Maritime Search and Rescue Training Program

We offer a unique and amazing adventure with this introductory course on offshore search and rescue techniques, missing vessel and personnel recovery, survival gear drops, and winching. The course offers to training for both pilot and non-pilot mariners who wish to be prepared for effective work with an offshore rescue scenario to ensure the best survival outcomes. 

The simulated and real-world experience gained from these activities will provide invaluable experience and training to both aircrews and mariners alike. It can be a great first step to further courses and a career in the aviation and maritime rescue environment.  

You will experience both the training from both the helicopter and vessel points of view. At the completion of training, students receive a completion certificate, video and photographs for evidence and mementos. 

Air Search Pilot or Observer Training 

This introductory training covers the basic competencies required to conduct air search observation duties during an air search operation.

The course is delivered with the aid of audio-visual presentations, workshops and scenario discussions followed by both an exciting and challenging airborne adventure simulating search for a missing vessel.

Subjects covered in this course include the following: 

• Search and rescue roles and responsibilities
• The Australian Aviation and Maritime search and rescue system
• Criteria to be an effective SAR team member including interpersonal and operational communication
• Introductory Crew Resource Management (CRM)
• Non Technical skills (NTS 1 and 2)
• Factors that impede performance
• Correct Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Manifests
• Briefings (IAW CAO20:11)
• Hazards and risk reduction
• Working around Aircraft
• Approaching aircraft
• Loading aircraft
• Moving within the aircraft
• Use of the GNSS (GPS)
• How to scan at an effective distance
• Saccading
• Factors affecting saccading
• How to Report sightings
• Maintaining sightings
• Departing the aircraft
• Operational debriefs
• Departing the aircraft
• Working effectively on a vessel in the SAR environment
• Making yourself an easy rescue
• Recommended further training courses
• (external- HUET, CRM, Low level Obstacle Awareness, SLS SRC, and first aid.)