recognising the current environment and the challenges we are facing, the NATSAR Council will achieve the vision through three Strategic Objectives, which are:

1. Create a national Centre of Excellence (COE) for SAR 2. Establish an authoritative voice on SAR in Australia. 3. Facilitate effective coordination of SAR operations between the SAR authorities.

Strategic Objectives

Long term objectives spanning 5-years or more. They answer the question of what we must focus on to achieve our vision, taking into consideration all the environmental challenges we are facing.

Priorities Convert the strategic objectives into specific performance targets that fall within the 1 to 2 year time horizon. It should state what, when, who and be measurable.

Action Items

Specific statements explain how a priority will be accomplished. They are the areas that move the strategy to operations and are generally executed within 1 to 2 years.

Objective One

Create a national Centre of Excellence (CoE) for SAR

Below is a proposed definition of this objective. What do we mean by Centre of Excellence? To achieve this strategic objective, the NATSAR Council will establish a Common SAR picture, through the creation of a national Centre of Excellence (CoE) where we promote common standards, best practices and engage in collaborative efforts for national search and rescue arrangements. The Council will have the ability to capture and share knowledge, lessons learnt from other jurisdictions, and interact online. The CoE provides the following four key responsibilities:

Governance – includes the implementation of good practice structure, roles and responsibilities to ensure the NATSAR Council coordinates its interests to enable the CoE to deliver value.

Guidance – documents a set common of standards, processes, methodologies, tools and establishment of a knowledge repository to support each member in prosecuting SAR in their jurisdiction.

Knowledge Sharing – encourages knowledge sharing through coordinated training and certifications, joint activities and web interactions.

Performance – demonstrates that the NATSAR Council is delivering against its objectives, using performance output metrics.

Based on the objective of creating a Common SAR picture, what are the specific performance priorities that the Council aims to achieve?


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The priorities for this objective are to:

1.1 Facilitate collaboration between Council members 1.2 Maintain an effective and cooperative governance structure 1.3 Develop national SAR capability such as training, technology and SAR resources 1.4 Collect the right information to make informed SAR decisions and provide the right

advice and recommendations

Objective Two

Establish an authoritative voice on SAR in Australia

To achieve this strategic objective, the NATSAR Council will promote the value and performance of the national SAR system within the Australian community. This will encompass building the credibility and public image of search and rescue with the support from each SAR Authority.

The priorities for this objective are to:

2.1 Develop the profile and credibility of the national SAR system in the SAR sector 2.2 Develop and implement a Media & Communications plan 2.3 Provide advice and make recommendations on national SAR matters 2.4 Promote the importance of trained SAR personnel Objective Three

Facilitate effective coordination of SAR operations between the SAR authorities

To achieve this strategic objective, the NATSAR Council will facilitate engagement between the SAR authorities and jurisdictions at every practical opportunity so that we get the benefit of face-to-face interaction and conversation. We will also set the national procedures and policies to ensure consistent SAR operations across the whole of Australia. The collective cross-jurisdiction approach ensures that we provide a consistent SAR operation to better serve our community. What this really means for you is that if you are in grave or imminent danger, you will receive the same search and rescue response no matter where you are – land, sea or air.

The priorities for this objective are:

3.1 Maintain the NATSAR manuals to enable consistent SAR operations for the Australian community

3.2 Foster national working groups in response to Council matters 3.3 Maximise effectiveness of the SAR system with the volunteer agencies

2015 - 2017

2015/17

NATSAR Business Plan 2015-17

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Purpose The purpose of this business plan is to define the priorities and actions for the next two years 2015-2017 to achieve the intended objectives in the Strategic Outlook. The actions highlighted in this Business Plan allow the NATSAR Council to understand what needs to be executed to translate strategy into operation.

Below are the three strategic objectives, which provide guidance to the priorities and tasks for 2015-2016:

1. Create a national Centre of Excellence (COE) for SAR. 2. Establish an authoritative voice on SAR in Australia. 3. Facilitate effective coordination of SAR operations between SAR authorities.


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1. Create a national Centre of Excellence (CoE) for SAR To achieve this strategic objective, the NATSAR Council will establish a Common SAR picture, through the creation of a national Centre of Excellence (CoE) where we promote common standards, best practices and engage in collaborative efforts for national search and rescue arrangements. The Council will have the ability to capture and share knowledge, lessons learnt from other jurisdictions, and interact online.

Priorities Actions Due Parties responsible

Performance Measure

1.1

Facilitate collaboration between Council members

37/3 - Investigate opportunities in linking outcomes / lessons between the Indigenous Ranger Program (NT Police) and the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program

37/11 - Develop a table of international engagement at a State and Territory level to give visibility and encourage integration and knowledge sharing

37/21 - Send a letter to Commissioners highlighting the strategic outcomes of the meeting and expressing appreciation to each Council member representative by name


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1.2

Maintain an effective and cooperative governance structure

37/4 - Update the Strategic Outlook and Business Plan based on Council comments/feedback and circulate

37/5 - Prepare a summary of performance against the current business plan and use as a template for future performance reviews

37/6 - Develop Council Risk Register

Develop risk SOP – inclusive of templates and guidance document

Develop Lessons Learnt Portal


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1.3

Develop national SAR capability such as training, technology and SAR resources

36/5 - Investigate possible mobile applications that could be produced for SAR operators.

36/16 - Secretariat to explore options for grants, scholarships and other funding schemes available to the SAR Council to enable special projects and particular elements of the SAR Council Business Plan

37/13 - Further investigate a collaborative approach to the appropriation of the PSDA tool with ADF

37/20 - Develop a business case for the development of a tertiary qualification in search and rescue for submission to the Council at the next annual meeting

TeleMay14/4 - Clarify details of training review through ANZPAA

JulyTele/2 - Investigate options for discontinuation of Titley hand-held DF units (no company offering the device or maintenance of existing units).

Establish a training calendar of SAR exercises on State, national and international levels

Develop a risk-based approach for the deployment of SAR


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1.4

Collect the right information to make informed SAR decisions and provide the right advice and recommendations

36/7 - Chairman to write to each State and Territory Authority inviting operators to use the Lost Person Behaviour Database in order to generate a picture of Australian lost person behaviour.

36/8 - Statistics Working Group to develop a document which clearly outlines the purpose of standardising the statistics collection and reporting process, and further refine the fields to collect against.

37/9 - Prepare a report on trends relating to ‘lost persons’ for the Department of Health

37/10 - Look into the collection of statistics relating to

incidents that do not activate a distress beacon and then result in an extended search, in order to inform targeted beacon safety messaging on correct usage


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2. Establish an authoritative voice on SAR in Australia To achieve this strategic objective, the NATSAR Council will the NATSAR Council will promote the value and performance of the national SAR system within the Australian community. This will encompass building the credibility and public image of search and rescue with the support from each SAR Authority.

# Priorities Actions Due Parties responsible Performance Measure

2.1

Develop the profile and credibility of the national SAR system in the SAR sector

37/8 - Establish how the financial view of the SAR system can be provided as part of its public profile

37/19 - Capture figures relating to national SAR training and incorporate in Strategic Outlook as part of the national SAR system profile

Foster training programmes and exercises, emphasising multi agency involvement.

Capitalise on Social Networking opportunities for raising awareness

2.2 Develop and implement a Media & Communications plan

36/5b - Identify opportunities for public education and information through use of social media.

37/14 - Develop collaborative approach to media including, a Council media plan, media guidelines, safety messaging, media points of contact

Identify messages to be promoted

Provide standardised safety and policy messages to council reps


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2.3 Provide advice and make recommendations on national SAR matters

36/10 - Members to consult relevant State and Territory legislation to determine enforcement powers regarding distress beacon issues including registration, battery expiry dates and encouraging the update of GPS models.

36/11 - Chairman to forward a brief to the State and Territory Ministers/Commissioners seeking their engagement in promoting the registration, use and correct disposal of distress beacons.

TeleMay14/1 – Send a letter to nominated points of contact reminding States and Territories of obligations under the IGA.

TeleMay 14/2 - Send a letter of outcomes from the Carrington Falls coronial regarding implications on responsibilities for land SAR

Provide comment on policy and legislative matters

Make recommendations to Government and Organisational hierarchy on SAR issues.

2.4

Promote the importance of trained SAR personnel

37/7 - Collate figures on the SAR Managers Course to inform performance against related Business Plan task “facilitate attendance and successful completion of National Police SAR Managers Course”


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3. Facilitate effective coordination of SAR operations between the SAR authorities. To achieve this strategic objective, the NATSAR Council will facilitate engagement between the SAR authorities and jurisdictions at every practical opportunity so that we get the benefit of face-to-face interaction and conversation. We will also set the national procedures and policies to ensure consistent SAR operations across the whole of Australia. The collective cross-jurisdiction approach ensures that we provide a consistent SAR operation to better serve our community. What this really means for you is that if you are in grave or imminent danger, you will receive the same search and rescue response no matter where you are – land, sea or air.

Priorities Actions Due Parties responsible

Performance Measure

3.1

Maintain the National SAR manuals to enable consistent SAR operations for the Australian community

37/1 - Determine changes required in the Land SAR Manual to reflect current characteristics of ‘missing person behaviour’

37/15 - Investigate the SAR terminology issue further, determine whether it should go into the Manual and make a recommendation to the Council

37/16 - Continue to develop the proposition to include a

reference to oil and gas facilities in the National SAR Manual and send any particular views to the Secretariat

37/17 - Document the amendment process on the website

and action the new process for future amendments

37/18 - Review the amendment process at the next annual Council meeting to determine whether the review period approach is effective

Migration to eBook

Facilitate subscribing for changes


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3.2 Foster national working groups in response to Council matters

36/8 - Statistics Working Group to develop a document which clearly outlines the purpose of standardising the statistics collection and reporting process, and further refine the fields to collect against.

3.3 Maximise effectiveness of the SAR system with the volunteer agencies

TeleMay14/13 - Revisit the issue of volunteer training and the appropriate separation of roles and responsibilities compared with State and Territory SAR Authorities

Encourage frequent engagements


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Performance Highlights

In the year of 2013-2014, NATSAR Council:

To be inserted each year following the annual Council meeting

National SAR Statistics Proposed definitions and template for the collection of SAR statistics

NATSAR 38 6-2-1 Date: Sept 2014 Originator: QLD

Introduction At the 37th Council meeting, November 2013, members continued the discussion regarding the benefit of collecting national SAR statistics and agreed the need to have agreed definitions so that the collection of statistics is consistent across jurisdictions.

The intention of this paper is to address those actions. Specifically:

“Develop a document which clearly outlines the purpose of standardising the statistics collection and reporting process, and further refine the fields to collect against” (36/8) and “progress action 36/8 and define ‘persons assisted’”.

Purpose of Standardising SAR Statistics Currently, statistics are collected by each SAR Authority based on different criteria, definitions and data collection systems. This does not allow trends to be identified at a national level for the purpose of making informed SAR decisions providing valuable SAR related advice and recommendations.

An example is the graph below, which illustrates data on the number of searches and lives saved that have been gathered from the NATSAR Council reports since 2007. This suggests the different ways in which data collection is managed by each State and Territory.

NATSAR 38 6-2-1 – National SAR Statistics

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While it is acknowledged that the Australian SAR system is recognised as world’s best practice it is not possible to quantify how many SAR incidents actually occur, how many people are saved, recovered or never recovered on a national level.

Additionally, the Council does not currently have the ability to incorporate jobs undertaken by the marine volunteer organisations (e.g. tows, electrical problems, fuel) into a national view of the size and scale of the SAR system.

The ability to communicate this information would greatly contribute to the Council’s intention to build the profile of the national SAR system.

Proposed SAR Statistics Definitions In order to collect statistics on a national level, there has to be an agreed definition of each parameter to ensure that States and Territories are collecting the information consistently. The following definitions are proposed for discussion.

Search and Rescue The search for and provision of aid to people who are, or believed to be, in distress or imminent danger (NATSAR Manual)

Land SAR The search for and provision of aid for persons who are lost or in distress on land and inland waterways but not including the location and rescue of persons from collapsed buildings or other urban and industrial entrapments (USAR)

Marine SAR The search for and provision of aid for persons who are lost or in distress in a coastal, off shore or marine environment.


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Air SAR

Ultimately all air craft incidents become either a land or marine SAR incident.

Number of persons rescued

The number of persons who have been rescued alive as a result of a SAR operation and who are alive at the time of rescue. Rescued will mean that the person/s would/may not have survived without SAR assistance (will include incidents such as locating and rescuing persons from a capsized/sunk vessel, swift water rescue, persons at the limit of their timeframe for survival, persons suffering life threatening injuries, persons recovered from potentially dangerous locations (Mountains, deserts, rain forests, alpine terrain) particularly if unprepared, small children and elderly persons) In some situations the towing of a yacht that would otherwise drift onto rocks and break apart could fit into this definition.

