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:

(1)   Is the National Search and Rescue Manual the standard reference document for use by all Australian Search and Rescue authorities.

(2)   Does the National Search and Rescue Manual promulgate the agreed methods of coordination through which search and rescue operations are conducted within Australia.

(3)   Does the National Search and Rescue Manual provide that a maritime search and rescue incident is considered imminent or actual when any of a number of conditions exist, including when: (a) an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) has been activated; and (b) a surface vessel or craft is reported to be sinking or to have sunk.

(4)   Was the AusSAR Rescue Coordination Centre informed at 2000 or 2011 hours on 14 October 2005 that the Malu Sara’s EPIRB was activated.

(5)   Was the AusSAR Rescue Coordination Centre informed soon after 0215 hours on 15 October 2005 that the Malu Sara was taking on water and sinking rapidly.

(6)   Why did the AusSAR Rescue Coordination Centre not assume responsibility for the overall coordination of the search for the Malu Sara until 1930 hours on 15 October 2003, more than 23 hours after the activation of the vessel’s EPIRB and more than 17 hours after the vessel was reported to be taking on water and sinking rapidly.

(1)   Yes.

(2)   Yes.

(3)   Yes.

(4)   2011 hours

(5)   No.

(6)   See answers to Questions on Notice No. 1871 and 1873.