AMSA Connect phone services will be closed for the public holiday on Monday 8 June 2026, reopening on Tuesday 9 June 2026. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time. 

Manuals and publications

Australia's national search and rescue service adopts techniques and procedures that have been developed in a manner consistent with Australia’s international obligations under the:

  • Convention of International Civil Aviation, 1944 (Chicago Convention)
  • International convention of Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS)
  • International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 (SAR Convention)

Established, standardised and coordinated procedures and resources promote the effective saving of lives.

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The National Search and Rescue Manual
Updated annually in February, the NATSAR Manual documents the standardised techniques and procedures for search and rescue, enabling SAR authorities to cooperate and coordinate to best effect.
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Hazards at aircraft accident sites (ATSB)
Edition 7, June 2017: A guide for police and emergency personnel offering specific advice that may be helpful in identifying and managing particular hazards and risks.
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Inter-Governmental Agreement on National Search and Rescue Response Arrangements
7 February 2018: The IGA puts in place arrangements between the Commonwealth and State/Territory SAR Authorites on the coordination of search and rescue in the Australian region.
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Annual meeting outcomes
NATSAR Annual meeting reports – 5-year historical documents of the National Search and Rescue Council’s annual meeting reports