Number of persons assisted The number of incidents where assistance has been provided to alleviate a potentially bad situation that was not yet life threatening.

Number of persons recovered deceased The number of persons who are recovered as a result of a SAR operation and who have been declared deceased at the time of recovery.

Number of persons not recovered Persons who have not been located and/or recovered through a SAR operation. Timeframe for survival has expired and/or the likelihood of the missing person being located alive is nil resulting in a termination of the SAR operation.

Statistical value of life The Commonwealth Office of Best Practice Regulation has published guidance on the value of a statistical life. Their latest value is $4.04 million per life and $174,193 for annum.

Volunteer Man hours The number of hours per volunteer person devoted to SAR. Two crew of a volunteer vessel on a SAR task for four hours would be 8 man hours (2 persons x 4 hours = 8hrs). An eight man SES team searching for ten hours would equal 80 man hours (8 searchers x 10 hours = 80hrs)

Police Man Hours The number of hours per police member devoted to SAR. A land SAR Coordinator on scene for three days would probably account for at least 30 man hours (1 member x 3 days x 10hrs = 30hrs)


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JRCC Man Hours The number of hours per JRCC member devoted to a SAR incident.

Other hours

Person hours devoted to SAR by hired vehicles, planes and/or vessels (paid hours)

Proposed Statistics Template The following is a proposed example for the standardised collection of statistics.

“Queensland has been very active SAR wise over the last year with incidents occurring in almost every location throughout the State. We are currently averaging 3.50 incidents per day. While we have been flush with success we must also remember the 22 persons that we failed to find (12 marine, 10 land) and therefore could not return to their families. Two workshops in conjunction with AMSA were conducted along with three marine SAREX’s and six land SAREX’s.”

Number of marine SAR Incidents: ______________________________

Number of land SAR Incidents: ________________________________

Number of air SAR Incidents: __________________________________

Number of persons recovered alive: ____________________________

Number of deceased persons recovered: ________________________

Number of persons not recovered: _____________________________

Number of man hours devoted to SAR by JRCC: ___________________

Number of man hours devoted to SAR by Police: __________________

Number of man hours devoted to SAR by Volunteers: ______________

State trends (Will initially only be based around the number of incidents)

Savings to community: _______________________________________

Savings to Community = (Number of target persons x $4.04m) – (Number of deceased and unrecovered persons x $4.04m)

Recommendations It is respectfully recommended that the members of the NATSAR Council consider the proposed statistical definitions and proposed template to enable national SAR reporting.

Lost Person Behaviour Statistics Review of statistics for NLSOM NATSAR 38 6-3-1

Date: 1 Oct 2014 Originator: QLD

Introduction Newly acquired relevant data:

1. Between 2000 and 2006 lost person statistics were collected by Victorian Police Sgt Rob Gatt, Robert Koester and Charles Twardy in conjunction with the Monash University.

2. Details were collected on a paper form from all States/Territories in Australia.

3. Details of this study were published in 2006 as Missing Person Behaviour, An Australian Study.

4. Current Lost Person Behaviour used in the National Land Search Operations Manual (NLSOM) is a combination of the above data and that from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

Discussion 5. A review of the current LPB as used in the NLSOM has been undertaken using more

up to date data from the new Australian LPB studies and the International Search and Rescue Incident Database (ISRID) with the end result being some changes to the lost person characteristics and their distances of travel.

6. The new version of the NLSOM LPB is attached for information and discussion. A new category has also been created, Children 4-6, as there are now some identified differences with Children 1-3.

NATSAR 38 6-3-1 – Lost Person Behaviour Statistics

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Recommendations It is respectfully recommended that the members of the NATSAR Council support the changes made to the Lost Person Behaviour.

It is further respectfully recommended that the members of the NATSAR Council approve these changes for adoption in the National Land Search Operations Manual.


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Appendix I

Lost Person Behaviour Lost Person Behaviour (LPB) has been derived from many studies and statistics gathering from search and rescue groups in many countries of the world. It has been found that certain categories of missing persons tend to have similar characteristics with respect to being lost. These categories have been broken down into the following groups:

a. Children 1-3 years of age b. Children 4-6 years of age c. Children 7-12 years of age d. Youths 13-15 years of age e. Despondents or Suicide f. Psychological Illness’ g. Developmental Problems h. Alzheimer’s and Dementia i. Hikers and Walkers j. Climbers k. Hunters

Definitions:

Children 1-3yrs: All children aged 1-3 years of age.

Children 4-6yrs: Al children aged 4-6 years of age

Children 7-12yrs: All children aged 7-12 years of age.

Youths 13-15yrs: All teens aged 13-15 years of age.

Despondent: A person feeling or showing signs of profound hopelessness, dejection, discouragement and/or gloom. This includes depression and people who have expressed the intent to commit suicide. Not all despondents are suicidal and similarly not all suicidal persons are despondent but they have similar characteristics and are therefore combined for SAR purposes.

Psychological Illness: This category covers persons suffering from a wide range of mental disorders that medically would not be used together. They include persons suffering from schizophrenia, paranoia, psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders. These disorders can be naturally occurring or artificially induced such as by substance abuse. This category does not include dementia.

Developmental Problems: Also called Mental Retardation or Intellectual disability is a combination of below average intellectual functioning, impairments in daily life (communication, self-care, social skills, work, safety, health) and was onset prior to the age of 18 years. This category also applies to persons suffering brain injuries after 18 years that exhibit the same symptoms.

Dementia: Dementia is the loss of memory, reason, judgement and language to such extent that it interferes with daily living. Dementia includes AIDS and Alcohol related


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dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Down Syndrome, Early or Younger Onset Dementia, Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration, Vascular Dementia and Dementia with Lewy bodies. Dementia often results in severe disturbances in how a person perceives and interprets events, sights, and sounds around them.

Hikers and Walkers: This category includes day walkers, members of bush walking clubs, hill/fell walkers, multi-day hikers, trekkers, orienteers and other persons who purposefully enter the bush for recreational walking purposes. Mountaineers are included in the climbing category.

Climbers: This category includes day climbers (single day outings, bouldering, rock and cliff climbers, traditional climbers and sport climbers) and mountaineers (those who attempt prominent peaks or alpine travel).

Hunters: This category includes all forms of hunting (pigs, water buffalo, brumbies, game fowl, kangaroos, cattle) on land. There is insufficient data for a further breakdown.

These are the most common groups of missing persons likely to be the subject of a search in Australia.

There have been numerous studies on missing person behaviour with the most recent being Robert Koester’s (ISRID) International Search and Rescue Incident database www.dbs-sar.com collating thousands of incidents, statistics and previous studies for an international database. This information is continually being analysed and updated with Koester currently dividing missing person statistics to eco regions around the world that will enable more defined distances of travel for particular areas such as Victoria, a temperate terrain, as opposed to Northern Territory a hot dry terrain. The only specific Australian project on missing person behaviour was the SARBAYES project which was completed by Charles Twardy: http://sarbayes.org/natsar.pdf. The current Australian data base for the entry of LPB details is: http://goo.gl/OLZmW

Overseas studies also look at other categories such as hunters, skiers and miscellaneous adults. The three main LPB studies used for this manual have been taken from the UK, USA and Canada. Although Australia has many links with the UK and the majority of our citizens have a British background we are a more mobile and active society more closely resembling Canada in our lost person behaviour. These tables have been prepared as a guide only and are a compilation of studies in the above countries. They represent the statistical properties and characteristics of missing persons and what could be expected of them when they are lost, but ultimately these are only probabilities, not certainties.

This information can be used as the basis of search planning when no other information is available. Obtaining a good profile of the target person will assist the SMC in determining whether that person/group fits into the known behavioural patterns of the various categories studied. If so then further planning can be carried out on the information contained within this section. The SMC must always be aware that not everyone will adhere to these profiles. As can be seen in the distances travelled, 80% are within a relatively small area while the last 20% of persons in each category tend to travel much greater distances. The studies show what the majority will do, there will always be someone outside the box who will do the opposite of what is expected.

http://www.dbs-sar.com/

http://www.dbs-sar.com/

http://sarbayes.org/natsar.pdf

http://goo.gl/OLZmW


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Children 1-3 years

Characteristics: 1-3 year olds

a. Have no concept of being lost. b. Navigational skills are non-existent c. Will wander aimlessly d. Will not often respond to commands or whistles. e. Will tend to find shelter, which increases their survivability.

Tendencies:

a. Will often seek out a place of shelter. Thick bushes, tables, old vehicles or appliances, caves.

b. Difficult to detect. c. Will rarely self-help or walk out.

Strategies:

a. Urgent response b. Confinement is a low priority. c. Passive techniques are not often successful. d. Dogs may be helpful if used quickly. e. Checks of places of highest probability to be made initially. f. Teams to run main tracks and trails. g. May require getting down onto hands and knees to identify other less obvious

tracks. Where located statistically:

a. Habitation 25% b. Building/shelter 25% c. Open ground 25% d. Fence line, hedge, wall 12% e. Water, waters edge 12%

% of category

25% 50% 75% 95%

Distance from LKP (KM)

0.3 0.6 1.6 4.45


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Children 4-6 years

Characteristics: 3-6 year olds

a. Have an idea of being lost and will endeavour to return to home or to a familiar place.

b. Will panic, which may cause them to become further lost. c. Explorations are usually one way, as a result of not comprehending to need to

make a return journey. d. Will tend to remain on tracks or what they perceive as tracks. Not always

visible to taller adults. e. Are considerably more mobile than smaller children. f. May have been following an adult or animal prior to getting lost.

Tendencies:

a. Will often seek out a place of shelter. Thick bushes, tables, old vehicles or appliances, caves.

b. Difficult to detect. c. Will rarely self-help or walk out.

Strategies:

a. Urgent response b. Confinement is a low priority. c. Passive techniques are not often successful (Consider nicknames). d. Dogs may be helpful if used quickly. e. Checks of places of highest probability to be made initially. f. Teams to run main tracks and trails. g. May require getting down onto hands and knees to identify other less obvious

tracks. Where located statistically:

a. Habitation 28% b. Building/shelter 27%

c. Road, linear 19% d. Bush, scrub 11% e. Open ground 8% f. Water, water’s edge 7%

% of category

25% 50% 75% 95%


0.27 0.95 1.8 5.47


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Children 7-12 years Characteristics:

a. Have developing navigational skills. b. Are developing mental pictures of their environments, which are often inaccurate and

highly distorted. c. Often become lost while attempting a short cut. d. Often become lost while ‘role playing’ or adventuring. e. Often become upset upon being lost and will act irrationally. f. May attempt to track run which can take them further from their LKP. g. Will act more rationally if with a friend or sibling. h. Will often attempt to self-help, not always successfully.

Tendencies:

a. Will mostly stay on tracks or trails. b. May seek out favourite places, hideouts etc, check with friends c. May seek out known landmarks, lookouts, high points, places they have been to in the

past, lakes, ponds, areas where vegetation changes such as forest edges.

Strategies:

a. Urgent response b. Confinement is a high priority c. FAST and Reconnaissance teams to highest probability areas. d. Use dogs if available e. Passive techniques are not often successful.

Where located statistically:

a. Habitation 28% b. Building/shelter 27% c. Road, Linear 19% d. Forest/woods 11% e. Open ground 8% f. Water, water’s edge 7%

% of category

25% 50% 75% 95%


0.57 1.98 4.52 10.2


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Youth 13-15 Characteristics:

a. Moderately developed navigational skills b. Often become lost as part of a group engaged in exploring. c. Don’t often travel far. d. Often respond to attractant techniques. e. Often seek familiar locations by direction sampling. f. Will act more responsibly as part of a group. g. Will often attempt to self-help. h. May panic if alone

Tendencies:

a. Will mostly stay on tracks or trails. b. May seek out favourite places, hideouts etc, check with friends c. May seek out known landmarks, lookouts, high points, places they have been to in the

past, lakes, ponds, areas where vegetation changes such as forest edges

Strategies:

a. Urgent response b. Confinement is a low priority unless MP is alone c. FAST and Reconnaissance teams to highest probability areas. d. Use dogs if available e. Passive techniques are not often successful.


a. Habitation 24% b. Stream/waterway 22% c. Building/shelter 21% d. Forest/ woods 11% e. Road, Track 11% f. Forest edge or clearing 11%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 95%


1.26 2.2 4.26 14.43


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Despondent Characteristics:

a. Don’t often travel far, but intent to be alone b. Often located a border of two types of terrain and/or vegetation boundary c. May head for a scenic location or well-known beauty spot. d. Locations are often well known to MP, check with family e. Rarely located in dense underbrush or trees. f. Rarely respond to call and whistles and may hide. g. Very high fatality rate h. Drugs and/or alcohol often involved.

Tendencies:

a. Go to high points or scenic locations. b. Well known or favourite places. c. Terrain interfaces d. Group 1- merely seeking to get out of sight. e. Group 2-will seek out a specific location, significant to their life. f. May travel further.

