Meet With Our Expert Team
We pride ourselves on bringing together a diverse group of professionals who are not only experts in their fields but are also deeply committed to supporting our clients and students. Our people are passionate about education and dedicated to delivering exceptional training experiences and business outcomes. Each member of our team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our programs and consulting services are impactful, innovative, and tailored to meet the evolving needs of our customers and their staff.
Get to know the faces behind SAR Training Australia and learn about the collective expertise driving our mission to empower and educate.
Philip Fox
Manager
Philip has 22 years’ experience in the Aviation Industry. He began his career in the Australian Defence Force as an Air Traffic Controller, serving for 15 years.
An Aviation Specialist, Philip is a current ADF reserve Air Traffic Controller and ADF Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission Coordinator. Previously, he was a Senior Manager of Recreational Aviation Australia. Presently, he serves the Australian community as a Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator at the Australian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, and when on shift oversees aviation SAR operations across 11% of the Earth’s surface.
Philip leverages numerous commercial successes alongside his extensive aviation experience to advance SAR Training Australia into its next phase of growth. As the company expands into the Indo-Pacific and APEC nations, he is striving to actively enhance their SAR operations and capabilities. Additionally, Philip is connected to aviation history as the third cousin of the late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. This familiar link underscores Philip’s commitment to improving the search and rescue coordination capabilities of countries within our region.
Phil took on oversight of SAR Training Australia from the beginning of 2024 on behalf of its owners, PRMEC Pty Ltd. Under Philip’s leadership, SAR Training Australia is making significant strides towards contributing to a safer, more prosperous Indo-Pacific.
- Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC)
- Bachelor of Arts (Management)
- Diploma Air Traffic Control
- Advanced Diploma Air Force Studies
- Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE40122)
- Certified Lead Auditor
- Australian Defence Medal
John Rice
IAMSAR Specialist
John began his career in search and rescue in 1974 as a member of the Queensland Police, and later as a helicopter rescue crewman with Surf Lifesaving Australia and CareFlight Queensland, and a volunteer member of the Queensland State Emergency Service, New South Wales Rural Fire Brigade and Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland. He is qualified in land, marine and aviation search and rescue management and is a Life Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Emergency Services.
John qualified as a Helicopter Rescue Crewman in 1984 undertaking flying duties with Surf Rescue Queensland in Bell Jet Ranger, Long Ranger and AS350 Squirrel aircraft. He was also a rescue crewman with CareFlight Queensland, operating in AS350 and B412 aircraft, and is qualified in helicopter winch operations, fast roping, rappelling, FLIR, air search observer leader and fixed-wing drop master/dispatcher.
In 1989 he was appointed as a foundation member of the Directing Staff, National Police Search and Rescue Managers training program and later as the Director of Studies.
John’s appointments in the Qld Police Service included Queensland Police State Search & Rescue Coordinator and Training Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Water Police. He left the Queensland Police in 2000 to pursue further challenges in the field of search and rescue.
In 2000 he took up a position with the Australian National Search and Rescue Centre (JRCC Australia) where he qualified as an Aviation SAR specialist and Senior Maritime Coordinator. During his time with the National SAR Centre, he was appointed to the position of Principal Adviser – Training & Standards and Director, National Search and Rescue School and Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC) undertaking duties as both a Maritime and Aviation SMC.John is a recipient of:
- Australian National Sea Safety Award “in recognition of his contribution to Sea Safety and the saving of lives at sea”;
- Queensland Ambulance Service, Assistant Commissioner’s Commendation for his work in the development of a Marine Ambulance Program;
- Certificate of Achievement from the Australasian Institute of Emergency Services for his “contribution and commitment in significantly improving the professional standards, coordination and cooperation between the Emergency Services and volunteer organisations”.
He is the author of “The Search & Rescue System”, the procedures and operations manual adopted as the standard doctrine by the National Police Search and Rescue Managers training program [Maritime Search and Rescue]. He has also been a consultant to Emergency Management Australia (EMA) [Disaster Rescue] and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority – JRCC Australia [National Search and Rescue Manual]. In 2008 John was appointed a Director of the Australasian Institute of Emergency Services and has served as the Institute’s National President and ACT Division President.
