National Standard Operating Procedures - Jul 2022

SLSNZ SAR Billing Process - NSOP
Section 6 – Search and Rescue Operations
Version Number – 1.0
Effective Date – 1 September 2021
Review Date – 1 June 2023
Document Owner: National Search & Rescue Manager
1.0 PURPOSE
To ensure clubs are reimbursed for the use of rescue assets when tasked by external agencies to
respond outside patrolling hours or their normal area of operation.
2.0 SCOPE
This policy applies to all Search and Rescue Squad coordinators, Search and Rescue Squad
members, surf lifeguards, patrol support members, Patrol Captains, club administrators, SLSNZ
staff.
3.0 REQUIREMENTS
Required PPE
Awards/ Licenses
Training
Other
Equipment
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0 BACKGROUND
a) SLSNZ, through its member clubs, has rescue assets around the country that may be called on
by external agencies (e.g., Rescue Coordination Centre, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency New
Zealand [FENZ], Civil Defence, etc.) to assist in various operations. Most of these agencies have
a budget to reimburse organisations who they officially task for running costs and incidental
damage to equipment.
b) Securing a tasking or company order number MUST NOT interfere with the emergency
response if lives are in danger.
c) To apply for reimbursement, the lifeguard accepting the task must ensure a tasking or company
order number is secured from the agency’s Tasking Officer if they require any financial
reimbursement following the incident.
d) This NSOP ensures SLSNZ can verify the hours of asset use and standard callout rates across all
regions. Most incidents that occur during patrolling hours will not be charged as these form part
of SLSNZ’s publicly committed service. However, incidents that occur after-hours or outside the
NSOP
SAR Billing Process NSOP_FINAL 142