Strategies:

a. Investigation important b. Obtain a good subject profile from family and friends. c. Urgent response d. Thorough search of a small area e. Confinement is a low priority f. Passive techniques not successful


a. Habitation 26% b. Water/water’s edge 24% c. Forest/woods 16% d. No trace 13% e. Road 11% f. Forest edge/clearing 9%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 95%


0.4 1.18 2.82 18.14


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A small percentage of all persons who go missing do so with the intent of committing suicide. The reasons for this are beyond the scope of this document but a wide and varied. The SMC should consider whether the MP is genuinely at risk of taking their own lives and what strategy should be used. Studies have shown that there is a strong link between depression and suicide. The two strongest indicators that a depressed person may contemplate suicide are:

a. They have left a suicide note indicating their intentions of taking their own lives.

b. They have recently talked about taking their own lives. The SMC needs to obtain a detailed profile of the target person. There is often something in their background that is either the cause or trigger for them to contemplate suicide. Problems to look for are:

Relationships Finances Sexual Employment Education Medical Mental health Addictions

If someone who is suffering depression has indicated an intention to take their own life, and has one or more of the above triggers present, there is a high probability that the person poses a high risk of taking their own life. The risk is normally low pre teens and increases during puberty and adolescence, reaching a peak in the mid twenties and remaining relatively constant until old age. Religious conviction may be an indicator of suicide intent. Strongly Christian believers are less likely to commit suicide. Those with no religious believes have a high tendency towards suicide. In some religions, such as Judaism, Islamic, Hindu, Shinto, suicide is a valid way to depart earth. If there is a suicide note, the contents may provide important information regarding where and how the person intends to suicide. It may provide specific information about a favourite or known location. It may also indicate that they will not be found which may point out that they will be in a secluded or difficult to reach location. The presence of a note does not automatically mean that the target has committed suicide as some people sue these notes for shock tactics to get attention or they change their minds and not follow through. Gender is very important in determining whether suicide is a possibility. Men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women (ABS 2012). Men, 18-45, are the greatest at risk. Within the men group Aboriginal and Islander males are at a higher risk than average. Hanging is the most popular method (51%), with poisoning by drugs (15%) and poisoning by other methods such as car exhaust (16%) following. Jumping from high buildings, drowning, firearms etc account for the remainder. Married men are less likely to commit suicide. Once a person has reached the decision to commit suicide they generally want to carry it out as soon as possible for the least amount of effort. Access to the means to do so should be investigated by the SMC as this may determine how and where it may take place. There are many recorded instances where an adult has gone missing with their children. The killing of the children prior to suicide is not uncommon.


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With the increased mobility of today’s young people it is often difficult to obtain sufficient details of a missing person because they have not established a close circle of friends. Computer sites such as ‘You tube’, Face Book’ and ‘My space’ may provide details about a missing person and any intentions that they may have.

Psychological Illness Characteristics:

a. May be evasive and run or hide b. Often not respond to their name c. Rarely travel purposely to a target d. Medication or lack of it may be a problem. e. May be frightened of authority and of being found f. Can be aggressive g. Not actually lost in the normal sense. h. Difficult to predict behaviour

Tendencies:

a. Do not often penetrate forest or thick undergrowth b. Will seek shelter and seclusion c. May walk out when ready

Strategies:

a. Check all buildings and places of shelter/seclusion b. Check drains, streams and tracks. c. Obtain profile by talking to family, friends and medical experts. d. Dogs may be of use. e. Containment a priority f. Re-search areas and tracks g. On going search of buildings as target may return to areas already searched.


a. Road, Linear 29% b. Habitation 19% c. Building/shelter 14% d. Stream 14% e. No trace 9% f. Open ground 9%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 95%


0.56 1.23 4.03 11.73


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Developmental Problems Characteristics:

a. lack the concept of being lost b. Cross between young children and Alzheimer’s. c. Generally good survivability d. Do not often respond to names or other signals. e. May also have a physical impairment. f. Rarely travel to a specific target but will seek shelter g. Will often penetrate thick forest and undergrowth h. Will often run away and avoid searchers.

Tendencies:

a. Not route orientated.

Strategies:

a. High urgency b. Obtain profile from family c. Dogs may assist d. Detailed ground search e. Check streams and drains f. Re searching areas is important. g. Check buildings etc ongoing.


a. Building/shelter 40% b. Road, Linear 30% c. Forest 20% d. No trace 6% e. Open ground 4%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 95%


0.57 1.85 4.42 23.9


Page 13 of 16

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Characteristics:

a. Poor short term memory but may remember things that happened many years ago, such as address while a child.

b. Impaired ability to rationalise surroundings. c. Often last seen in their home or a nursing home. d. May have a previous history of wandering e. Other physical problems may exist (Limited mobility, poor sight or hearing) f. May be seeking a secluded location g. Will not attract attention or respond to calls. h. Possible not concept of being lost i. Will not often leave any clues apart from paradoxical undressing. j. Often succumbs to the environment (Hypothermia etc) k. 25% fatality rate if not located within first 24hrs l. Two types, walkers and non walkers

Tendencies:

a. Often located a short distance from a road or path. b. Will often attempt to travel to a place previously known to them. c. Will be stopped by fences, hedges etc. d. Will tend to walk on the path of least resistance, downhill, and not often uphill. e. Can be found in drains or streams due to the low levels. f. May remove items of clothing

Strategies:

a. High urgency b. Early containment is essential c. Use dogs or trackers d. Check all drains and low lying areas. e. Check all fences, hedges and private yards in vicinity f. Thorough search of the house, nursing home, and repeat every few hours. g. Search heavy bush h. Search previous home locations.


a. Habitation/ structure 35% b. Road 35% c. Water 10% d. Open ground 6% e. No trace 5% f. Forest 4% g. Clearing 3%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 95%


0.48 1.28 2.84 10.32


Page 14 of 16

Hikers/Walkers Characteristics:

a. Often track orientated but become disoriented if they miss their track junctions or it is overgrown and not easily found.

b. Tend to travel further than other categories. c. At times poorly prepared or experienced for type of walk. d. Will often attempt to self-help by track running or seeking a high spot. e. May follow paths of least resistance, such as streams and forest boundaries. f. May panic and be irrational g. May look for shelter in poor weather, at nightfall or if injured. h. May seek higher ground to attempt a reorientation i. May seek higher ground to gain mobile telephone reception

Tendencies:

a. Stay on tracks b. Seek shelter c. Seek high ground

Strategies:

a. Containment b. FAST and Reconnaissance teams to high probability areas. c. Track searches. d. Obtain profile and route details e. Being clue aware. f. Be aware of the potentially large distances the MP could have walked.

Where statistically located:

a. Road, Linear 48% b. Stream 27% c. Building/shelter 10% d. Fence 4% e. Forest edge 3% f. Forest 3% g. Open ground 1% h. Water 1%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 95%


1.15 2.56 5.52 15.15


Page 15 of 16

Hunters Characteristics:

a. Often game focused, which tends to contribute to their being lost. b. Will not often acknowledge that they are lost. c. Following targets often leads them to deadfall areas, boulder fields, underbrush or

dense forest. d. Will go to great lengths to self-help. e. Will sometimes avoid searchers for fear of embarrassment. f. Often rely on GPS, radios and mobile phones. g. Usually mobile and responsive. h. Tend to travel at night and will follow linear features. i. Will take easy routes, ridge lines, cross country. j. Will make shelter and fire where possible.

Tendencies:

a. Will attempt to self help b. Seek shelter c. Seek high ground

Strategies:

a. Containment b. FAST and Reconnaissance teams to high probability areas. c. Use of attraction techniques. d. Check historical finds e. Air searches. f. Be aware of the potentially large distances the MP could have walked.


a. Road 52% b. Forest 10% c. Building/shelter 9% d. Stream 9% e. Water 8% f. Ridges 6% g. Open ground 3% h. Rocks 3%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 100%


0.96 2.09 4.82 17.2


Page 16 of 16

Climbers Characteristics:

a. Will often travel considerable distances to reach climb site. b. Generally well equipped but beginners may attempt difficult climbs without

adequate equipment. c. Often overdue because of over estimation of climbing ability (39%). d. May be caught out in bad weather (24%) e. Being lost is not common (17%). f. Being stuck because of weather is common. g. Trauma is often experienced (Rocks falling on them or others). h. Will often be lost going to and from the climb site. i. Some climbers are stranded by nightfall (12%) and cannot go up or down.

Tendencies:

a. Will attempt to self help b. Seek shelter c. Seek high ground

Strategies:

a. Containment b. FAST and Reconnaissance teams to high probability areas and tracks. c. Use of attraction techniques. d. Snow/Avalanche search if necessary e. Thorough search of 25% zone f. Climbing location is the immediate area g. Check other climbs and routes in area.


a. Scrub 40% b. Water 27% c. Rocks 27% d. Road 20% e. Ridges 18% g. Open ground 9% h. Stream 9% i. Forest 9%

% of category 25% 50% 75% 100%

Distance from LKP (KM) Day climber

0.0 0.3 0.8 1.8

Mountaineer 0.1 1.0 3.0 10.5

SAR Master Computer Program NATSAR 38 7-1-1

Date: 1 Oct 2014 Originator: QLD

Introduction The Technical Working Group has been tasked with identifying the SAR apps and programs that can be used by the SAR Authorities within Australia.

1. Senior Constable John Latham, Qld Water Police, originally created SAR Manager as a means of storing SAR incident data in one location. From this he has created SAR Master which is a web based incidents recording and task system.

2. Utilising Google Earth and advanced programing SAR Master allows the SMC to develop a SAR plan, task assets, provide media and command briefings and store all the information for any subsequent inquiries from a laptop.

3. If within internet range the system will provide briefings and tasks to assets, command and media without the need for any verbal interaction. Tasks and logs are automatically stored and filed as they are created.

4. The system uses Google Earth as the mapping base, up loaded with local data including place names and photographs. Topographic mapping and charts can be overlaid for ease of use as can the latest weather from the BOM. Asset details and capabilities are locally loaded.

5. Google Earth have been involved with this program and have provided $100,000.00 in assistance to increase the program’s robustness and reliability, with a trade off in being provided with our local data.

NATSAR 38 7-1-1 – SAR Master Computer Program

Page 2 of 2

Discussion 6. To date there has been no overarching SAR App or program that has been

capable of meeting all the requirements of a SAR coordinator or manager. 7. SAR Master has the capability to provide Land Search Coordinators with a

similar capability to that provided by SARMAP for marine incidents, without the ability to predict movement, which is not yet currently possible.

8. The use of this system will allow for the transfer of information, data and maps between any other coordinator, regardless of location.

9. The current version of this program is 2KB in size, making it extremely portable and ideal for lap tops and small computers.

Recommendations It is respectfully recommended, if time permits, that a short demonstration be provided to the Council for their consideration.

It is further respectfully recommended that the Council support this program and its continued development.

Standardised SAR Terminology Proposed Manual Amendments NATSAR 38 8-1-3

Date: Oct 14 Originator: QLD

Introduction At the 37th Council meeting, November 2013, members discussed the need to standardise SAR terminology to further encourage commonality between SAR Authorities when communicating during joint SAR operations.

“Investigate the SAR terminology issue further, determine whether it should go into the Manual and make a recommendation to the Council” (37/15).

This paper proposes the terminology and definitions for inclusion in the National SAR Manual and Land SAR Manual.

Standardised Terminology

Termination

This is defined as when all SAR (Search and Rescue) activity ceases as determined by ‘timeframe for survival’, including medical advice, size of the search area, weather conditions, time elapsed, and other determining factors.

Re-opening a terminated incident as a SAR phase would be based on further information becoming available. Otherwise, it would become a recovery phase as the missing person’s timeframe for survival would have expired.

NATSAR 38 8-1-3 – Standardised SAR Terminology

Page 2 of 2

Suspended

When the SAR effort is temporarily stopped, which could occur for a variety of reasons, e.g. darkness, weather conditions, to gather further intelligence. There is an expectation that further searching will continue.

SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC)

The SMC is the person coordinating a SAR incident, who is suitably qualified to undertake the coordination role (this will vary between States and Territories).

Assistant SAR Mission Coordinator A/SMC

The A/SMC is the person assisting the SMC, who would normally, but not always, have the same level of skill and qualification.

Recommendations It is respectfully recommended that the members of the NATSAR Council consider the additional terminology for inclusion in the National SAR Manual and the Land SAR Manual.

Report of the Course Director 25th National Police Search and Rescue Managers Course 2014

Report to: National Search and Rescue Council (NATSAR) From: Sergeant Michael Wear Course Director 2014, Western Australia Police

The 25th National Police Search and Rescue Managers Course was conducted at the Australian Federal Police College, Barton, Canberra between 4th and 15th August 2014.

