This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
The PUA30322 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) is designed for participants performing aquatic search and rescue operations. Aquatic search and rescue personnel can participate in the search and rescue for missing persons either in the water, or on nearby land.
The role of an aquatic search and rescue team member is to prepare for search and rescue operations, recognise when a rescue response is required, perform complex patient rescues, including the search and rescue of a missing person, and demonstrate recovery and stand down processes. This may include undertaking patrol duties and surf awareness to be able to participate in lifesaving operations.
This qualification includes the units of competency required by aquatic search and rescue personnel to perform a range of activities such as responding to search and rescue incidents and undertaking recovery operations. It typically involves working as a team member, under guidance, in aquatic search and rescue operations.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Communicate in the workplace | Core |
| Maintain safety at an incident scene | Core |
| Operate communications systems and equipment | Core |
| Search as a member of an aquatic search team | Core |
| Work effectively in a public safety organisation | Core |
| Administer oxygen in an emergency | Elective |
| Assess operational risk | Elective |
| Assist participants with disability during aquatic activities | Elective |
| Control a Level 1 incident | Elective |
| Crew small powercraft in a rescue operation | Elective |
| Drive vehicles under operational conditions | Elective |
| Follow defined work, health and safety policies and procedures | Elective |
| Navigate in an aquatic environment | Elective |
| Operate and maintain a personal water craft for rescue operations | Elective |
| Operate and maintain a small powercraft and motor for rescue operations | Elective |
| Perform complex water rescues | Elective |
| Perform water rescues | Elective |
| Prepare, maintain and test response equipment | Elective |
| Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | Elective |
| Provide emergency care for suspected spinal injury | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | Elective |
| Provide pain management | Elective |
| Provide services to clients | Elective |
| Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations | Elective |
| Treat operational risk | Elective |
| Undertake advanced surf rescue | Elective |
| Undertake beach safety management activities | Elective |
| Undertake helicopter safety and escape | Elective |
| Work as a team member in an emergency operations centre | Elective |
| Work autonomously | Elective |
| Work effectively with others | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Emergency Service Worker
ANZSCO 441211
Emergency Service Workers attend the scene of emergencies to minimise risk to community safety and security.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Police Officer
ANZSCO 441312
Maintain public safety by responding to criminal activities and emergencies, enforcing law and order, preventing and solving crimes.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Scuba, Snorkelling and Dive instructor
ANZSCO 452311
Scuba, Snorkelling and Dive instructors train and instruct recreational or commercial open water divers in diving techniques, safety and the correct use of diving equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Lifeguard
ANZSCO 452414
Lifeguards look after the safety of people at beaches or swimming pools, through accident prevention and rescue, and educating the public on water safety.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue)
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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RISK RESPONSE AND RESCUE (RTO code 90774)
Contact this provider
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SURF LIFE SAVING QUEENSLAND (RTO code 2804)
Contact this provider
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Wollongong First Aid (RTO code 40833)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.