Section 468-200-120 - Qualifications of search and rescue emergency workersPersonnel will complete training administered or approved by the aviation division prior to engagement in any search and rescue activities conducted in accordance with chapter 47.68 RCW, this chapter, the state comprehensive emergency management plan (regarding air operations) or the state and regional disaster airlift plan (SARDA).
(1) The following are the basic qualifications for administrative support search and rescue emergency workers: (a) Be physically and mentally fit for the position assigned.(b) Possess knowledge and the skills required of air search and rescue support workers.(c) Possess knowledge of the incident command system and how the system works.(d) Possess knowledge of the records and forms necessary to administer a major air search operation, including all forms used to identify the mission, track personnel, equipment, and assignments.(e) Possess knowledge of the various state laws, plans, and procedures used in the conduct of emergency air operations.(f) Possess knowledge of the requirements utilized in briefing search participants.(g) Possess knowledge of the requirements and procedures utilized to select and dispatch emergency workers.(h) Possess knowledge of dealing with the media, news releases, and information flow.(i) Possess basic knowledge of the various types of maps used in air search and airborne disaster relief.(j) Possess knowledge and training in dealing with family members of individuals in distressed situations.(k) Possess knowledge in specific incident command system job descriptions that the individual is assigned to perform.(2) The following are the basic qualifications for communications personnel: (a) Be physically and mentally fit for the position assigned.(b) Possess the knowledge and skills required of air search and rescue support workers.(c) Possess knowledge of the incident command system and how the system works.(d) Possess knowledge of the various forms used in the incident command system with particular skills in those forms having to deal with communications.(e) Possess knowledge of the various state laws, plans, and procedures used in the conduct of emergency air operations.(f) Possess a Federal Communications Commission radio license for the class and type of equipment operated when the operation of a radio requires an operator license.(g) For remote or isolated assignments be registered and qualified as an emergency worker in accordance with chapter 118-04 WAC or chapter 38.52 RCW.(h) Possess knowledge in specific incident command system job descriptions that the individual is assigned to perform.(3) The following are the basic qualifications for pilots and observers. (a) Be physically and mentally fit for the position assigned.(b) Possess the knowledge and skills required of air search and rescue support workers.(c) Possess knowledge of the incident command system and how the system works.(d) Possess knowledge of the various forms used in the incident command system with particular skills in those forms having to deal with air operations.(e) Possess knowledge of the various state laws, plans, and procedures used in the conduct of emergency air operations.(f) Possess knowledge in specific incident command system job descriptions that the individual is assigned to perform.(g) Possess knowledge and have training in the following aircrew specific items: 1.Search patterns and electronic search 2. Universal map system (UMS)3.Navigation and position determination 5. Communications procedures6. Coordination with ground teams.7. Flight line operations9. High altitude and terrain considerations12. Sighting characteristics 13. In-flight emergencies 15. Survival, first aid, and safety18. State and regional disaster airlift (SARDA) and disaster relief plans19. Reimbursement procedures 20. Dealing with the family and the press(4) In addition to the knowledge and skill requirements of 3 above, pilots must meet the following qualifications and skill levels. (a) Hold a private pilots license or above issued by Federal Aviation Administration.(b) Hold a current and valid medical certificate issued by a Federal Aviation Administration authorized Airman Medical Examiner (AME).(c) Meet all recurrency/currency of flight and other restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.(d) Have logged at least two hundred hours of total flight time for flat land (altitudes below five thousand feet) search pilot operations. Have logged at least five hundred hours of total flight time for all other search and rescue assignments.(e) Have completed flight training with a search pilot instructor appointed or approved by the aviation division.(5) Ground electronic beacon (emergency locator transmitters and emergency position indicating radio beacon) direction finding personnel will receive training and demonstrate proficiency in the principles of emergency beacon transmitters, proper procedures for direction finding (DF) and legal responsibilities. The training shall consist of at least the following: (a) Principles of transmission, causes of distortion, interference, and blockage of signals.(b) DF principles involving hand-held direction finders as well as working with only radio receivers.(c) Interferometer method of DF.(d) Map reading and interpretation.(e) Legal responsibilities and restrictions upon finding a transmitter.(f) When required be qualified and registered in accordance with chapter 118-04 WAC.Wash. Admin. Code § 468-200-120
Statutory Authority: Chapter 47.68 RCW. 96-02-067 (Order 160), § 468-200-120, filed 1/3/96, effective 2/3/96.