View Position Qualification

8-509-1255

Name

Boat Operator (Search and Rescue)

Status

Published

Version

1.6

Updated

3/10/2021 10:11:38 AM

Original Release

03/09/2021

Last Major Release

03/10/2021

NQS Position

Resource Category

Search and Rescue

Primary Core Capability

Mass Search and Rescue Operations

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

The Boat Operator (Search and Rescue [SAR]) responds to water-based SAR missions and is responsible for the safety of crew and passengers.

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

Stillwater/Flood SAR Team or Waterborne SAR Team

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type	Description
Type 1	The Boat Operator (SAR): 1. Responds to water-based SAR missions from a boat 2. Serves as the senior crew member 3. Maintains responsibility for the safety and conduct of crew and passengers, safe operation/navigation of the boat and completion of missions

Education

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified

Training

Not Specified

Type 1

Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 4. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 5. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ASTM International (ASTM) or equivalent water-based SAR training program that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has verified and that covers the following position-specific skills and aptitudes: a. Job performance guidelines outlined in NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, or equivalent b. Executing launch and recovery in stillwater/flood settings c. Recognizing moving water characteristics and hazards d. Recognizing vessel limitations, hull damage and watertight integrity e. Making over ground, power turns f. Closing/bearing away g. Coming alongside moving vessels; understanding suction effects h. Capsize avoidance and recovery i. Use of loaded lines j. In-tandem boat operations—side by side, moving a line, survivor/crew/equipment transfer k. Towing and being towed, including length of tow lines, positioning, passing a tow line, using a bridle, towing alongside and casting off a tow line l. Approaching, righting and dealing with entrapments from capsized vessels m. Awareness of rescue from vehicles n. Rescues from shore o. Mass evacuation p. Helicopter rescue procedures q. Night operations r. Use, care, inspection and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tools, devices and equipment specific to this position s. Use of GPS, maps and compass; navigation on water t. Boat handling skills u. SAR operations from powered craft v. AHJ-approved boater safety course

Experience

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Completion of Boat Operator (SAR) Position Task Book (PTB), or equivalent AHJ documentation

Physical/Medical Fitness

The NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines physical/medical fitness levels for NIMS positions.

Type 1

1. Arduous 2. Meets minimum physical fitness and swimming standards, in accordance with the AHJ’s job-related physical ability test (JRPAT) 3. Maintains AHJ-determined physical fitness standards suitable for the environment and typing; NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments meets or exceeds this physical fitness standard 4. Maintains immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) immunization recommendations

Currency

Provider must carry out and use any background checks as applicable law specifies. This may include a background check completed within the past 12 months; a sex-offender registry check; and a local, state and national driving and criminal history.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	1. Annual refresher of related SAR skills and abilities in water environments 2. Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every three years 3. Background checks as applicable law permits or requires 4. Keeps immunizations up to date and commensurate with mission assignment

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified

Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment.

13861386

Notes

References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Stillwater/Flood Search and Rescue Team
FEMA, NIMS 508: Waterborne Search and Rescue Team
FEMA, NIMS 509: Boat Crew Member (Search and Rescue)
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System, November 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, latest edition adopted
NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, latest edition adopted
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Immunization Recommendations for Disaster Responders, United States, latest edition adopted