All states were represented except for Tasmania, who were not in a position to send a student to the course, however they were able to supply an Instructor in S/Sergeant Simon Conroy. The AFP supplied four officers, including two from Christmas Island and one New Zealand Police officer participated. A total of 15 students attended the course. Under the instruction of eight primary directing staff (DS) and one additional directing staff member, who assisted with the search and rescue exercises (SAREX) in the second week, the students were assessed against Units of Competency in relation to the award of the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety, (Police Search and Rescue Management) PUA 60212. All students achieved all competencies offered during the residential component with further units made available for assessment through completion of the post-course workbook. Of the 15 students who completed the 2013 course, 9 have completed the post course assessment which goes towards the Advance Diploma in Police SAR Management. Closing date for this assignment was the 15th August 2015.

1. COURSE COSTS As is the usual practice course costs are totaled and then divided equally between the 15 students, which incorporate the cost of directing Staff. This year the total course costs were; AFP College Room Hire $ 6, 077.50 AFP Catering $ 12,102.80 Accommodation $ 44,325.00 Airfares $ Not yet available. Vehicle/Bus Hire $ Not yet available. Total Course Cost $ Approx $65,000 - $70,000 with an approximate cost per student of $ 4,500.00 There appears to be an increasing trend for states not to send students due to financial restrictions, this poses a risk to the ongoing viability of the course. As more states find difficulties in sending students any reduction in the optimum number of 16 students places further upward pressure on costs. The course costing are always a concern and again this year meal cost were at a minimum with the AFP College in an effort to reduce unnecessary costing. Through the NATSAR Council it is recommended that all states and territories are reminded of the obligations agreed to by the respective ministers under the IGA to support he National SAR System, including providing suitable directing staff and students to this course. Action Item 1: A request that the accounts from AMSA be forwarded to Police in a more timely manner, so final accounts can be paid prior to end of Financial Year.

2. COURSE DEBRIEF The Directing Staff conducted a course debrief on Friday 15 August 2014. As a result the following matters are highlighted for the information and or attention of the NATSAR Council.

3. VENUES Australian Federal Police (AFP) College provided suitable training facilities and meals for staff and students in 2014. IT support and facilities were provided by both the AFP College and DS Staff, which proved adequate for presentations and lectures throughout the course. However the cost for this venue is approx. $6,000. The preferred venue is the current location in Barton and arrangements will be made with S/Sgt Cooke from the AFP to see if the course venue hire fee can be waivered for next year with AFP executive. If not, arrangements have been put in place to move next year’s course location to the AFP premises at Majura in the ACT, which will be at no cost, but will require hire of a bus to travel to and from accommodation.

4. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation for the past 6 years has been at the Kingston Terraced apartments within close proximity to the college. However these premises are not available in the future as the units are being sold privately. The owners of Kingston terrace apartments have guided us to the new East Hotel in Kingston and a tentative booking has been made (Approx cost $60,000). Other options are also being investigated. Decision to be made as to where accommodation will be.

5. PRE COURSE PREPARATION The pre course workbook was implemented again this year to assist the students to achieve a level of standard that would be appropriate for them to complete the two week course. This workbook will be increased next year to include the Marine Chart and Land Mapping revision, which will allow the revision session to be dropped from the two week course and give more time to other subject matters.

6. TECHNOLOGY Lessons in current and emerging technologies were again included in this years course. SARMAP was again included as the primary marine search planning tool used around Australia.

It is recommended that next years course expands further on the use of Sarmap and request Sasha Zigic from ASA Pacific (Sarmap) attends to one or two days of the course and we undertake further Sarmap training. This will need the assistance of the AMSA training school and computers. Action Item 2: Seek assistance from ASA Pacific to incorporate more extensive SARMAP training during the Natsar course, to be conducted at the SAR school at AMSA.

7. AIR TRAVEL It is recommended that all participants are nominated by 1st May so travel arrangements can commence at least three months prior to the commencement of the course to facilitate the best possible airfare prices.

8. DIRECTING STAFF

The directing staff (DS) have been relatively stable over the past few years allowing for a consolidation of skills. Two new directing staff members participated this year from Tasmania and South Australia. The Directing Staff met in Canberra on the Thursday prior to the course and had a workshop with AMSA staff and ASA Pacific in relation to upgrades to the Sarmap system. This extra day was beneficial to all and recommended it continues in future courses. It was agree that the Course Director have two years to retain continuity with the course and as such Sergeant Michael Wear will be Course Director in 2015, with Sergeant Meacham King to take over the following year in 2016. Action Item 3: That a letter be sent by the chair of the NATSAR Council, to each state and territory commissioner thanking them for the release of directing staff and their ongoing support for student nominations for the next NATSAR Managers Course in 2015. Action Item 4: That a teleconference amongst current DS is facilitated by the Course Director in February/March 2015 to discuss course curriculum and issues.

Action Item 5: That Sergeant Michael Wear (WA Police) undertakes the role as Course Director and Sergeant Meacham King (NT Police) to undertake the role as Assistant Course Director in 2015.

9. COURSE CONTENT 2013 The course program has been refined by the DS over recent years which was again finalised in a DS workshop held at the National SAR School in Canberra, hosted, by Mr Murray Brissett, on Friday 1st August 2014. This course saw the introduction of a lesson on Lost Person Behavior, which was instigated after a visit to Australia by Professor Rob Koester from Virginia USA earlier in the year. Also the Landsar component concentrated more on reflex tasking for the initial search phase and then a practical mapping exercise using mobile phone applications. It is highlighted that continuous updating on emerging technologies within the SAR environment continue as advances in current technologies impact on SAR operations. There was an identified need for maintaining flexibility in the Course Program to cater for the varying leaning needs of each course.

10. RTO AND ADMINISTATION SUPPORT Directing Staff wished to acknowledge the continued support of Emergency Response Division and in particular the National SAR School in providing RTO status and offering students an opportunity to achieve the advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Search and Rescue Management). The National SAR School also provides administrative support in receiving student nominations, sending out pre-course information, booking airfares and other administrative functions. New course units for the Advance Diploma have been developed with the assistance of ANZPAA, and if implemented in time next year’s course will be directed around the new units of competencies.

11. PROSPECTIVE COURSE DATES AND VENUE Tentative bookings have been made with the AFP College for classroom and facilities for the course in 2015. Prospective course dates for 2015 have been set as commencing on Sunday 2nd through Friday 14th August 2015. The Course Director wishes to thank all the DS staff for their professionalism and dedication to providing the high level of instruction to students an input to the curriculum, particularly with emerging technologies and the impact on search and rescue throughout Australia. SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS Action Item 1: A request that the accounts from AMSA be forwarded to Police in a more timely manner, so final accounts can be paid prior to end of Financial Year Action Item 2: Seek assistance from ASA Pacific to incorporate more extensive SARMAP training during the Natsar course, to be conducted at the SAR school at AMSA. Action Item 3: That a letter be sent by the chair of the NATSAR Council, to each state and territory commissioner thanking them for the release of directing staff and their ongoing support for student nominations for the next NATSAR Managers Course in 2015 Action Item 4: That a teleconference amongst current DS is facilitated by the Course Director in February/March 2015 to discuss course curriculum and issues. Action Item 5: That Sergeant Michael Wear (WA Police) undertakes the role as Course Director and Sergeant Meacham King (NT Police) to undertake the role as Assistant Course Director in 2015. Michael Wear Course Director 2014 25th National Police Search and Rescue Manager’s Course

Report of the Course Director 25th National Police Search and Rescue Managers Course 2014

Report to: National Search and Rescue Council (NATSAR) From: Sergeant Michael Wear Course Director 2014, Western Australia Police

The 25th National Police Search and Rescue Managers Course was conducted at the Australian Federal Police College, Barton, Canberra between 4th and 15th August 2014.

All states were represented except for Tasmania, who were not in a position to send a student to the course, however they were able to supply an Instructor in S/Sergeant Simon Conroy. The AFP supplied four officers, including two from Christmas Island and one New Zealand Police officer participated. A total of 15 students attended the course. Under the instruction of eight primary directing staff (DS) and one additional directing staff member, who assisted with the search and rescue exercises (SAREX) in the second week, the students were assessed against Units of Competency in relation to the award of the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety, (Police Search and Rescue Management) PUA 60212. All students achieved all competencies offered during the residential component with further units made available for assessment through completion of the post-course workbook. Of the 15 students who completed the 2013 course, 9 have completed the post course assessment which goes towards the Advance Diploma in Police SAR Management. Closing date for this assignment was the 15th August 2015.

1. COURSE COSTS As is the usual practice course costs are totaled and then divided equally between the 15 students, which incorporate the cost of directing Staff. This year the total course costs were; AFP College Room Hire $ 6, 077.50 AFP Catering $ 12,102.80 Accommodation $ 44,325.00 Airfares $ Not yet available. Vehicle/Bus Hire $ Not yet available. Total Course Cost $ Approx $65,000 - $70,000 with an approximate cost per student of $ 4,500.00 There appears to be an increasing trend for states not to send students due to financial restrictions, this poses a risk to the ongoing viability of the course. As more states find difficulties in sending students any reduction in the optimum number of 16 students places further upward pressure on costs. The course costing are always a concern and again this year meal cost were at a minimum with the AFP College in an effort to reduce unnecessary costing. Through the NATSAR Council it is recommended that all states and territories are reminded of the obligations agreed to by the respective ministers under the IGA to support he National SAR System, including providing suitable directing staff and students to this course. Action Item 1: A request that the accounts from AMSA be forwarded to Police in a more timely manner, so final accounts can be paid prior to end of Financial Year.

2. COURSE DEBRIEF The Directing Staff conducted a course debrief on Friday 15 August 2014. As a result the following matters are highlighted for the information and or attention of the NATSAR Council.

3. VENUES Australian Federal Police (AFP) College provided suitable training facilities and meals for staff and students in 2014. IT support and facilities were provided by both the AFP College and DS Staff, which proved adequate for presentations and lectures throughout the course. However the cost for this venue is approx. $6,000. The preferred venue is the current location in Barton and arrangements will be made with S/Sgt Cooke from the AFP to see if the course venue hire fee can be waivered for next year with AFP executive. If not, arrangements have been put in place to move next year’s course location to the AFP premises at Majura in the ACT, which will be at no cost, but will require hire of a bus to travel to and from accommodation.

4. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation for the past 6 years has been at the Kingston Terraced apartments within close proximity to the college. However these premises are not available in the future as the units are being sold privately. The owners of Kingston terrace apartments have guided us to the new East Hotel in Kingston and a tentative booking has been made (Approx cost $60,000). Other options are also being investigated. Decision to be made as to where accommodation will be.

5. PRE COURSE PREPARATION The pre course workbook was implemented again this year to assist the students to achieve a level of standard that would be appropriate for them to complete the two week course. This workbook will be increased next year to include the Marine Chart and Land Mapping revision, which will allow the revision session to be dropped from the two week course and give more time to other subject matters.

6. TECHNOLOGY Lessons in current and emerging technologies were again included in this years course. SARMAP was again included as the primary marine search planning tool used around Australia.

It is recommended that next years course expands further on the use of Sarmap and request Sasha Zigic from ASA Pacific (Sarmap) attends to one or two days of the course and we undertake further Sarmap training. This will need the assistance of the AMSA training school and computers. Action Item 2: Seek assistance from ASA Pacific to incorporate more extensive SARMAP training during the Natsar course, to be conducted at the SAR school at AMSA.

7. AIR TRAVEL It is recommended that all participants are nominated by 1st May so travel arrangements can commence at least three months prior to the commencement of the course to facilitate the best possible airfare prices.

8. DIRECTING STAFF

The directing staff (DS) have been relatively stable over the past few years allowing for a consolidation of skills. Two new directing staff members participated this year from Tasmania and South Australia. The Directing Staff met in Canberra on the Thursday prior to the course and had a workshop with AMSA staff and ASA Pacific in relation to upgrades to the Sarmap system. This extra day was beneficial to all and recommended it continues in future courses. It was agree that the Course Director have two years to retain continuity with the course and as such Sergeant Michael Wear will be Course Director in 2015, with Sergeant Meacham King to take over the following year in 2016. Action Item 3: That a letter be sent by the chair of the NATSAR Council, to each state and territory commissioner thanking them for the release of directing staff and their ongoing support for student nominations for the next NATSAR Managers Course in 2015. Action Item 4: That a teleconference amongst current DS is facilitated by the Course Director in February/March 2015 to discuss course curriculum and issues.

Action Item 5: That Sergeant Michael Wear (WA Police) undertakes the role as Course Director and Sergeant Meacham King (NT Police) to undertake the role as Assistant Course Director in 2015.