In 2014 Commissioner Ian Stewart, Queensland Police Service, presented John with the Dr Paul Luckin Foundation Award, in recognition of his significant contribution to the Australian National Police Search and Rescue Managers training program.
- Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC)
- Advanced Diploma Search and Rescue Management
- Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Search & Rescue Management)
- Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Search & Rescue Management)
- Master <24 NC
- Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC
- Certificate IV Training & Assessment
- National Police Service Medal
- National Medal
- Queensland Police Service Medal
- Australian National Sea Safety Award
LTCOL Mark Sedsman (RET)
IAMSAR Specialist
During his time with the Australian Defence Force, Mark filled the position of Senior Instructor within the School of Army Aviation. In 1993 he commanded the Blackhawk helicopter deployment to Cambodia in support of the United Nations Transitional Authority – Cambodia. His services have been recognised by the award of a Chief of the Defence Force Commendation.
In 1997, shortly after leaving the Australian Defence Force, Mark was appointed to the role of a Senior Aviation Search and Rescue specialist with the Australian National Search and Rescue Organisation, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia. While at JRCC Australia Mark was appointed as a Senior Instructor (Aviation) with the Australian National Search and Rescue School, JRCC Operations Chief and acting Manager of the Search and Rescue Operations business unit.
Mark holds an Australian Airline Transport Pilots License (Helicopter) and has military qualifications for check and training, hoist, hook, night vision goggles (NVG) and ship-borne operations. He has flown in Australia, PNG and countries within the SE Asian region.
- Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC)
- Bachelor of Professional Studies (Management)
- Graduate Diploma (Management)
- Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Search and Rescue Management)
- Diploma of Public Safety (Search and Rescue Coordination)
- Certificate IV Training and Assessment
- Qualified JPRO – USA PRETC
- Air Transport Pilots Licence(Helicopters)
- Australian Active Service Medal – Iraq
- Iraq Medal
- Australian Service Medal-Cambodia
- Defence Force Service Medal
- Australian Defence Medal
- Chief of the Defence Force Commendation
- Returned from Active Service Badge
Steve Cross
IAMSAR Specialist & Systems Developer
In 2004, Steve joined the National Search and Rescue Centre, JRCC Australia, as a Senior Search and Rescue Officer (Aviation). Over his 20-year career, he adeptly coordinated numerous complex and challenging search and rescue incidents, earning a reputation for his effective and strategic approach. Concurrently, Steve served as the Senior Instructor in the National Search and Rescue School, contributing to the training and development of future search and rescue professionals.
Beyond his operational and instructional roles, Steve is a proficient programmer. He has leveraged his technical skills to develop impactful SAR applications, notably SAR Calculator Pro and SARLINK. These applications play a pivotal role in streamlining search planning and coordination, enhancing the overall efficiency of search and rescue operations.
- Australian Commercial Pilots Licence
- Grade 1 Flight Instructor Rating
- Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating
- Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Search and Rescue Management)
- Diploma of Public Safety (Search and Rescue Coordination)
Dr. Paul Luckin AM
SAR Medical Expert
Paul spent eight years in the Mountain Rescue Team of the Natal Section of the Mountain Club of South Africa, working in the Drakensberg Mountains. He was a Consultant and Lecturer to Accident and Emergency Medical Services Natal; Director and Lecturer on courses in Accident and Disaster Medicine for Doctors, and alternate Director of Red Cross Air Mercy Flights.
Once back in Tasmania Paul was Director of the Tasmanian Ambulance Service Advanced Airway Management Training Programme. He was President, Royal Life Saving Society Tasmania, and Convenor, State Task Force for Prevention of Drowning in the Under 5’s.
