Council membership is restricted by the IGA to the delegated National SAR Authorities. Each of these member organisations is responsible for coordinating and nominating the appropriate representatives from within their organisation.

Observer status and attendance for presentations are on an invitation basis.

Within AMSA

For employment in AMSA's Rescue Coordination Centre Australia, employment is based on a profession from either a maritime or aviation background.

The prerequisites for maritime officers include at least one of the following:

• Australian certificate of competency as a deck officer, or Australian Defence Force (ADF) equivalent.
• Defence qualification to exercise tactical control of maritime units.
• Formal qualifications for SAR coordination.
• Extensive experience in maritime operations.

Minimum 3 years as a deck-officer-in-charge operating to and from Australian ports, or ADF or SAR equivalent.

Within other organisations that provide search and rescue services in Australia

The 2 primary organisations within each state that provide search and rescue services are the respective state or territory police service and the State Emergency Service (SES).

The SES might also be able to point you in the right direction of other volunteer organisations that deliver search and rescue services in your state or territory.