9. COURSE CONTENT 2013 The course program has been refined by the DS over recent years which was again finalised in a DS workshop held at the National SAR School in Canberra, hosted, by Mr Murray Brissett, on Friday 1st August 2014. This course saw the introduction of a lesson on Lost Person Behavior, which was instigated after a visit to Australia by Professor Rob Koester from Virginia USA earlier in the year. Also the Landsar component concentrated more on reflex tasking for the initial search phase and then a practical mapping exercise using mobile phone applications. It is highlighted that continuous updating on emerging technologies within the SAR environment continue as advances in current technologies impact on SAR operations. There was an identified need for maintaining flexibility in the Course Program to cater for the varying leaning needs of each course.

10. RTO AND ADMINISTATION SUPPORT Directing Staff wished to acknowledge the continued support of Emergency Response Division and in particular the National SAR School in providing RTO status and offering students an opportunity to achieve the advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Search and Rescue Management). The National SAR School also provides administrative support in receiving student nominations, sending out pre-course information, booking airfares and other administrative functions. New course units for the Advance Diploma have been developed with the assistance of ANZPAA, and if implemented in time next year’s course will be directed around the new units of competencies.

11. PROSPECTIVE COURSE DATES AND VENUE Tentative bookings have been made with the AFP College for classroom and facilities for the course in 2015. Prospective course dates for 2015 have been set as commencing on Sunday 2nd through Friday 14th August 2015. The Course Director wishes to thank all the DS staff for their professionalism and dedication to providing the high level of instruction to students an input to the curriculum, particularly with emerging technologies and the impact on search and rescue throughout Australia. SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS Action Item 1: A request that the accounts from AMSA be forwarded to Police in a more timely manner, so final accounts can be paid prior to end of Financial Year Action Item 2: Seek assistance from ASA Pacific to incorporate more extensive SARMAP training during the Natsar course, to be conducted at the SAR school at AMSA. Action Item 3: That a letter be sent by the chair of the NATSAR Council, to each state and territory commissioner thanking them for the release of directing staff and their ongoing support for student nominations for the next NATSAR Managers Course in 2015 Action Item 4: That a teleconference amongst current DS is facilitated by the Course Director in February/March 2015 to discuss course curriculum and issues. Action Item 5: That Sergeant Michael Wear (WA Police) undertakes the role as Course Director and Sergeant Meacham King (NT Police) to undertake the role as Assistant Course Director in 2015. Michael Wear Course Director 2014 25th National Police Search and Rescue Manager’s Course

National SAR Council

Teleconference Notes

7 May 2014

Date: 5 Jun 2014

Originator: Secretariat

Attendees OLD – Jim Whitehead

NSW – Paul Farquharson, Alex Barrell

TAS – Lee Renshaw, Brian Edmonds

VIC – Barry Gibson, Scott Dower

WA – Mick Wear

NT – Dean Maloney, Meacham King

AFP – Steve Cooke

ADF – Tony Aldred

AMSA – Christine Macmillian, Alan Lloyd, Louise Proctor, Sam Cardwell

NVMSARC – Darryl Wright

NZ – Duncan Ferner

Apologies QLD – Greg Ringuet

NSW – Mark Hutchings, Michael Smith, Brenton Charlton

VIC – Mark Arneil, John Todor, Steve Towers

SA – Mark Syrus

ADF – Andrew Fisher, Ashley Stebbens

AMSA – John Young

NZ – Bruce Johnson

Item 1: Welcome and Introduction

1. Christine Macmillian chaired the meeting in John Young’s absence.

2. Christine welcomed everyone to the teleconference, which is the first catch up since the

annual meeting was held in November 2013.

3. The objective of the meeting is to review progress against the NATSAR Council action plan

and discuss initial arrangements for the next annual meeting in October 2014.

4. There were no other items to add to the agenda.

2

Teleconference Notes, 7 May 2014

Item 2: 37th NATSAR Council Meeting Report

5. No feedback was received on the draft meeting report for the 37th annual Council meeting,

held in November 2013.

6. It was reminded that the report is available to the general public on the NATSAR Council

website, which has been requested via a couple of different channels in the last 6 months.

7. It was agreed that everyone would review the report again with this in mind and provide

approval to the Secretariat before it is finalised and uploaded on the website (Action -

Everyone).

Item 3: Review Action Plan Progress

8. The Council discussed the following action items, which have been progressed since the

annual meeting. A full record of the action plan including these updates is presented at the

back of these notes.

9. SARmap (action item 37/2)

a. Agreed to establish a working group to continue the development and improvement

of SARmap.

b. Working group will consist of the following people:

Paul Farquharson (NSW)

Michael Wear (WA)

Jim Whitehead (QLD)

Steve Cooke (AFP)

Craig Longmuir (AMSA)

Neal Moodie (BOM)

RCC NZ representative (NZ)

Sasha Zigic (APASA)

c. First meeting of this working group will occur on 31 July (day prior to National Police

SAR Managers Course) in Canberra. Action - Secretariat to facilitate.

d. Prior to this meeting, Secretariat will coordinate input from all Council members

regarding suggested improvements for the working group to discuss and progress.

Action – secretariat.

e. Noted recent conversations between States and Sasha regarding SARmap updates

and impending release of version 6.9. Action – Secretariat to obtain list of updates

for input into working group meeting.

f. Noted upcoming meetings between APASA, QLD (Jim Whitehead) and NZ to discuss

SARmap requirements and development. Confirmed the need to integrate this

within the context of the SARmap working group.

3


10. Direction Finder Equipment (action item Tele/2)

a. NSW Marine Area Command have confirmed that it’s not economic to build a new

unit from scratch if there are other suitable units in the market.

b. AMSA is currently trialling the new product from MicrotechnologiesNZ and will

provide a summary of findings once complete. Action – Secretariat to distribute.

11. Joint SAR Operations Media Guidelines (action 37/14)

a. Discussed the approach for developing a joint media protocol for application during

incidents that involved multiple SAR Authorities (joint SAR operations).

b. Agreed that AMSA would develop an initial draft media protocol and distribute it to

Council members for approval. Action – Secretariat to facilitate draft media

protocol and distribute for feedback.

c. Once all feedback has been incorporated and the protocol is complete, AMSA Media

will schedule meetings with Police Media teams to workshop the protocol and

promote a collaborative approach to future joint SAR operations.

d. The NATSAR Council representative from each State and Territory will also be invited

to attend this meeting, should they wish to attend to add weight to the Council

initiative.

e. Noted that AMSA Media are also progressing a similar media protocol with search

and rescue helicopter operators at their annual conference, Tasmania, June 2014.

12. NATSAR Council Website Design Concept (action OctTele/1)

a. Reviewed and agreed the first concept for the re-design of the NATSAR Council

website.

b. Secretariat will continue to progress the website refresh and seek feedback along

the way as required.

Item 4: 38th NATSAR Council Meeting Arrangements

13. NSW Police, hosts of the 38th Council annual meeting, confirmed the initial arrangements for

the Council meeting, 1 – 3 October in Manly, Sydney. Venue is the Australian Institute of

Police Management.

14. There were no issues raised regarding attendance or arrangements.

15. Secretariat will send out confirmation details with the accommodation booking form and

associated costs.

16. A letter of invite will also be sent to nominated contacts. Action - Secretariat to request

nominated contact to send letter.

4


Item 5: Council Administration

17. Working Group Members a. Technical Working Group – will confirm members when this working group is

required to actively progress an initiative on the action plan.

b. Statistics Working Group – Jim Whitehead (QLD), Barry Gibson (VIC), Darryl Wright (NVMSARC), Duncan Ferner (NZ).

c. SARmap Working Group – Paul Farquharson (NSW), Michael Wear (WA), Jim Whitehead (QLD), Steve Cooke (AFP), Craig Longmuir (AMSA), Neal Moodie (BOM), RCC NZ representative (NZ), Sasha Zigic (APASA).

18. AFAC Membership a. Discussed membership of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities

Council on the NATSAR Council (ref. original letter dated 8th Jan 2014 and Council response dated 27th Feb 2014).

b. Recognised the need to engage with AFAC due to their involvement in SAR and the benefits of inclusive and transparent communication across the sector.

c. Noted existing relationships between Police and AFAC organisations, which result in representation of the AFAC perspective at the NATSAR Council, e.g. MOUs with Fire and Ambulance and also State consultative arrangements.

d. Agreed for AMSA to progress intentions to meet with AFAC and discuss AMSA’s engagement and reinforce methods to engage with the collective NATSAR Council.

19. Manual Amendments

a. The Land SAR Manual has been updated based on approved amendments at the November 2013 Council meeting. The latest version is available on the Council website.

20. Council Correspondence

a. As the NATSAR Council Secretariat, AMSA continues to receive requests for advice on national search and rescue issues, which it responds to on behalf of the Council.

b. State and Territories are advised of particular correspondence that relates directly to their jurisdiction; and issues that relate to the whole Council (e.g. AFAC membership) will be raised through whole of Council emails / teleconferences / annual meeting to ensure everyone is adequately consulted and informed.

c. If further information is required on any topic, please contact the Secretariat.

21. Award Nominations a. Council members were reminded that nominations are open for the National SAR

Award, which will be awarded during the annual meeting in October.

b. Members were encouraged to make nominations and also promote the award through established communication channels. Nominations are open to the general public as well as the Council.

5


c. Further information about the Award can be found on the website at http://natsar.amsa.gov.au/SAR_Award/

d. Nominations close on 31 July. Action – Members to make nominations and encourage others in the SAR community to as well.

Item 6: Any Other Business 22. Roles and Responsibilities under the IGA

a. Discussed recent examples of SAR operations where tasking of resources did not occur in line with the fundamental principles of the current national SAR system arrangements – the NATSAR Manual and the IGA - which heavily relies on the collaboration of the SAR Authorities to be successful and deliver the best SAR response to those in distress.

b. Agreed to send a letter to State and Territory nominated contacts to reinforce the obligations under the IGA and the importance of this arrangement for maintaining an effective national SAR service. Action – Secretariat request best point of contact for letter.

c. Discussed the likely outcome of an impending coronial (Carrington Falls), which will likely emphasise the principle of “best placed” SAR Authority, which could increase the obligation on State and Territory SAR Authorities to assume responsibility for coordinating land based SAR.

d. Agreed to communicate coronial outcomes with nominated contacts once complete, giving States and Territories an appropriate timeframe for factoring the implications into future budget planning. Action – Secretariat to send letter of coronial outcomes.

23. Search and Rescue Training for Volunteers

a. Recognised evolving training packages within each State and Territory for volunteers, e.g. Marine Rescue NSW. Parts of these training packages relate to SAR, but also span the variety of responsibilities fulfilled by volunteers.

b. Discussed the need to ensure that in regards to SAR, volunteers are appropriately trained to fulfil their role within the SAR system without overlapping into the vested responsibilities and coordination role of the state and territory SAR authorities.

c. Agreed that currently, the issue of potentially overlapping responsibilities is something to be addressed by the States and Territories at a jurisdiction level. The Council can revisit this issue at a later date to determine whether a letter is required from the Council level. Action – Council to revisit this issue at the annual meeting.

d. Agreed for Alex Barrell (NSW) to clarify with Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory

Agency (ANZPAA) details of the scope of the review and its impact on volunteer courses and qualifications. Action – Alex Barrell, NSW.

24. Lost Person Behaviour Course a. Steve Cooke (AFP) reminded Council members of the upcoming course on lost

person behaviour by Robert Koester. Contact Steve regarding attendance.

25. AMSA CEO, Graham Peachey, retiring with new appointment due July 2014.

http://natsar.amsa.gov.au/SAR_Award/


6

Summary of Actions as at 7 May 2014 Item

Number

Details Responsible Due Date Update

Current Status

(Mar 2014)

36/7 Chairman to write to each State and

Territory Authority inviting operators

to use the Lost Person Behaviour

Database in order to generate a

picture of Australian lost person

behaviour.

Secretariat June 2013 10/07/13 - Chair to write to each Commissioner; not completed.

10/10/13 - A letter has been drafted by the Chair, in conjunction with

action 36/11 (requesting support from Commissioners on key beacon

messages). Secretariat will distribute to members for review and

feedback before letter is sent.

28/11/13 – Draft letter sent to Members for feedback. All Members

have responded. Secretariat to finalise and send.

Action: Secretariat

Outstanding

JulyTele/2 Investigate options for

discontinuation of Titley hand-held

DF units (no company offering the

device or maintenance of existing

units).

Secretariat ? 10/07/13 - Authorities to advise AMSA on holdings. Ian Colless to

continue with investigating options.

10/10/13 - Secretariat to follow up with Ian Colless (NSW)

6/11/13 – Discussed at NATSAR 37 and agreed to continue looking.

25/03/14 - NSW MAC has investigated ability to build suitable DF

equipment through the NSW Police Special Services Technology

Group. Outcome is that it’s not economic to build a new unit.

7/05/14 – AMSA is currently trialling a new product from

MicrotechnologiesNZ.

Action - AMSA to send a summary of the outcomes from testing the

new unit.

In progress

36/5 Investigate possible mobile

applications that could be produced

for SAR operators. Additionally,

identify opportunities for public

education and information through

use of social media.

