Manuals and publications

Australia's national search and rescue service adopts techniques and procedures that have been developed in a manner consistent with Australia’s international obligations under the:

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

Established, standardised and coordinated procedures and resources promote the effective saving of lives.

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The National Search and Rescue Manual
February 2023: The NATSAR Manual documents the standardised techniques and procedures for search and rescue, enabling SAR authorities to cooperate and coordinate to best effect.
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Hazards at aircraft accident sites (ATSB)
Edition 7, June 2017: A guide for police and emergency personnel offering specific advice that may be helpful in identifying and managing particular hazards and risks.
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Inter-Governmental Agreement on National Search and Rescue Response Arrangements
7 February 2018: The IGA puts in place arrangements between the Commonwealth and State/Territory SAR Authorites on the coordination of search and rescue in the Australian region.
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Council Charter
October 2021: The Council Charter documents in detail how the National Search and Rescue Council operates, including its key business processes in order to fulfil its functions as described within the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).
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Business plan
This business plan defines the Council's priorities and actions for the two-year period 2022-2024 to achieve the intended strategic objectives.
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Annual meeting outcomes
March 2022: NATSAR Annual meeting reports – 5-year historical documents of the National Search and Rescue Council’s annual meeting reports