Prerequisites for joining Bush Search and Rescue

As a prospective member you need to:

• be an experienced overnight bushwalker or ski tourer
• have successfully completed an extended walk of at least four days or more
• have had snow camping experience
• be a competent off-track navigator
• be fully equipped for overnight walking
• be sufficiently fit for prolonged heavy scrub bashing in difficult terrain
• be at least 18 years of age

You also need to have your employer's support in order to take leave on a few hours notice for a minimum of two days. You should attend a training weekend prior to your being considered for inclusion on the callout list.

How to join Bush Search and Rescue

Join one of the many clubs that are members of Bushwalking Victoria and be nominated by your club to join Bush Search and Rescue. You can view a list of clubs here then follow the link to a club for contact and joining details.

Alternatively, join Bushwalking Victoria as an Individual Member - details and a Bushwalking Victoria membership application from are available here.   Once you have joined Bushwalking Victoria you can apply to join Bush Search and Rescue using the Individual BWV members BSAR application form.

Once you are a member of a BWV Bushwalking Club or are an individual BWV members you will need to complete and submit a BSAR membership application form.

 BSAR Membership Applications Forms

• Membership application via a BWV Bushwalking Club (pdf)  
• Membership application for Individual BWV members (pdf)

See frequently asked questions for more information about what is required to join Bush Search and Rescue an to participate with searches.

It would be great to see more people involved in Bush Search and Rescue, so please consider participating in our very worthwhile volunteer community service.