Paul teaches the medical aspects of Search and Rescue at State Police level and is on the directing staff of the National Police Search and Rescue Managers Course. He is a medical advisor to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and Police Search and Rescue teams around the nation, providing time-frames for survival during Search and Rescue operations.
In 2005 Paul received the National Search and Rescue Award for contributions to Search and Rescue in the Australasian Region.
He is a State Councillor, former Director of Medical Services and Chairman of Training Branch, St John Ambulance Queensland. Paul has been invested as a Commander of the Order of St John (CStJ), and is a Fellow of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia.
As a Captain in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, Paul has served in Bougainville, East Timor, in the Resuscitation and Retrieval Team for the victims of the first Bali bombing, the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, in the first foreign medical team into Banda Aceh following the 2004 tsunami., and in Afghanistan.
In 2015 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, AM, for significant service to the community through emergency medicine, and as an authority on survivability in search and rescue operations.
- MB.BCh (Rand)
- DA (SA)
- M.MED.ANAESTHESIA (Natal)
- FFA (SA)
- FANZCA
- Order of Australia
- Australian National Search & Rescue Award
Dr. Jim Whitehead APM, PhD
Land SAR Expert
Retired Senior Sergeant Jim Whitehead had been a police officer with the Queensland Police Service for 39 years, 34 of which he has been involved in Search and Rescue (SAR).
He was the State Search and Rescue Coordinator & Training Officer for the last 17 years of his service, being responsible for managing the SAR system in Queensland.
In his time he was involved in over 15,000 SAR incidents resulting in over 22,000 lost and missing people being located. He is experienced in both the practicalities and teaching of SAR and holds numerous qualifications and is currently completing a PhD in Search and Rescue.
He has taught search and rescue to police in all Australian States/Territories, New Zealand, Papua-New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Seychelles.
- PhD (Search for deceased persons)
- Master of Emergency Management
- Bachelor of Social Science (Emergency Management)
- Advanced Diploma of Police SAR Management
- Advanced Diploma Public Safety (Police SAR Management)
- Diploma of Police SAR Coordination
- Diploma of Public Safety (Police SAR Coordination)
- Diploma Public Safety (Policing)
- Cert IV Training and Assessment
- Australian Police Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Police Overseas Service Medal
- National Emergency Medal
- National Police Medal
- National Search and Rescue Award
Les Parducci
IAMSAR Specialist
Les joined the Italian Navy in 1992 as a recruit Coast Guard Operator. Following initial training at the Warrant Officer Academy in Sardinia, he posted to the Coast Guard base of Monfalcone and embarked on a coastal patrol rescue vessel as a Bosun. Throughout his military career, he served in various surface and air Coast Guard assets, commanded the Maritime rescue Sub-Centre of Marina di Carrara and completed multiple overseas deployments.
He moved to Canberra in 2005 and commenced working as a Communication Officer, responsible for the provision of distress alerting response through the Australian HF radio network, based in the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre. He transitioned to the role of Search and Rescue Officer within the JRCC in 2008 and progressed to the role of Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, his current position since 2011. Les acted as a Chief and Manager of the AMSA Response Centre, responsible for the provision of Search and Rescue, Pollution and Casualty response within the Australian Search and Rescue region.
Les is an active naval reserve Officer working for the Maritime Trade Operations branch, providing civil maritime expertise and advice to the Royal Australian Navy. In 2023, Les completed a contract with the United Nations as an International Consultant, providing inter-agency emergency management training to the countries of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives. Les holds a Graduate Certificate in emergency Management, an Advanced Diploma in Public Safety, a Diploma in Shipping Management, and a Certificate in Maritime Salvage.
- Graduate Certificate Disaster and Emergency Management
- Advanced Diploma Public Safety (Search and Rescue)
- Diploma Shipping Management
- Certificate Salvage law
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessing
- Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System Level 3 Incident Controller
- Italian Government Commendation for saving lives at sea
- National Emergency Medal
- National Medal
Chris Duryea
IAMSAR Specialist
Chris has long been driven by a passion for community service, evident in his diverse career trajectory spanning aviation, maritime, and search and rescue (SAR) coordination. His journey commenced with aviation studies during his final year of schooling in Launceston, Tasmania, which laid the groundwork for a successful aviation career. Relocating to Queensland, he pursued further qualifications, obtaining a Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating, and ultimately an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Chris engaged in charter flying and instructional roles until 2003.
