With reference to the role of AusSAR (Australian Search and Rescue Service) in the unsuccessful search for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs vessel the Malu Sara in October 2005: Can extracts be provided from AusSAR’s internal procedures manual in force in October 2005 containing instructions on the transfer of responsibility for search and rescue coordination in circumstances where responsibility rests with AusSAR.

Yes. Undernoted is the relevant extract from 3.4.1.3 Coordination responsibilities in the AusSAR Procedures Manual:

“AusSAR accepting coordination responsibility

AusSAR receives a request from another SAR authority to take over a SAR incident.

•               Ascertain the reasons for seeking to transfer coordination. Request and receive a hardcopy message or document from the external agency that gives details of the incident, action taken and request for transfer of co-ordination. For guidance refer to the National SAR Manual 1.3 SAR Response and Coordination in Australia.

•               Assess the request to determine whether AusSAR will accept the incident (this is the responsibility of the appropriate Senior SAR Officer).

•               If overall coordination responsibility for the search is to remain with another SAR Authority, then the terms of what AusSAR is required to do shall be made clear and the request will be received hardcopy on a Request for SAR Assistance form. AusSAR will report progress on their assigned task to the SAR authority with overall responsibility.

•               If an aspect of the search (e.g. surface search) is to be coordinated by, or remain with another SAR Authority, then the terms for the coordination shall be made clear and that Authority shall be required to report progress and keep AusSAR informed as to developments.

•               Advise the RCC Chief or Duty Manager or the Manager, Operations.

•               Advise the external agency of the decision for AusSAR to accept coordination responsibility and return the signed Transfer of Overall Coordination form.”