SAR Training Pathways & Certification

Pathway

1. Awareness / support Learn how a search base runs and help with logistics, radios and paperwork. NASAR's SARTECH IV (Non-Field Responder) covers this role.
2. Operations: non-wilderness searcher Search in urban, suburban, rural and park settings as a team member. NASAR's SARTECH III and ASTM F3098 describe this level.
3. Operations: wilderness searcher Search in wilderness terrain near basic services. NASAR's SARTECH II (FUNSAR course) and ASTM F2209 cover this level.
4. Technician: backcountry Multi-day missions in austere terrain. NASAR lists this as SARTECH I (Wilderness-Backcountry Responder); its course series is being updated.
5. Leader Lead a field team. See NASAR SARTECH Field Team Leader and ASTM F2685 / F3193 for team leader training.

Certifications

• SARTECH IV (Non-Field Responder / Awareness) National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) · Awareness
  Requires current CPR or basic first aid, ICS-100 and ICS-700. Online 100-question exam, 80% to pass; valid 3 years; recert needs 36 hours of training, deployments or exercises.
• SARTECH III (Non-Wilderness Responder / Operational) NASAR · Operations
  Requires current CPR or basic first aid, ICS-100 and ICS-700. Online exam (80% to pass), no practical test; valid 3 years.
• SARTECH II (Wilderness Responder / Operational) NASAR · Operations (wilderness)
  Requires FUNSAR course, CPR, Wilderness First Aid, ICS-100 and DOI OAM A100 aviation safety (or equivalent). Online exam plus practical skills test; valid 3 years.
• SARTECH I (Wilderness-Backcountry Responder) NASAR · Technician
  NASAR's program page says the series is being updated, but NASAR-listed Advanced SAR (ADSAR) / SARTECH I courses in 2026 still end with the SARTECH I test and require a current SARTECH II. NASAR publishes the current requirements.
• SARTECH Field Team Leader (FTL) NASAR · Leader
  Prerequisite SARTECH II or I; about 40-hour hybrid course. NASAR listed it as in development; confirm availability with NASAR.
• New Mexico SAR Field Certification New Mexico Department of Public Safety / State Police (with NM SAR Council) · State field certification
  Written and field test (including compass); ICS-100 and ICS-200 required. Volunteers retrain every 3 years under 10.24.1 NMAC.
• Virginia state SAR certification (GSAR Academy) Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) · State certification
  VDEM's 40-hour GSAR Academy courses lead to state SAR certification; confirm level mapping with VDEM.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F2209-20, Training of Land Search Team Member Minimum training for land searchers; not for rescue or leadership roles.
• ASTM F3098-16(2025), Training of Non-Wilderness Land Search Team Member Urban, suburban and disaster-area land search.
• ASTM F1993-24, Classification System of Human Land SAR Resources Classifies teams by category, kind and duration; supplements ICS resource typing. Does not certify individuals.
• ASTM F1633-25, Techniques in Land Search Describes land search techniques and when each fits.
• ASTM F2685-25, Training of a Land Search Team Leader Minimum training for field team leaders.
• ASTM F32 search and rescue standards list Full list of ASTM Committee F32 SAR standards, including withdrawn ones.

Where to train

• NASAR Ground SAR courses (ISAR, FUNSAR) Introduction to SAR (self-paced) and Fundamentals of SAR (36 to 40 hours) leading to SARTECH III and II.
• VDEM GSAR Academy 40-hour Search Team Operations and Search Team Leadership courses, free to VDEM members.
• Indiana Dept. of Homeland Security ground search program SAR200/300/400 ground search courses from awareness to technician.
• New Mexico SAR Council resources Field certification study guide, videos and handouts.

Organizations

• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) National SAR membership body that runs SARTECH certifications.
• ASTM Committee F32 on Search and Rescue Writes consensus standards for land SAR training and operations.
• Washington Emergency Management Division SAR program Example of a state program: emergency worker registration and mission numbers for SAR volunteers.
• Arizona DEMA Search and Rescue State SAR coordinator supporting county sheriffs, who lead SAR in Arizona.
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management SAR State SAR program working with the sheriffs' SAR advisory council.