Tech Working Group: Carl van der Meulen (NZ) Steve Cooke (AFP) Craig Wall (SA) Steve Hall (WA) Michael Wear (WA) Paul Farquharson (NSW)

June 2013 10/07/13 - No progress. New leadership is required.

Barry G – has provided information on an app to CM that raises some

concern for the Police. CL advised that a paper will be prepared for

the next annual National SAR Council meeting to address standards

around apps, some guidance, the appropriateness for integrating

apps into the SAR system. NZ offered a model that could be adapted.

It was decided that POLSAR Managers Course directing staff + CL,

under chairmanship of Mike Wear will make up the new TWG.

In progress

7


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

Arrangements will be made for TWG to meet prior to the next

meeting. Suggested date was 1 Aug.

10/10/13 - Discussion to continue at the Council meeting.

7/11/13 – MAST Presentation at NATSAR 37 (see report, Session 6)

Actions:

1) Follow up on the opportunity for AMSA to load info into the

Boatwise system for safety notifications (Secretariat)

2) Follow up with Tony Van Den Enden (Surf Life Saving Tasmania)

and other relevant organisations to further identify the range of

Apps in the market and their functionality; and then look for

elements that are worth endorsing at Council level (Secretariat)

3) Conduct further work to determine the Council’s role in ‘SAR app development’, with a view to endorsing a set of agreed standards for mobile apps that relate to search and rescue (TWG)

36/8 Statistics Working Group to develop a

document which clearly outlines the

purpose of standardising the statistics

collection and reporting process, and

further refine the fields to collect

against.

Stats Working Group: Jim Whitehead (QLD) Barry Gibson APM (VIC) Inspector Craig Wall (SA) Peter Trivett (WA)

August 2013 10/07/13 - Basis = last 3 year’s statistics. Disparate systems make it

difficult to collect data but once the Council determines what stats

should be collected then all parties can focus on this. NZ may be able

to lead, once their review is complete at the end of 2013. AMSA can

share data. Discussion on “Life cost” relative to funding for SAR; data

is available from the State Coroner’s offices; DOFD – Value of a

statistical life (2008). In 2013 this has been valued at $4.4m.

Workshop in August with NSW, QLD, AMSA reps so that stats can be

developed and presented at next annual National SAR Council

meeting

10/10/13 - This was discussed in August during the National SAR

Manager’s Course. No paper has been prepared as yet.

Barry Gibson to take the lead and coordinate a paper from the Stats

Working Group. Liaise with Jim Whitehead.

The paper should a) outline the statistics we want; b) describe how

the information can used to inform Council decision making and

decide what action we need to take.

Outstanding

8


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

25/03/14 – Discussed statistics at NATSAR 37 (session 4)

Action: Progress the action to develop a set of Council statistics and

define ‘persons assisted’ (Secretariat, Statistics Working Group)

36/9 Tech Working Group to discuss

education messages and strategic

opportunities for the Council in

promoting the registration, use and

correct disposal of 406 MHz distress

beacons throughout the wider

community.


June 2013 10/07/13 - No progress. As above for 36/5 & 6. 10/10/13 – Discussions during National SAR Managers course and historical conversations have resulted in a view that States and Territories take responsibility for message dissemination in their respective areas. However, there is an opportunity to enhance linkages between AMSA and the States and Territories to improve communication. Will be discussed further at the Council meeting to determine best approach – agenda item 4.4. 25/03/14 – no progress

In progress

36/10 Members to consult relevant State

and Territory legislation to determine

enforcement powers regarding

distress beacon issues including

registration, battery expiry dates and

encouraging the update of GPS

models.

All Council Ongoing 10/07/13 - WA EPIRB Exemption Zone will be lifted from 1 Jan 2014.

10/10/13 - WA, TAS and VIC gave a verbal update on legislation

relating to ownership of a registered and current beacon i.e. battery

not expired.

WA noted that the EPIRB Exemption Area out to Rottnest Island has

been lifted.

There is no legislation or enforcement power regarding GPS beacons.

Action: Secretariat to coordinate a summary of legislation for each

State to input discussion for agenda item 4.4.

25/03/14 – no progress

In progress

36/11 Chairman to forward a brief to the

State and Territory

Ministers/Commissioners seeking

their engagement in promoting the

registration, use and correct disposal

of distress beacons.

Secretariat June 2013 10/07/13 - Related to Item 36/7 – roll in as one letter to

Commissioners (not Ministers)

10/10/13 - Same comment as for 36/7 above:

A letter has been drafted by the Chair in conjunction with action 36/7

regarding the Lost Person Behaviour database. Secretariat will

distribute to members for review and feedback before letter is sent.


Action: Secretariat

In progress

9


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

36/13 Completion of amendments to both

the Land SAR Manual and National

SAR Manual by the first NATSAR

Council teleconference in April 2013.

Secretariat April2013 10/07/13 - Close out by September meeting. JW has a paper on

updates to the Land SAR manual that can be disseminated for

information. Jim Whitehead to circulate his paper.

10/10/13 - In progress. AMSA is currently working on updating the

National SAR Manual and will bring a list of suggested amendments

to the Council meeting for approval.

Jim Whitehead has completed the Land SAR Manual amendments.

7/5/14 – Land SAR Manual up to date and on website. No feedback

Action

1) Incorporate feedback received by ADF and upload on website.

(Secretariat)

In progress

36/16 Secretariat to explore options for

grants, scholarships and other

funding schemes available to the SAR

Council to enable special projects and

particular elements of the SAR

Council Business Plan

Secretariat Strategic Working Group

April 2013 10/07/13 - No progress

10/10/13 - No progress has been made by the Strategic Working

Group on this item.

Action: Secretariat to follow up with lead of the working group, Mark

Hutchings (NSW), regarding a paper to inform discussions at the

Council meeting – agenda item 4.5.


Outstanding

OctTele/1 Secretariat to conduct website

revamp, including an online

collaboration mechanism

Secretariat April 2014

next telecon

7/11/13 – Agreed at NATSAR 37 that the website should have an

information sharing function. Can be used for exploring SAR

technology options

7/5/13 – first design concept complete and agreed by Council.

37/1 Determine changes required in the

Land SAR Manual to reflect current

characteristics of ‘missing person

behaviour’

Secretariat, Jim Whitehead (QLD)

37/2 Determine need for a working group

to continue development and

improvement of SARmap, including

options for ground-truthing,

integration of new dataset,

Secretariat 7/5/14 – Agreed to establish working group with first meeting prior

to National Police SAR Managers Course - Canberra, 31 July.

Action – Secretariat to seek input from all Council members on

improvements to be discussed at meeting

Action – Secretariat to obtain list of updates for version 6.9.

10


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

37/3 Investigate opportunities in linking

outcomes / lessons between the

Indigenous Ranger Program (NT

Police) and the Torres Strait Marine

Safety Program

AMSA, NT

37/4 Update the Strategic Outlook and

Business Plan based on Council

comments/feedback and circulate

Secretariat

37/5 Prepare a summary of performance

against the current business plan and

use as a template for future

performance reviews

Secretariat

37/6 Develop NATSAR Council risk register Secretariat

37/7 Collate figures on the SAR Managers

Course to inform performance

against related Business Plan task

“facilitate attendance and successful

completion of National Police SAR

Managers Course”

Secretariat

37/8 Establish how the financial view of

the SAR system can be provided as

part of its public profile

AMSA

37/9 Prepare a report on trends relating to

‘lost persons’ for the Department of

Health

Jim Whitehead (QLD)

37/10 Look into the collection of statistics

relating to incidents that do not

activate a distress beacon and then

result in an extended search, in order

to inform targeted beacon safety

messaging on correct usage

All

11


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

37/11 Develop a table of international

engagement at a State and Territory

level to give visibility and encourage

integration and knowledge sharing

Secretariat

37/12 Investigate the idea of developing a

‘centre of virtual excellence’ for the

Council to have the ability to capture

and share knowledge, learn lessons

from other jurisdictions, and interact

online

Secretariat, Technical Working Group

37/13 Further investigate a collaborative

approach to the appropriation of the

PSDA tool with ADF

Secretariat

37/14 Develop collaborative approach to

media including, a Council media

plan, media guidelines, safety

messaging, media points of contact

Secretariat 7/5/14 – Agreed approach to develop collective media protocol.

Action – AMSA to distribute first draft protocol for approval and then

schedule meetings with Police Media teams to collectively workshop

and agree (Secretariat).

37/15 Investigate the SAR terminology issue

further, determine whether it should

go into the Manual and make a

recommendation to the Council

Jim Whitehead (QLD)

37/16 Continue to develop the proposition

to include a reference to oil and gas

facilities in the National SAR Manual

and send any particular views to the

Secretariat

All

37/17 Document the amendment process

on the website and action the new

process for future amendments

Secretariat

12


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

37/18 Review the amendment process at

the next annual Council meeting to

determine whether the review period

approach is effective

Secretariat

37/19 Capture figures relating to national

SAR training and incorporate in

Strategic Outlook as part of the

national SAR system profile

Secretariat

37/20 Develop a business case for the

development of a tertiary

qualification in search and rescue for

submission to the Council at the next

annual meeting

Jim Whitehead (QLD)

37/21 Send a letter to Commissioners

highlighting the strategic outcomes of

the meeting and expressing

appreciation to each Council member

representative by name

Secretariat

TeleMay14/1 Send a letter to nominated points of

contact reminding States and

Territories of obligations under the

IGA.

Secretariat

TeleMay14/2 Send a letter of outcomes from the

Carrington Falls coronial regarding

implications on responsibilities for

land SAR

Secretariat

TeleMay14/3 Revisit the issue of volunteer training

and the appropriate separation of

roles and responsibilities compared

with State and Territory SAR

Authorities

Secretariat Oct 14

13


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

TeleMay14/4 Clarify details of training review

through ANZPAA

Alex Barrell (NSW)

Completed Actions

36/1 Teleconferences to be scheduled for 2013. Dates: April and September 2013

Secretariat Feb 2013 Second teleconference to be held in October COMPLETE

36/2 Coordination of a side meeting as part of the National Search and Rescue Managers’ Course to discuss amendments to the SAR manuals and other Council business.

Secretariat June 2013 COMPLETE

36/4 Distribute information regarding the Bureau of Meteorology products and formats to Council members.

Bureau of Meteorology Secretariat

As appropriate

Report has been posted on the NATSAR Council website COMPLETE

36/15 Council secretariat to engage further discussion with Head of SAR School at AMSA regarding course costs (specifically accommodation and meals) and budget requirements for the delivery of the 24th National Police SAR Managers’ Course. Budget forecast to be provided at the first teleconference in April 2013

Course Director Secretariat

April 2013 Next POLSAR Managers’ course and accommodation has been finalised

COMPLETE

36/18 Amendment of the State report templates to include Safety Program and Community Awareness Campaigns, especially in regional areas

Council Sept 2013 Report to be provided at next teleconference COMPLETE

36/19 Coordination of NATSAR 37 – to be hosted by Tasmania Police

Tasmania Police Oct 2013 To be held 6 – 8 November 2013. COMPLETE

14


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

JulyTele/3 Add emerging technology to agenda of NATSAR 37

Secretariat Oct 2013 COMPLETE

36/3 Forward information regarding training of Air Observers to interested members.

Secretariat As appropriate

10/07/13 - WA contacted AMSA and is still keen to progress. CL – will get some action for the next Council meeting. QLD also interested. Police would benefit by a direction from AMSA. 10/10/13 - Secretariat has the information on air observer training and will distribute after the meeting 6/11/13 – Agreed at NATSAR 37 that State and Territory SAR Authorities interested in participating in air observer training should coordinate this through their local nominated authority (SES)

COMPLETE

36/12 Swift Water Working Group to further progress the position on ‘swift water’ definition. SWWG to provide report at the second NATSAR Council teleconference in September 2013.

Swift Water Working Group: Jim Whitehead Steve Towers (VIC) Brenton Charlton ((NSW) Mark Hutchings (NSW)

Steve Cooke (AFP)

Sept 2013 10/07/13 - Update from VICPOL. Need a definition of Swift Water, to satisfy competency/skill training prerequisite. Still researching definitions. Suggestion that final decision is made at the next teleconference in September. Request that the definition, as determined by the National SAR Council, is included in the National SAR Manual Working group to bring a definition to the September meeting Secretariat to draft a letter from the Chair to AFAC to advise that the National SAR Council is defining swift water and requesting AFAC agree with the definition. The Secretariat will circulate the letter prior to sign off 10/10/13 - Steve Towers (VIC) has coordinated input from, AFAC, States and Territories, and international counterparts. Feedback to be summarised and submitted as a working paper for discussion and approval at the Council meeting. Reference was made to a letter from Chair to AFAC. Secretariat to obtain a copy from Barry Gibson (VIC). 27/02/14 – Definition agreed at NATSAR 37, Land SAR Manual updated and letter sent to AFAC confirming agreed definition

COMPLETE

36/17 Two initiatives highlighted by Graham Peachey to be added to the Strategic Outlook 2013‐2016 and the Secretariat to forward the Strategic Outlook and Business Plan to the relevant stakeholders


Dec 2013 10/07/13 - Business Plan – two new initiatives for Section 2 Craig Longmuir to circulate Plan to all prior to the next annual meeting 10/10/13 - In progress. Updated versions will be provided with the Council meeting papers. 1/11/13 – Completed for NATSAR 37

COMPLETE

15


Item

Number


Current Status

(Mar 2014)

OctTele/2 Brian Edmonds to confirm evening arrangements for Wednesday 7th during NATSAR Council.

