VOLUNTEERS from across the state have spent two weeks learning search and rescue techniques during a course at Volunteer Marine Rescue Raby Bay.
Run by search and rescue training expert Senior Sergeant Jim Whitehead, the course was attended by 21 members of the State Emergency Service, Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue.
Volunteers came from across Queensland, including Weipa, Bowen and Yeppoon, to learn the complexities of land and marine-based search and rescue processes.
The training was specifically for emergency services
A spokesperson for Raby Bay VMR said searches were instigated and often co-ordinated by police, but volunteers had an essential role in any operation.
Volunteers were also called on at times to co-ordinate search and rescue operations.
The intensive course for the volunteers provided them with the co-ordination skills.
The spokesperson said the training was classroom-based with extensive learning using charts.
