National Search and Rescue manual

The National Search and Rescue Manual is the standard reference document for use by all search and rescue authorities and other organisations that provide search and rescue services in Australia.

It outlines the agreed methods of coordination through which search and rescue operations are conducted within Australia.

The manual is consistent with the relevant International Conventions to which Australia is party.

Available online only, this is the latest edition.

Available by section

The date of the most recent amendment is shown.

• Front cover
• Foreword
• National Library Registration
• Introduction
• Defence letter of promulgation
• Table of content
• Index
• Acronyms and abbreviations
• Glossary

• Chapter 1—Search and rescue system organisation
• Chapter 2—Search and rescue management
• Chapter 3—Training and exercises

• Chapter 1—Communications
• Chapter 2—Awareness and initial action
• Chapter 3—Search planning and evaluation
• Chapter 4—Search and rescue techniques
• Chapter 5—Rescue planning operations
• Chapter 6—Conclusion of search and rescue operations
• Chapter 7—Medical factors

• Appendix A—Inter-governmental agreement (IGA) on national search and rescue arrangements
• Appendix B—National search and rescue responsibilities and functions
• Appendix C—National operational procedure for transfer of coordination for land SAR incidents
• Appendix D—1-10
• Appendix E—1-17

Amendments

The NATSAR Manual is reviewed and updated through an annual amendments program. Amendments can be proposed throughout the year, which are then reviewed and approved by the NATSAR Council at the annual meeting. All approved amendments can be viewed in the amendment history below.

To propose an amendment please download and complete the required fields within the manual amendment schedule DOCX 21.38 KB and email to the Secretariat.

Amendment history

• October 2022 amendments PDF 788.24 KB
• October 2021 amendments PDF 1.3 MB
• February 2021 amendments PDF 874.37 KB
• February 2020 amendments PDF 2.01 MB
• January 2019 amendments PDF 944.82 KB
• January 2019 amendments PDF 647.1 KB
• September 2018 amendments PDF 272.59 KB
• February 2018 amendments PDF 485.42 KB