Free courses & resources

• NM SAR Field Certification study materials Study guide and video lessons on gear, safety, search techniques, communications and map and compass.
• FEMA Independent Study (via NDEMU) Free self-paced FEMA courses, including ICS-100 and IS-700, often required for SAR certification.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Find teams by state · Ground gear list · How to join a team

In most states the county sheriff (or another authority having jurisdiction) decides which credentials it accepts. Some states run their own certification (e.g. New Mexico, Virginia). NFPA 2500 covers technical rescue; check with NFPA whether any provisions apply to your ground search team. ASTM standards are sold by ASTM International; read the scope on the store page and buy the full text if your team adopts it.

Pathway

1. Awareness Learn clue awareness and sign cutting as part of basic searcher training (e.g. VDEM's Foundation for Awareness, Signcutting and Tracking).
2. Basic / operational tracker Take a multi-day tracking course and practice step-by-step tracking, aging sign and tracking reports.
3. Certified tracker Pass a written and field evaluation, such as NASAR's tracking certification or the NATS Type 3 Operational Tracker standard.
4. Advanced / instructor Progress through advanced levels with a tracking school and help train others; level names differ by school.

Certifications

• NASAR Tracking Certification NASAR · Specialty resource
  NASAR offers a tracking course and certification test; contact NASAR for levels and prerequisites.
• JHPTS tracker certification Joel Hardin Professional Tracking Services · Novice to Journeyman
  Certifies trackers through its courses and a certification board.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F2852-19(2026), Training a Land Search Tracker Minimum knowledge and skills for trackers supporting land search.

Where to train

• NASAR tracking course Step-by-step visual tracking program.
• Joel Hardin Professional Tracking Services 24-hour visual tracking courses for novice, apprentice and journeyman students (example page is a past course).
• VDEM GSAR Academy 40-hour Foundation for Awareness, Signcutting and Tracking course.
• Tennessee SAR110 Basic Visual Tracking 32-hour tracking and map/compass course; prerequisites SAR101 and SAR125.
• Indiana SAR500 Tracking & Signcutting 16-hour course; prerequisite SAR300.
• dbS Productions Contract course: Introduction to Signcutting and Tracking for SAR (50 hrs).

Organizations

• NASAR Lists tracking as a specialty resource with training and certification.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Mantracking directory · Tracking gear list

Tracking certifications are run by schools and associations, not by a single national body. Your sheriff or SAR council decides which ones it recognizes. ASTM standards are sold by ASTM International; read the scope on the store page and buy the full text if your team adopts it.

Pathway

1. Awareness Learn subject categories and initial tasks; introductory LPB courses are often 8 hours (e.g. Indiana SAR530).
2. Initial response Apply LPB in the first hours of a search: profile the subject, plot statistical areas and assign tasks (NASAR SAR Initial Actions).
3. Search planning Use search theory and probability to plan extended searches (Inland SAR Planning Course, MLPI).
4. Instructor Lost Person Behavior train-the-trainer from dbS Productions licenses instructors to teach the course.

Certifications

• LPB Instructor's License dbS Productions · Instructor
  Earned by completing the Lost Person Behavior train-the-trainer course.

Where to train

• dbS Productions Lost Person Behavior Lost Person Behavior field guide (41 subject categories, ISRID data) and related training.
• NASAR SAR Initial Actions 8-hour course on size-up, initial tactics and practical use of lost person behavior.
• Indiana SAR530 Lost Person Behavior 8-hour course for people in active SAR, fire, law or EM roles.
• Inland SAR Planning Course (National SAR School) Five-day search theory and planning course using probability of success; no tuition for eligible U.S. students.

Organizations

• U.S. Coast Guard Office of SAR – Land SAR NSARC Land SAR Addendum and land SAR research such as ground sweep width studies.

Free courses & resources

• USCG Land SAR research page Land SAR Addendum information and detection/sweep width research.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · SARStats & probability · SAR interview questions

The Lost Person Behavior book and ISRID database are commercial products of dbS Productions. Planning courses expect field experience first.