Brian Edmonds 7 Nov 2013 COMPLETE

36/6 Tech Working Group to also consider other technologies that could be applied to the SAR environment.

Tech Working Group: Carl van der Meulen NZ) Steve Cooke (AFP) Craig Wall (SA) Steve Hall (WA) Michael Wear (WA) Paul Farquharson (NSW)

June 2013 10/07/13 - No progress 10/10/13 - This was discussed during the National SAR Managers Course in August 2013. 25/03/14 – This action will progress with the development of the website (OctTele1) so decided to close this action.

CLOSED

36/14 Develop guidance for inclusion in the SAR manuals regarding the use of social media in generating intelligence as per the 16th session of the Sub Committee (COMSAR 16) on radio communications and search and rescue.

Secretariat Sept 2013 10/07/13 - AMSA to provide an update at the annual National SAR Council meeting. JW proposal on social media for inclusion in National SAR Manual. 10/10/13 – Jim not in attendance. 25/03/14 – Agreed at NATSAR and Land SAR Manual Updated

COMPLETE

JulyTele/1 Proposed paper for NATSAR 37 - Standardisation of SAR Terminology

Craig Longmuir Oct 2013 10/07/13 - Craig Longmuir to circulate draft paper before finalising to present at annual meeting 10/10/13 - In progress. No further action. 7/11/13 – Presented at NATSAR 37

COMPLETE

Teleconference Notes20 August 2014

Date: 20 August 2014 Originator: Secretariat

Attendees OLD – Jim Whitehead

NSW – Paul Farquharson

TAS – Lee Renshaw

SA – Mark Syrus

VIC – Mark Arneil

WA – Mick Wear

AFP – Steve Cooke

ADF – Tony Aldred, Andrew Fischer

AMSA – Christine Macmillian, John Young, Alan Lloyd, Louise Proctor, Rick Allen, Shauna Binutti

NZ – Duncan Ferner

Apologies NT – Dean Maloney

NSW – Mark Hutchings, Alex Barrell

VIC – Barry Gibson, John Todor

Item 1: Welcome and Introduction 1. Christine Macmillian chaired the meeting with John Young, Council Chair, in

attendance.

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2. Christine welcomed everyone to the teleconference and thanked the Course

Director of the National Police SAR Manager’s Course, Mick Wear, for the kind

invitation to AMSA to attend the Course dinner on 14 August.

3. The objective of the meeting is to review progress against the NATSAR Council

action plan and confirm the agenda for the annual meeting.

4. There were no other items added to the agenda.

Item 2: 38th NATSAR Council Meeting Arrangements 5. The Secretariat confirmed the arrangements for the Council meeting, 1 – 3 October

at the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM) in Manly, which are posted

on the member’s area of the NATSAR website.

6. There were no issues raised regarding attendance or arrangement

7. NSW confirmed that they were looking into Commissioner Scipione to open the

meeting and invites for a guest speaker for the SAR Award dinner have been sent.

8. A function on the harbour is being organised for Wednesday night.

9. Members were encouraged to make direct contact with the AIPM to make

accommodation bookings.

10. Chair thanked NSW for volunteering to take up the conference this year due to

QLD’s commitment to G20.

Item 3: NATSAR Council Meeting Agenda 11. The Secretariat led a review of the agenda, which is based on the same format as

last year, across 3 days to enable ease of travel.

12. Session 1-2: No comments

13. Session 3: 5 top key highlights have been added to the activity reports to bring

more focus to this session and ensure that members are sharing the important

experiences and lessons learnt from the previous year. This approach will rely on

of 17

members pre-reading the reports and raising any questions when the reports are

being presented.

14. Session 4: National SAR System Arrangements will focus on the National SAR

system arrangement from a holistic perspective with the intention of agreeing the

approach for ongoing review and refinement of the IGA; and ensuring that it

accurately reflects how we are working together in practice.

15. One topic to cover is the linkage between the IGA, NATSAR Manual and SES

Plans.

16. It was suggested to white board the topics that arise during session 3 to find the

commonalities that are occurring in the different jurisdictions, to inform this session.

17. Session 5: MH370 Presentation. No feedback.

18. Session 6: National SAR Capability will provide updates on the working groups

and national initiatives that are currently in progress to build and develop national

SAR capability.

19. Session 7: SAR Technology specifically looking at mobile technology, UAV’s,

maritime communications and electronic visual distress signalling devices.

20. Session 8: National SAR Manual. No feedback.

21. Session 9: Training and Education will be a key session this year as we continue

to explore effective opportunities for national training initiatives. Members are

encouraged to make this a robust discussion and build on previous conversations

about online training initiatives, which NZ can also strongly contribute to.

22. Secretariat will also invite ANZPAA to present on how they are working towards a

uniform SAR training structure for the Police jurisdictions.

23. The discussion around the volunteer SAR training and how this aligns with the

overall SAR system arrangements will also be progressed.

24. Session 10: No comments.

25. The agenda will be refined with feedback and circulated to the Council as a final

draft.

Item 4: Review Action Items 26. The action table at the end of the notes is updated to reflect progress.

of 17

Item 5: Council Administration 27. The nominees for the Australian SAR Award are posted on the NATSAR Council

website and members were reminded to send their vote to the Secretariat by Friday

22nd. This will enable the winners to be contacted on Monday 25th 2014, allowing

enough time to organise the required arrangements.

28. Members were reminded that annual SAR Authority Reports are due to be

completed by 10th September. These are to be sent to the NATSAR council email

address or directly to Shauna as Louise is away for the next 2 weeks

Item 6: Any other business 29. No further business.

30. John Young closed the meeting by reinforcing the work that the Council achieves,

highlighting some key achievements over the past year. Our focus for the annual

meeting will be to discuss how we continue to work together to achieve the next

priority things we need to get done.

of 17

NATSAR Council Action Table

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

JulyTele/2 Investigate options for

discontinuation of Titley hand-held

DF units (no company offering the

device or maintenance of existing

units).

Secretariat ? 10/07/13 - Authorities to advise AMSA on holdings. Ian Colless to

continue with investigating options.

10/10/13 - Secretariat to follow up with Ian Colless (NSW)

6/11/13 – Discussed at NATSAR 37 and agreed to continue looking.

25/03/14 - NSW MAC has investigated ability to build suitable DF

equipment through the NSW Police Special Services Technology

Group. Outcome is that it’s not economic to build a new unit.

7/05/14 – AMSA is currently trialling a new product from

MicrotechnologiesNZ.

20/08/14 – AMSA has tested the unit and found it to be overly

complicated to use and struggles to get GPS signal in areas. Now

looking at testing the unit in Torres Strait and also investigating

options for going to tender. AMSA to provide further update at

NATSAR 38

Action:

Require input at NATSAR 38 from States and Territories in regards to

required numbers. (All)

In progress

36/5 Investigate possible mobile

applications that could be produced

for SAR operators. Additionally,

identify opportunities for public

education and information through

use of social media.


June 2013 10/07/13 - No progress. New leadership is required.

Barry G – has provided information on an app to CM that raises some

concern for the Police. CL advised that a paper will be prepared for

the next annual National SAR Council meeting to address standards

around apps, some guidance, the appropriateness for integrating

apps into the SAR system. NZ offered a model that could be adapted.

It was decided that POLSAR Managers Course directing staff + CL,

under chairmanship of Mike Wear will make up the new TWG.

Arrangements will be made for TWG to meet prior to the next

meeting. Suggested date was 1 Aug.

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

10/10/13 - Discussion to continue at the Council meeting.

7/11/13 – MAST Presentation at NATSAR 37 (see report, Session 6)

Actions:

1) Follow up on the opportunity for AMSA to load info into the

Boatwise system for safety notifications (Secretariat)

2) Follow up with Tony Van Den Enden (Surf Life Saving Tasmania)

and other relevant organisations to further identify the range of

Apps in the market and their functionality; and then look for

elements that are worth endorsing at Council level (Secretariat)

3) Conduct further work to determine the Council’s role in ‘SAR app development’, with a view to endorsing a set of agreed standards for mobile apps that relate to search and rescue (TWG)

17/08/14 – No progress.

20/08/14 – New apps have emerged in some jurisdictions, which will

be discussed further at the annual meeting under Session 7.

36/7 Chairman to write to each State and

Territory Authority inviting operators

to use the Lost Person Behaviour

Database in order to generate a

picture of Australian lost person

behaviour.

Secretariat June 2013 10/07/13 - Chair to write to each Commissioner; not completed.

10/10/13 - A letter has been drafted by the Chair, in conjunction with

action 36/11 (requesting support from Commissioners on key beacon

messages). Secretariat will distribute to members for review and

feedback before letter is sent.

28/11/13 – Draft letter sent to Members for feedback. All Members

have responded. Secretariat to finalise and send.

Action: Secretariat

17/08/14 – No progress.

20/08/14 Action: Secretariat to include letter in NATSAR 38

outcomes statement

Outstanding

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

36/8 Statistics Working Group to develop a

document which clearly outlines the

purpose of standardising the statistics

collection and reporting process, and

further refine the fields to collect

against.

Stats Working Group: Jim Whitehead (QLD) Barry Gibson APM (VIC) Inspector Craig Wall (SA) Peter Trivett (WA)

August 2013 10/07/13 - Basis = last 3 year’s statistics. Disparate systems make it

difficult to collect data but once the Council determines what stats

should be collected then all parties can focus on this. NZ may be able

to lead, once their review is complete at the end of 2013. AMSA can

share data. Discussion on “Life cost” relative to funding for SAR; data

is available from the State Coroner’s offices; DOFD – Value of a

statistical life (2008). In 2013 this has been valued at $4.4m.

Workshop in August with NSW, QLD, AMSA reps so that stats can be

developed and presented at next annual National SAR Council

meeting

10/10/13 - This was discussed in August during the National SAR

Manager’s Course. No paper has been prepared as yet.

Barry Gibson to take the lead and coordinate a paper from the Stats

Working Group. Liaise with Jim Whitehead.

The paper should a) outline the statistics we want; b) describe how

the information can used to inform Council decision making and

decide what action we need to take.

25/03/14 – Discussed statistics at NATSAR 37 (session 4)

Action: Progress the action to develop a set of Council statistics and

define ‘persons assisted’ (Secretariat, Statistics Working Group)

17/08/14 – Jim has proposed a template of statistics, which will be

further developed and proposed at the annual meeting.

In progress

36/10 Members to consult relevant State

and Territory legislation to determine

enforcement powers regarding

distress beacon issues including

registration, battery expiry dates and

encouraging the update of GPS

All Council Ongoing 10/07/13 - WA EPIRB Exemption Zone will be lifted from 1 Jan 2014.

10/10/13 - WA, TAS and VIC gave a verbal update on legislation

relating to ownership of a registered and current beacon i.e. battery

not expired.

WA noted that the EPIRB Exemption Area out to Rottnest Island has

been lifted.

In progress

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

models.

There is no legislation or enforcement power regarding GPS beacons.

Action: Secretariat to coordinate a summary of legislation for each

State to input discussion for agenda item 4.4.

25/03/14 – no progress 17/08/14 – Secretariat has initiated the gathering of this information to be discussed at annual meeting.

36/11 Chairman to forward a brief to the

State and Territory

Ministers/Commissioners seeking

their engagement in promoting the

registration, use and correct disposal

of distress beacons.

Secretariat June 2013 10/07/13 - Related to Item 36/7 – roll in as one letter to

Commissioners (not Ministers)


A letter has been drafted by the Chair in conjunction with action 36/7

regarding the Lost Person Behaviour database. Secretariat will

distribute to members for review and feedback before letter is sent.

25/03/14 - Same comment as for 36/7 above.


Action: Secretariat

Outstanding

36/16 Secretariat to explore options for

grants, scholarships and other

funding schemes available to the SAR

Council to enable special projects and

particular elements of the SAR

Council Business Plan


April 2013 10/07/13 - No progress

10/10/13 - No progress has been made by the Strategic Working

Group on this item.

Action: Secretariat to follow up with lead of the working group, Mark

Hutchings (NSW), regarding a paper to inform discussions at the

Council meeting – agenda item 4.5.



