Search Planning and Management Course

 

This five day Course teaches the principles of effective management of searching for lost persons. Whilst the emphasis is placed on open country search the principles are applicable to a much wider field of search operations. Considerable success has been achieved in the United Kingdom and Eire in finding missing persons quicker, with fewer resources and in a better state of health.

The MREW Courses use the well-tested Search Actions Outline (SAO), which was developed specifically for MREW by one of the world's leading authorities in the application of search theory to land search. In a 2003 report by the U.S. Government (Compatibility of Land SAR Procedures with Search Theory), the contents of the documents reviewed did not follow the internationally accepted tenets of the science of search theory and did not, even, provide a search planning methodology. The only exception was MREW's SAO, which was described as unique, in terms of its correct use of search theory, and the only land search document to offer a search planning methodology.

The course provides much useful information for Leaders on the organisation of a quick search and to avoid the pitfalls involved. The course discusses how to manage the search when it expands to a multi-team, multi agency effort. The course is aimed at those individuals who would become part of the Search Management Team. During the five days of the course those attending work on four map problems based on actual past operations.

 

Search Field Skills Course

 

This course has been developed to address the skills required by searchers operating in the field. It will consider the vital role of search parties and will describe how search parties may maximise their efficiency and effectiveness. At least half the time will be spent on outdoor exercises and may include a night exercise. Participants should bring full outdoor clothing, boots, equipment and lighting.

The following topics will be covered: Overview of the lost/missing person search problem; overview of relevant search planning issues; concepts of field detection and its tactical use; specific land search techniques; terrain and scenario analysis; sub-sectoring; observation techniques; clue awareness; tracking (the step-by-step-method); search party size, control and equipment; advantages and disadvantages of different techniques and their applications; briefing and debriefing.

 

Navigation & Mountain Skills Course

 

Mountain and urban map and compass navigation skills - At IRTCW we are able to offer a variety of navigational courses from novice to the higher levels for anyone wishing to gain confidence or for personal development so they are able to keep themselves safer in the hills and mountains.

Our navigation courses can be adapted to suit the clients’ aims and objectives or be included / incorporated as an element on a longer course designed specifically for the client. Theses courses can be provided anywhere in the world if needed, but we use our training centre at Abergwyngregyn as a base. Courses can be run in all weather and visibility conditions, day or night as well as in the harshest winter.

The course content, its location and the environment can all be tailored to specific needs, from simple techniques in an urban or low land hill environment right through to full on navigation in white-out winter conditions.

GPS and mapping software - This course is split into 2 modules, hand held GPS and Mapping software. Covering the basics of GPS use, the limitations of GPS units, programming and marking of tracks, way points and paths, through to programming and following simple and complex routes using OS grid co-ordinates taken from traditional maps.

Some basic traditional map and compass work is included in the course so that the benefits and short falls of GPS can be seen in real terms.

Mapping software is a separate module looking at the use of MemoryMap and its use and functions as well as plotting and downloading information to a handheld GPS for use in a short navigation exercise. Also covered is the uploading of data from a GPS to PC as a method of plotting where you have been.

Both modules are initially one day course but in essence this can be extended to cover more in depth uses for GPS and mapping Software.

National Navigation Awards (NNAS) – The NNAS navigation courses are a certificated course for personal navigation ability. The awards are recognised nationally and are split into 3 levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold. The course content for each level is quite rigid and offers a module style progression of skill and ability. The awards are not for leading or teaching groups but to help to show that an award holder has been assessed at a recognised standard.

You can download a full PDF copy of IRTCW's Training Course Portfolio below

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