Pathway

1. Prerequisites Be a capable trail rider with a trail-safe horse; most units do not teach riding.
2. Searcher training Complete the same ground SAR basics as foot searchers (navigation, radio, first aid, ICS), e.g. NM SAR Field Certification.
3. Horse and rider evaluation Pass a unit evaluation of horsemanship and the horse's behavior around obstacles, trailers and distractions; some units certify each horse separately.
4. Qualified mounted searcher Pass a mock search or field test, then keep current through ongoing training.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F2794-25, Training of a Mounted Search Team Baseline training for mounted search team members; not for rescue, evacuation or leadership.
• New Mexico Mounted SAR Minimum Guidelines Horse-specific equitation certification plus NM SAR Field Certification.

Where to train

• San Benito County Sheriff's Mounted SAR (CA) Example of a sheriff's unit: rider, horse and tack certification under the sheriff.

Organizations

• New Mexico SAR Council Publishes state guidelines for mounted SAR and other specialties.

Free courses & resources

• NM Mounted SAR Minimum Guidelines (PDF) Gear, horse and rider requirements you can adapt for a unit.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Mounted / posse units · Mounted gear list

There is no national mounted SAR certification we could confirm; units and sheriffs set their own evaluations. ASTM standards are sold by ASTM International; read the scope on the store page and buy the full text if your team adopts it.

Pathway

1. Online safety course Take the free ASI ATV e-Course or ROHVA E-Course (about 2 hours each).
2. Hands-on rider/driver course Complete the ASI ATV RiderCourse or ROHVA Basic DriverCourse with a licensed instructor.
3. SAR operator Add team SOPs, trailering and load securement, and searcher training; agencies may require their own operator course.
4. Instructor Become an ASI-licensed instructor or ROHVA DriverCoach to teach your team.

Certifications

• ROHVA E-Course certificate and Basic DriverCourse Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) · Operator
  E-Course is free; DriverCourse needs age 16+, a driver's license and the E-Course first.
• ASI ATV e-Course and ATV RiderCourse ATV Safety Institute (ASI) · Operator
  Free online e-Course required before the hands-on RiderCourse.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F3194-16, ATV-ROHV Operations Endorsement (withdrawn) Withdrawn in 2025 with no replacement; still useful as reference.

Where to train

• TEEX Emergency Services UTV/ATV Safety (EXF210) 8-hour course for emergency services operators (Texas delivery).
• USDA Forest Service UTV Operator Training Course Instructor's guide with classroom, written test and field evaluation.
• Montana Association of Counties ASI and ROHVA hands-on courses plus trailering and load securement (for member counties).
• Erie County (NY) Emergency Services Example of a public-safety UTV course under the ROHVA program.

Organizations

• ROHVA Industry safety group for side-by-side vehicles; runs the E-Course and DriverCourse.

Free courses & resources

• ROHVA online E-Course Free 2-hour interactive side-by-side safety course with certificate.
• ASI ATV e-Course Free 2-hour online ATV safety course with certificate.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · UTV, ATV & OHV SAR

No SAR-specific national UTV/ATV certification is confirmed; ASTM's endorsement guide was withdrawn in 2025. Agencies set operator requirements. ASI facts come from trade press because atvsafety.org blocked our fetch.

Pathway

1. Entry Join an operational SAR unit as a support member or flanker, take basic SAR, ICS and first aid, and start obedience/agility with the dog. NASAR says it can take up to two years of training to earn a first certification.
2. Field-ready handler Meet ground-SAR prerequisites (NASAR requires a current SARTECH II for Canine SARTECH) and build navigation, search tactics and scent-reading skills.
3. Certified team Pass an area/air-scent evaluation from a body your agency accepts (e.g., NASAR Canine SARTECH Area, ARDA unit testing, a state program).
4. Evaluator / Instructor Experienced handlers serve as unit training officers, evaluators or course instructors under their certifying organization's rules.

