Terms of Reference

The National Search and Rescue Council shall meet annually and consult 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;
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 of issues relating to search and rescue as raised at the National Search and Rescue Council; and
take appropriate action in relation to other matters resolved at Council.

June 2003