Outstanding

37/1 Determine changes required in the

Land SAR Manual to reflect current

characteristics of ‘missing person

behaviour’

Secretariat, Jim Whitehead (QLD)

20/08/14 – Jim to provide amendments to be adopted at NATSAR 38.

Action: All states and territories to contribute as the larger the

database the more accurate the information available.

In progress

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

37/3 Investigate opportunities in linking

outcomes / lessons between the

Indigenous Ranger Program (NT

Police) and the Torres Strait Marine

Safety Program

AMSA, NT 17/08/14 – Enquiry made by Secretariat to AMSA’s Program Manager

of the Indigenous Maritime Safety Awareness Program. Secretariat

to continue following up.

In progress

37/4 Update the Strategic Outlook and

Business Plan based on Council

comments/feedback and circulate

Secretariat 17/08/14 – In progress

37/5 Prepare a summary of performance

against the current business plan and

use as a template for future

performance reviews

Secretariat 17/08/14 – First draft complete. Final will be presented as a paper

for the Council meeting with a view to making it a regular agenda

item.

In progress

37/6 Develop a NATSAR Council risk

register

Secretariat 17/08/14 – First draft completed with review still to be completed.

To be presented and discussed at NATSAR 38.

In progress.

37/7 Collate figures on the SAR Managers

Course to inform performance

against related Business Plan task

“facilitate attendance and successful

completion of National Police SAR

Managers Course”

Secretariat 17/08/14 – Initial work completed with AMSA’s National SAR School.

Will present information at annual meeting.

In progress.

37/8 Establish how the financial view of

the SAR system can be provided as

part of its public profile

AMSA 17/08/14 – No progress

37/9 Prepare a report on trends relating to

‘lost persons’ for the Department of

Health

Jim Whitehead (QLD) 17/08/14 – No progress

20/08/14 – Steve Cooke to present paper on Lost Person Behaviour

at NATSAR 38

In progress

37/10 Look into the collection of statistics

relating to incidents that do not

All 17/08/14 – No progress.

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

activate a distress beacon and then

result in an extended search, in order

to inform targeted beacon safety

messaging on correct usage

37/11 Develop a table of international

engagement at a State and Territory

level to give visibility and encourage

integration and knowledge sharing

Secretariat 17/08/14 – No progress.

37/12 Investigate the idea of developing a

‘centre of virtual excellence’ for the

Council to have the ability to capture

and share knowledge, learn lessons

from other jurisdictions, and interact

online

Secretariat, Technical Working Group

17/08/14 – Some initiatives are underway e.g. SAR Map working

group. Implementation of the website collaboration function will

further facilitate. Open for discussion.

37/13 Further investigate a collaborative

approach to the appropriation of the

PSDA tool with ADF

Secretariat 17/08/14 – No progress

37/14 Develop collaborative approach to

media including, a Council media

plan, media guidelines, safety

messaging, media points of contact

Secretariat 7/5/14 – Agreed approach to develop collective media protocol.

Action – AMSA to distribute first draft protocol for approval and then

schedule meetings with Police Media teams to collectively workshop

and agree (Secretariat).

17/08/14 – First draft is still being finalised through AMSA prior to

distribution.

37/15 Investigate the SAR terminology issue

further, determine whether it should

go into the Manual and make a

recommendation to the Council

Jim Whitehead (QLD) 17/08/14 – Jim has made a submission following the last meeting,

which will be translated into a paper for NATSAR 38.

In progress

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

37/16 Continue to develop the proposition

to include a reference to oil and gas

facilities in the National SAR Manual

and send any particular views to the

Secretariat

All 17/08/14 – No progress

37/17 Document the amendment process

on the website and action the new

process for future amendments

Secretariat 17/08/14 – Electronic system to incorporated via new website.

Timing to be confirmed by AMSA IT.

In progress

37/18 Review the amendment process at

the next annual Council meeting to

determine whether the review period

approach is effective

Secretariat 17/08/14 – Agenda item included for NATSAR 38. In progress

37/19 Capture figures relating to national

SAR training and incorporate in

Strategic Outlook as part of the

national SAR system profile

Secretariat 17/08/14 – Agenda item included for NATSAR 38. Seeking

presentation from ANZPAA CEO.

In progress

37/20 Develop a business case for the

development of a tertiary

qualification in search and rescue for

submission to the Council at the next

annual meeting

Jim Whitehead (QLD) 17/08/14 – Jim to provide update

37/21 Send a letter to Commissioners

highlighting the strategic outcomes of

the meeting and expressing

appreciation to each Council member

representative by name

Secretariat 17/08/14 – To be incorporated with NATSAR 38 invite letter.

TeleMay14/1 Send a letter to nominated points of

contact reminding States and

Secretariat 17/08/14 – No progress

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

Territories of obligations under the

IGA.

TeleMay14/2 Send a letter of outcomes from the

Carrington Falls coronial regarding

implications on responsibilities for

land SAR

Secretariat 17/08/14 – Outcomes not yet available, to be discussed at annual

meeting.

TeleMay14/3 Revisit the issue of volunteer training

and the appropriate separation of

roles and responsibilities compared

with State and Territory SAR

Authorities

Secretariat Oct 14 17/08/14 – Agenda item included for NATSAR 38. Seeking

presentation from ANZPAA CEO.

TeleMay14/4 Clarify details of training review

through ANZPAA

Alex Barrell (NSW) 17/08/14 - Same comment as for TeleMay 14/2.

Completed Actions

OctTele/1 Secretariat to conduct website

revamp, including an online

collaboration mechanism

Secretariat April 2014

next telecon

7/11/13 – Agreed at NATSAR 37 that the website should have an

information sharing function. Can be used for exploring SAR

technology options

7/5/13 – first design concept complete and agreed by Council.

17/08/14 – Website has been revamped

37/2 Determine need for a working group

to continue development and

improvement of SARmap, including

options for ground-truthing,

integration of new dataset,

Secretariat 7/5/14 – Agreed to establish working group with first meeting prior

to National Police SAR Managers Course - Canberra, 31 July.

17/08/14 – First meeting held 30 July. Meeting outcomes to be

presented to Council at annual meeting

COMPLETE

36/1 Teleconferences to be scheduled for 2013.

Secretariat Feb 2013 Second teleconference to be held in October COMPLETE

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

Dates: April and September 2013

36/2 Coordination of a side meeting as part of the National Search and Rescue Managers’ Course to discuss amendments to the SAR manuals and other Council business.

Secretariat June 2013 COMPLETE

36/3 Forward information regarding training of Air Observers to interested members.

Secretariat As appropriate

10/07/13 - WA contacted AMSA and is still keen to progress. CL – will get some action for the next Council meeting. QLD also interested. Police would benefit by a direction from AMSA. 10/10/13 - Secretariat has the information on air observer training and will distribute after the meeting 6/11/13 – Agreed at NATSAR 37 that State and Territory SAR Authorities interested in participating in air observer training should coordinate this through their local nominated authority (SES)

COMPLETE

36/4 Distribute information regarding the Bureau of Meteorology products and formats to Council members.

Bureau of Meteorology Secretariat

As appropriate

Report has been posted on the NATSAR Council website COMPLETE

36/6 Tech Working Group to also consider other technologies that could be applied to the SAR environment.

Tech Working Group: Carl van der Meulen NZ) Steve Cooke (AFP) Craig Wall (SA) Steve Hall (WA) Michael Wear (WA) Paul Farquharson (NSW)

June 2013 10/07/13 - No progress 10/10/13 - This was discussed during the National SAR Managers Course in August 2013. 25/03/14 – This action will progress with the development of the website (OctTele1) so decided to close this action.

CLOSED

36/9 Tech Working Group to discuss education messages and strategic opportunities for the Council in promoting the registration, use and correct disposal of 406 MHz distress beacons throughout the wider

Tech Working Group: Carl van der Meulen (NZ) Steve Cooke (AFP) Craig Wall (SA) Steve Hall (WA)

June 2013 10/07/13 - No progress. As above for 36/5 & 6. 10/10/13 – Discussions during National SAR Managers course and historical conversations have resulted in a view that States and Territories take responsibility for message dissemination in their respective areas. However, there is an opportunity to enhance linkages between AMSA and the States and Territories to improve

CLOSED

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

community. Michael Wear (WA) Paul Farquharson (NSW)

communication. Will be discussed further at the Council meeting to determine best approach – agenda item 4.4. 25/03/14 – no progress 17/08/14 – no progress 20/8/14 – Closed at AugTele2 as this is being addressed at a state

level and secretariat is working with states and AMSA media.

36/12 Swift Water Working Group to further progress the position on ‘swift water’ definition. SWWG to provide report at the second NATSAR Council teleconference in September 2013.

Swift Water Working

Group:

Jim Whitehead

Steve Towers (VIC)

Brenton Charlton

((NSW)

Mark Hutchings (NSW)

Steve Cooke (AFP)

Sept 2013 10/07/13 - Update from VICPOL. Need a definition of Swift Water, to

satisfy competency/skill training prerequisite. Still researching

definitions. Suggestion that final decision is made at the next

teleconference in September. Request that the definition, as

determined by the National SAR Council, is included in the National

SAR Manual

Working group to bring a definition to the September meeting

Secretariat to draft a letter from the Chair to AFAC to advise that the

National SAR Council is defining swift water and requesting AFAC

agree with the definition. The Secretariat will circulate the letter

prior to sign off

10/10/13 - Steve Towers (VIC) has coordinated input from, AFAC,

States and Territories, and international counterparts. Feedback to

be summarised and submitted as a working paper for discussion and

approval at the Council meeting. Reference was made to a letter

from Chair to AFAC. Secretariat to obtain a copy from Barry Gibson

(VIC).

27/02/14 – Definition agreed at NATSAR 37, Land SAR Manual updated and letter sent to AFAC confirming agreed definition

COMPLETE

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

36/13 Completion of amendments to both

the Land SAR Manual and National

SAR Manual by the first NATSAR

Council teleconference in April 2013.

Secretariat April2013 10/07/13 - Close out by September meeting. JW has a paper on

updates to the Land SAR manual that can be disseminated for

information. Jim Whitehead to circulate his paper.

10/10/13 - In progress. AMSA is currently working on updating the

National SAR Manual and will bring a list of suggested amendments

to the Council meeting for approval.

Jim Whitehead has completed the Land SAR Manual amendments.

7/5/14 – Land SAR Manual up to date and on website. No feedback

27/5/14 Updated Appendix N

10/6/14 All amendments completed in National SAR Manual

COMPLETE

36/14 Develop guidance for inclusion in the

SAR manuals regarding the use of

social media in generating

intelligence as per the 16th session of

the Sub Committee (COMSAR 16) on

radio communications and search

and rescue.

Secretariat Sept 2013 10/07/13 - AMSA to provide an update at the annual National SAR

Council meeting.

JW proposal on social media for inclusion in National SAR Manual.

10/10/13 – Jim not in attendance.

25/03/14 – Agreed at NATSAR and Land SAR Manual Updated

COMPLETE

36/15 Council secretariat to engage further discussion with Head of SAR School at AMSA regarding course costs (specifically accommodation and meals) and budget requirements for the delivery of the 24th National Police SAR Managers’ Course. Budget forecast to be provided at the first teleconference in April 2013

Course Director Secretariat

April 2013 Next POLSAR Managers’ course and accommodation has been finalised

COMPLETE

of 17

Item

Number


Current Status

(Aug 2014)

36/17 Two initiatives highlighted by Graham Peachey to be added to the Strategic Outlook 2013‐2016 and the Secretariat to forward the Strategic Outlook and Business Plan to the relevant stakeholders

Secretariat

Strategic Working

Group

Dec 2013 10/07/13 - Business Plan – two new initiatives for Section 2

Craig Longmuir to circulate Plan to all prior to the next annual

meeting

10/10/13 - In progress. Updated versions will be provided with the Council meeting papers. 1/11/13 – Completed for NATSAR 37

COMPLETE

36/18 Amendment of the State report templates to include Safety Program and Community Awareness Campaigns, especially in regional areas

Council Sept 2013 Report to be provided at next teleconference COMPLETE

36/19 Coordination of NATSAR 37 – to be hosted by Tasmania Police

Tasmania Police Oct 2013 To be held 6 – 8 November 2013. COMPLETE

OctTele/2 Brian Edmonds to confirm evening arrangements for Wednesday 7th during NATSAR Council.

Brian Edmonds 7 Nov 2013 COMPLETE

JulyTele/3 Add emerging technology to agenda of NATSAR 37

Secretariat Oct 2013 COMPLETE

JulyTele/1 Proposed paper for NATSAR 37 - Standardisation of SAR Terminology

Craig Longmuir Oct 2013 10/07/13 - Craig Longmuir to circulate draft paper before finalising to present at annual meeting 10/10/13 - In progress. No further action. 7/11/13 – Presented at NATSAR 37

COMPLETE

38th meeting papers pdf, 5.88 mb

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