Certifications

• Canine SARTECH Area Team NASAR · Operational team
  Prerequisites listed by NASAR for all canine disciplines: dog at least 12 months old; handler holds current SARTECH II; hazmat awareness, bloodborne pathogens, crime scene course, ICS-100/200, IS-700/800, CPR/wilderness first aid; dog has an obedience evaluation meeting or exceeding AKC Canine Good Citizen; team scores 80% or better on the Canine SARTECH written exam. NASAR sets the renewal period.
• K-9 Credentialing Test (live air scent among disciplines) Indiana Department of Homeland Security · State
  8-hour test; a K-9 pretest with a 50-question written exam must be passed first.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F1847-14(2022), Standard Guide for Minimum Training of Search Dog Crews or Teams Active. Covers surface land search incl. mountainous/alpine terrain and inland water bodies; excludes collapsed structures and water-based search. Paid document.
• ASTM F1848-14(2022), Standard Classification for Search and Rescue Dog Crew/Teams Active version listed on ASTM's version list. Helps SAR managers order dog resources; does not set performance or training standards.
• ASTM F1879-26, Standard Guide for Demonstrating Obedience and Agility in Search and Rescue Dogs Active (2026). Minimum obedience and agility for canines classified under F1848; earlier F1879-98(2005) is withdrawn.
• ANSI/ASB 088-20, General training, certification and documentation guidelines for canine detection On the OSAC Registry; a 2nd edition is in development.
• ANSI/ASB 085-21, Detection canine selection, kenneling and healthcare On the OSAC Registry.

Where to train

• Indiana DHS K-9 SAR courses Basic (8 hr), Intermediate (16 hr) and Advanced (16 hr) Air Scenting, plus K-9 Learning Theory and Skills Day.
• Your local SAR unit NASAR recommends training with an active SAR organization and learning its requirements.

Organizations

• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Tests and certifies canine teams (Canine SARTECH); NASAR states it does not provide canine education.
• American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA) Association of air-scent search dog units; member units must pass ARDA qualifying tests (e.g., VSRDA passed in 1978).
• North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) Law enforcement K9 association; offers Area Search and SAR Area Search certification, valid one year.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Canine (K9) operations · K9 gear lists · Scent Dog Learning Hub

Your team, sheriff or state decides which certifying body it accepts. The National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA) also certifies SAR K9 teams.

Pathway

1. Entry Learn leash handling, scent discrimination and record-keeping; start with a SAR unit, agency K9 program or bloodhound group.
2. Certified team Certify with the body your agency accepts: NASAR Canine SARTECH Trailing, NPBA (bloodhounds, law enforcement), NAPWDA Trailing, or a state program.
3. Advanced Work aged, urban, vehicle and night trails and scent lineups (e.g., Indiana DHS Advanced Tracking/Trailing).
4. Instructor Senior handlers become NPBA instructors, NAPWDA Master Trainers or unit evaluators per their organization's rules.

Certifications

• Canine SARTECH Trailing Team NASAR · Operational team
  Prerequisites listed by NASAR for all canine disciplines: dog at least 12 months old; handler holds current SARTECH II; hazmat awareness, bloodborne pathogens, crime scene course, ICS-100/200, IS-700/800, CPR/wilderness first aid; dog has an obedience evaluation meeting or exceeding AKC Canine Good Citizen; team scores 80% or better on the Canine SARTECH written exam. NASAR sets the renewal period.
• NPBA man-trailing certification (bloodhounds) National Police Bloodhound Association · Operational team
  Optional at NPBA's 40-hour seminars; per NPBA's 2026 seminar listing, requires membership, a purebred man-trailing-only bloodhound at least 10 months old, 6+ months of training records, and 32 hours of field evaluation with an NPBA instructor. Seminars are law-enforcement-only.
• Trailing certification NAPWDA · Operational team
  Pass/fail by a NAPWDA Master Trainer; valid one year while the handler stays a member and the team stays together.

Standards & guides

• ANSI/ASB 026-21, Aged trail using pre-scented canines On the OSAC Registry.
• ANSI/ASB 024-21, Location check using pre-scented canines On the OSAC Registry.
• ASTM F1847-14(2022), Standard Guide for Minimum Training of Search Dog Crews or Teams Active. Covers surface land search incl. mountainous/alpine terrain and inland water bodies; excludes collapsed structures and water-based search. Paid document.
• ASTM F1848-14(2022), Standard Classification for Search and Rescue Dog Crew/Teams Active version listed on ASTM's version list. Helps SAR managers order dog resources; does not set performance or training standards.

