SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102579  Occupational Certificate: Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  250  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator. A Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator directs, organises and manages Search, and Rescue (SAR) operations within the South African Search and Rescue Region (SRR).

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Receive, acknowledge and relay notification of distress.
  • Organise and co-ordinate all SAR responses.
  • Conduct SAR operations.
  • Manage and evaluate all Maritime Safety Information Systems.
  • Engage and involve internal and external stakeholders.

    Rationale:
    Search, and Rescue (SAR) comprises the search for and provision of aid to persons who are or are believed to be, in imminent danger of loss of life. The two operations search and rescue may take many forms, depending on whether they are both required or not, on the size and complexity of the operation and the available staff and facilities. Search, and rescue does not include salvage or the saving of property except where the action is indivisible from that of safeguarding life. The regulatory body, appointed by the Department of Transport in line with International Maritime Convention requirements, overseeing the complex landscape of search and rescue is the South African Search and Rescue Organisation (SASAR) Secretariat.

    This qualification is essential for providing learners with the required knowledge, skills, and competencies to progress in the Maritime Search and Rescue Co-ordination domain. The Maritime sector has already indicated a critical need for these advanced level occupational qualifications.

    South Africa's geographic location relative to its main trading partners makes it imperative that maritime transport is safe, efficient, innovative and reliable. Transportation makes up a significant element in the pricing of South African traded goods. Efficient SAR co-ordination services contribute to the safe passage of seafarers and vessels passing through the South African Search and Rescue Region (SRR). Trade is the economic life-blood of nations, with maritime transport carrying over 90% of all international trade. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Level 4 with Mathematics and English Communication. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 132407001-KM-01: Search and Rescue Administration, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-02: Maritime Terrestrial and Satellite Communication, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-03: International Provisions, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-04: Meteorology, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-05: Chartwork, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-06: SAR Operating Procedures, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-07: Public Relations, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-08: Principles of Rescue Co-ordination Centres (RCCs) and Rescue Sub-Centres (RSCs), Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-09: Search and Rescue Resources, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-10: Search Areas, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-11: Search Patterns, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-KM-12: Ship Reporting Systems, Level 6, 12 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 144.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 132407001-PM-01: Receive, acknowledge and relay notification of distress, Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 132407001-PM-02: Organise and co-ordinate search and rescue responses, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 132407001-PM-03: Interact and involve internal and external stakeholders, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 132407001-PM-04: Manage and evaluate all Maritime Safety Information Systems (MSIS), Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 132407001-PM-05: Manage, lead and develop the human element, Level 5, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 132407001-WM-01: Notification in distress policies and procedures, Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 132407001-WM-02: Search and Rescue (SAR) response framework, Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 132407001-WM-03: Search and Rescue (SAR) operational responsibilities, Level 6, 20 Credits.
  • 132407001-WM-04: Maritime safety information systems policies and procedures, Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 132407001-WM-05: Human resources and communication policies and procedures, Level 6, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 56. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Notification of distress received, acknowledged and relayed in line with international and national legislative and regulatory requirements.
    2. All Search and Rescue (SAR) responses organised and co-ordinated.
    3. Internal and external stakeholders developed and managed.
    4. Maritime Safety Information Systems updated.
    5. Search and Rescue (SAR) performance optimised. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Distress information is disseminated.
  • A Search and Rescue (SAR) base is established.
  • Full records for the incident file are updated and maintained.
  • Role players are notified as per direction provided.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Awareness Stage is initiated.
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Initial Action Stage entered.
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Planning Stage is determined.
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Operational Stage is managed.
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Conclusion Stage is considered.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Internal Communications are developed.
  • Relevant Search and Rescue (SAR) Incident Situation report (SITREP) is issued.
  • Incident Report is distributed.
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) related information is extracted.
  • Verbal briefings are issued.
  • External Entities are involved when required.
  • Internal communications followed.
  • Relevant Search and Rescue (SAR) Incident Situation report (SITREP) is issued as directed.
  • Incident Report is distributed as per the plan.
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) related information is extracted as per legislative and regulatory framework.
  • Verbal briefings are issued as per direct instruction.
  • External entities are involved in line with standard operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Appropriate Maritime Safety Information (MSI) is identified and evaluated.
  • Temporary Maritime Safety Information (MSI) is issued.
  • Standing Maritime Safety Information (MSI) is requested.
  • Promulgation of required Maritime Safety Information (MSI) is ensured.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A situation and risk assessment is executed.
  • Situational awareness is maintained.
  • Effective communication is conducted.
  • Shipboard training is understood.
  • Cultural awareness is displayed.
  • Teams are effectively built and lead.
  • People are lead and managed.
  • Workload is managed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International standards and procedures are followed strictly according to the International Aeronautical Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual Vol II and South Africa Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SASAR) Act and Executive.

    The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) coordinate, on a global basis, member States efforts to provide search and rescue (SAR) services. Briefly, the goal of ICAO and IMO is to provide an effective worldwide system, so that wherever people sail or fly, SAR services will be available if needed. The overall approach a State takes in establishing, providing and improving SAR services is affected by the fact that these efforts are an integral part of a global SAR system.

    The objectives of the Maritime Search and Rescue Convention is to ensure international best practice and standards in SAR, facilitate direct intergovernmental contact, ensure co-operation between the surface and air SAR units, and provide guidance where needed for development of national SAR services.

    Conclusion:
    This South Africa qualification adheres to the International Aeronautical Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual Vol I, II and III as well as the South Africa Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SASAR) Act and regulatory requirements. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Diploma: Maritime Studies, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Higher Diploma: Maritime Studies, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    The entry requirements are prescribed by the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual and Guidelines, and the SASAR Executive.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator: 132407001.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
    This is not a trade qualification.

    Part Qualifications:
    None. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.