Parallel to his aviation pursuits, Chris embarked on a volunteer journey with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard in Redcliffe in 1997, marking his foray into the maritime sector. Over the next decade, he accumulated skills and certifications while contributing significantly to community safety as a volunteer. His dedication led to him assuming the role of training officer for the flotilla.
In 1998, Chris seized an opportunity with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Tiered Aviation Asset Program, serving as a Drop Master and Visual Observer until 2008. His responsibilities included overseeing aircraft operations for observation and cargo delivery.
Transitioning into law enforcement, Chris joined the Queensland Police Service in 2000, where he undertook various roles encompassing general duties, traffic enforcement, and firearms instruction. His involvement in search and rescue deepened when he completed the Diploma of Search and Rescue in 2005, subsequently assuming the position of Brisbane North Regional Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator.
Chris’s expertise and leadership were pivotal during crises such as the Grantham Flood in 2010, where he coordinated multi-agency responses. His tenure with the Brisbane Water Police further honed his SAR coordination skills, supplemented by additional maritime qualifications.
Joining the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in 2013, Chris expanded his SAR expertise, becoming a dual-qualified Aviation and Maritime Search and Rescue Officer by 2016. His advanced qualifications culminated in his appointment as a SAR Mission Coordinator within AMSA, undertaking diverse management roles.
Chris’s desire to impart his wealth of experience led him to SAR Training Australia in 2016, where he works as a senior maritime and aviation instructor, sharing his wealth of experience with military and international SAR partners. His multifaceted background equips him with a nuanced understanding of SAR systems, positioning him as a valuable mentor and trainer within the industry. Chris’s enduring dedication to imparting knowledge underscores his role as a stalwart contributor to the SAR community.
- AMSA – Advanced Response Centre Coordinator (SAR Mission Coordinator) – 2021
- AMSA – Incident Controller Level 2 – PUAOPE018A – 2020
- Certificate III in Transport & Distribution (Coastal Maritime Operations – Master Class 5) TDM30407 – 2012
- QPS – Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Search and Rescue – Management) (NATSAR) PUA60210 – 2011
- QPS – Diploma of Public Safety (Police Search and Rescue – Coordination) PUA50110 – 2005
- Royal Qld Aero Club – Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Aviation) – 1998
- Police Service Medal – ‘Grantham Flood Coordination Response 2011’
- National Emergency Medal – AMSA Response supporting ‘Bushfires 2019/2020′
Michael Zadravec
IAMSAR Specialist
Michael has served on numerous deployments and has significant experience integrating aviation and maritime assets in a broad range of environments throughout the Indo-Pacific. His various deployments have encompasses conducting border surveillance and patrol including Guam, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, as well as many local patrols including Christmas, Cocos-Keeling and Norfolk Islands.
Michael considerable experience conducting search and rescue missions, most notably the rescue of yacht ‘Thuriya’ South-East of Reunion Island in 2018. Michael has also been an instructor for ab-initio students as future Mission Aircrew on board the King Air 350 in navigation, mission tactics, search and rescue and crewmenship. Michael works as a Search and Rescue Officer within the Australia Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and also in an ADF reservist capacity within the Air and Space Operations Centre (JOC) as part of the HQJOC JPR team.
- Search and Rescue Officer (Aviation)
- ADF Aircrew Combat SERE C Course
- ADF Aviation Medicine – non-pilot
- ADF Weapon Employment Course – Basic and Advanced
- Certificate III – Unit Safety Coordinator WHS
- Introduction to Meteorology – BoM
- ADF Search Mission Coordinator – MILSAR
- Australian Defence Medal
- Australian Border Protection Medal