Option One is each of the components on separate 'stand-alone' 3-day course.

Option Two is to run the two components consecutively as a 5-day course.

From mid 2012 the 5-day MLSO course will no longer be available.

Managing the Initial Response (MIR)

The MIR course focuses on the managing a land search operation during the initial response phase and into the first operational period. The emphasis is on applying appropriate resources in the right order, particularly when information is often limited. Participants, who successfully complete this course, should be able to properly contribute to managing a search effort for a lost person in the most efficient and productive manner possible for up to the first 10 hours of an operation.  Small group discussion and actual case study tabletop map exercises are used throughout the course.

Entry Criteria: All participants must have completed Search Methods and preferably hold Unit Standard 17279 (CIMS Level 2). Note: CIMS Level 2 can be completed on the course if not completed beforehand.

Duration: The core course material is normally delivered over 3 days, and there is introductory and post course work.

Course recommended for: Search and rescue personnel who may form part of the Incident Management Team during the initial response phase of a land based SAR operation. The course is also strongly recommended for experienced Field Team Leaders.

Course Numbers: Minimum 16 and maximum 24 - 20 is the optimum number.

Managing Multi-Period Operations (MMPO)

Available from the end of the first quarter of 2012

The MMPO course focuses on the managing of a multi-period land search operation ie: after the initial response phase. The emphasis is on applying formal search planning processes to search management and that a planning cycle is put into effect to ensure a continuous seamless response is maintained. Participants, who successfully complete this course, should be able to properly contribute to understand and apply formal search planning, including probabilities and search data to a range of case studies and tabletop map exercises.

Entry Criteria: All participants must have completed the MIR course. Completion of CIMS is desirable.

Duration: The core course material is normally delivered over 3 days, and there is introductory and post course work.

Course recommended for: Search and rescue personnel who may form part of the Incident Management Team for multi-period operations - ie: longer than the first 8-10 hours, or for land search operations that will require a more structured formal planning approach.

Course Numbers: minimum 16 and maximum 24s - 20 is the optimum number.

Formal Search Planning - Two (FSP2)

Planned for roll-out mid/late 2012

Entry Criteria: All participants must have completed either the FSP course or the former 5-day MLSO

Duration: Yet to be determined - it will be either a 2-day or 3 day course

Course recommended for: Search and rescue personnel who may form part of the Incident Management Team and yearn to further develop their knowledge, skills and application.

Course Numbers: minimum 16 and maximum of 20 persons.

The Textbook for Managing Land Search Operations is the base text for the courses above. Whilst it will be available on the FSP course as a reference tool. We recommend the purchase of the book to facilitate ongoing learning and for your future reference.

The MLSO Textbook is available for purchase from SARINZ. Click here for more information.