POLSAR026 — Undertake marine search and rescue duties

1 Prepare for marine SAR response

• 1.1Identify a command and control structure to facilitate marine SAR operations.
• 1.2Identify SAR coordination centre from which to facilitate marine SAR operations.
• 1.3Conduct risk and search urgency assessment to determine level of response.
• 1.4Identify jurisdictional information management systems required to gather information in relation to the subject(s).
• 1.5Assess information obtained from jurisdictional information management systems to inform marine SAR operations.
• 1.6Assess characteristics of the subject(s) and environment to inform SAR response.
• 1.7Communicate with stakeholders to facilitate flow of information to progress SAR operation.

2 Determine current location, destination and resources

• 2.1Assess information and intelligence gathered relating to the location and details of incident.
• 2.2Select appropriate charts, electronic navigation aids and navigation equipment from which to source and interpret information.
• 2.3Analyse information from charts and relevant resources to ensure accurate parameters of search area.
• 2.4Evaluate sea state, currents and tidal patterns to identify impacts on marine SAR operations.
• 2.5Plot last known position and estimated destination of subject(s) in distress on a chart using marine navigation techniques.

3 Determine and plan a safe route/course

• 3.1Evaluate information, including initial search areas and chart work to determine operational plan.
• 3.2Consider and allow for variables and prevailing conditions to record plots and search areas on charts.
• 3.3Estimate rescue asset’s speeds, search time, investigation time and endurance within prevailing conditions to provide an estimated search time/time of arrival.
• 3.4Identify potential obstacles and hazards to determine safe route/course.

4 Conduct marine SAR response

• 4.1Determine datum of subject(s) using wind and currents.
• 4.2Assess marine search strategies to inform SAR operations.
• 4.3Select marine search patterns in accordance with search strategy and prevailing conditions.
• 4.4Identify specialist marine resources to facilitate marine SAR operations.
• 4.5Determine taskings for specialist marine resources to facilitate marine SAR operations.
• 4.6Monitor and review size of search area based on prioritisation.
• 4.7Modify marine search strategies using on scene intelligence, continuously reviewing feasibility of rescue plan.

What does an assessment tool for POLSAR026 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for POLSAR026 needs to address all 63 unit components: 4 elements with 23 performance criteria, 15 performance evidence requirements, 25 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for POLSAR026?

Auditori pulls the current release of POLSAR026 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for POLSAR026 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing POLSAR026 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of POLSAR026, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.