Bush Search and Rescue Victoria is open to members of Bushwalking Victoria clubs and Bushwalking Victoria Individual Members who meet the experience and age entry requirements listed below. The entry requirements basically ensure that members are competent and experienced bushwalkers, ready to receive specific training in search and rescue techniques.
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 walking or 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 up to two days. You should attend a training weekend prior to your being considered for inclusion on the call out list.
See Entry requirements for more information.
How to join Bush Search and Rescue
Option 1
You can join one of the many clubs that are members of Bushwalking Victoria then, in due course, be nominated by your club committee 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.
- Membership application form via a BWV Bushwalking Club [doc] [pdf]
Option 2
Or you can join Bushwalking Victoria as an Individual Member
- Details and a Bushwalking Victoria membership application form are here.
- Once you have joined Bushwalking Victoria you can apply to join Bush Search and Rescue using the Individual BWV members BSAR application form [doc] [pdf]
See frequently asked questions for more information about what is required to join Bush Search and Rescue and 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.