Recording information

Use a log at the beginning of a SAR operation

Start a single, operational log immediately. Your log can be written or voice recorded. Record everything associated with the incident in your log. 

Your log must:

• be chronological
• have the time and date recorded for each entry
• be entered in the approved and agreed format.

Turn voice-recorded logs into a text log as soon as you have time. Logs need to be in a text format so other people involved with the SAR operation can refer to the logs quickly, easily, and frequently.

Keep recording information throughout the SAR operation

Record all operational activity from Awareness to Conclusion. This means that you need to record information throughout the SAR operation.

You must keep records of all information relating to the SAROP including:

• communications (radio, phone, text, email, etc.)
• decisions
• taskings
• planning and process documents.

Record key features of the Incident Action Plan

You need to record key features of the Incident Action Plan (on an NZSAR form) as soon as possible. When the plan is put into action, you must update information and record any changes to the objectives.