Training - the Big Picture

NZLSAR is responsible for determining Land Search and Rescue training needs. NZLSAR is represented on Tai Poutini Polytech and SARINZ committees. Tai Poutini Polytech is responsible for the delivery, assessment and quality control of SAR qualifications. SARINZ is responsible for the development and delivery of training courses. Members who successfully complete certified training courses can now attain SAR qualifications. One reason is because younger members expect recognition of their training achievements. Credits from SAR qualifications may be transferable to job/career. Existing SARINZ/ Tai Poutini qualifications include a Diploma in Search and a Diploma in Rescue. The aim of training is to provide members with skills specific to land search and rescue. Wellington Land SAR expects all members to already have survival skills and committment before joining SAR. A breakdown of these attributes includes:

• Risk Management
• Bushcraft
• River Safety
• Navigation
• Weather forecasting
• Be available regularly, and able to give an immediate decision when called
• Attend training, attain and maintain the required standards
• Have readily available, food and equipment for 48 hours in the field
• Keep a personal log of training and operational experience

The WLSAR Approach to Training

Our philosophy is to:

• Have fun
• Build on our improving skill base
• Create as many hands on learning opportunities as possible
• Gain new ideas and understandings from external sources
• Make use of Sundays, evenings and short sessions where possible
• Add value to the Wellington SAR Organisation meetings

We aim to

• Train between 12 and 16 people or 4 teams on the day programs
• Keep training days to between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm finish
• Spread the 3 weekend courses throughout the year
• Maintain a manageable training programme
• Broaden our instructor base to ease the teaching load

All members must try to attend at least 50% of relevant training opportunities per year. Time spent on SAR operations is credited as training time. By doing this, members will update their skills at least once every two years. This level of training will ensure a well-trained and SAR-ready First Response Group. The Wellington SAR Advisers maintain a database of training and operations attended by each First Response member and the skills they have attained. Members who attend relevant training outside of the Wellington SAR programme should notify us so we can update their database entry and be credited with the training days.