In Australia, we train SES volunteers to be air search observers. This means they are qualified to fly in search aircraft to look for signs of people in distress, both on land and in the water.

The training covers:

• safety on and around aircraft
• emergency procedures (including Helicopter Underwater Escape Training and pool drills with life rafts and life jackets)
• air search operations.

Training is usually carried out with fixed wing search aircraft, but occasionally utilises helicopters.