Where to train

• NPBA seminars 40 hours of bloodhound man-trailing exercises at a law-enforcement-only event.
• Indiana DHS K-9 SAR courses Basic (8 hr), Intermediate (16 hr) and Advanced (16 hr) Tracking/Trailing, incl. urban, car and night trails and line-ups.

Organizations

• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Tests and certifies canine teams (Canine SARTECH); NASAR states it does not provide canine education.
• National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA) Bloodhound man-trailing association for law enforcement; runs seminars and optional certification.
• North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) Law enforcement K9 association certifying tracking and/or trailing.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Canine (K9) operations · K9 gear lists

NPBA details come from its 2026 seminar listing on K9 Cop Magazine and a Garrett County, MD notice. Some certifying bodies certify tracking and trailing separately. Your agency decides which credential it accepts.

Pathway

1. Entry Foundation tracking, leash handling and article indications, with an agency K9 unit or SAR team.
2. Certified team Certify with a body your agency accepts: NAPWDA Tracking, USPCA tracking, or a state program such as Kentucky or Indiana.
3. Advanced Longer, aged and multi-surface tracks with turns and articles.
4. Trainer Become an agency trainer or association-accredited trainer (NAPWDA trainers need 8 hours of continuing education a year).

Certifications

• Tracking certification NAPWDA · Operational team
  Valid one year from test date; failing a previously passed phase voids it.
• Tracking Certification / Tracking Exceptional Certification United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) · Operational team
  Reported at USPCA regional trials. USPCA also runs Police Dog 1 trials (agility, obedience, suspect search, apprehension).
• K-9 Credentialing Test (live tracking among disciplines) Indiana Department of Homeland Security · State
  Requires passing the K-9 pretest first.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F1847-14(2022), Standard Guide for Minimum Training of Search Dog Crews or Teams Active. Covers surface land search incl. mountainous/alpine terrain and inland water bodies; excludes collapsed structures and water-based search. Paid document.

Where to train

• Indiana DHS K-9 SAR courses Tracking/Trailing at basic, intermediate and advanced levels.

Organizations

• North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) Law enforcement K9 association; associate (non-LE) members can certify in tracking and other listed disciplines.
• United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Police K9 association with regional certification trials (example: Region 4 Police Dog 1 trials).
• International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) Police K9 association that holds training and certification conferences.
• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Tests and certifies canine teams (Canine SARTECH); NASAR states it does not provide canine education.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Canine (K9) operations · K9 gear lists

NASAR's 'Tracker' credential is for human (sign-cutting) trackers, not dogs. The IPWDA URL is as given by the Indiana State Police. Most police K9 associations limit full membership to law enforcement.

Pathway

1. Entry Imprint on legally obtained human remains training aids with correct aid handling (e.g., Indiana DHS Basic Land Cadaver/HRD, 8 hr).
2. Certified team Certify with a body your agency accepts (NASAR Canine SARTECH HRD Land, NAPWDA Cadaver, ESWDA, NSDA, a state program). For land HRD, ANSI/ASB Standard 076 (2026) sets training and certification requirements.
3. Advanced / forensic Buried, elevated, vehicle, low-threshold and crime-scene problems; whole-body decomposition workshops; courtroom documentation.
4. Historical / archaeological Survey work with archaeologists alongside GPR and other remote sensing (e.g., NCPTT's HRD-dogs-in-archeology workshop).

Certifications

• Canine SARTECH HRD Land Team NASAR · Operational team
  Prerequisites listed by NASAR for all canine disciplines: dog at least 12 months old; handler holds current SARTECH II; hazmat awareness, bloodborne pathogens, crime scene course, ICS-100/200, IS-700/800, CPR/wilderness first aid; dog has an obedience evaluation meeting or exceeding AKC Canine Good Citizen; team scores 80% or better on the Canine SARTECH written exam. NASAR sets the renewal period.
• Cadaver detection certification NAPWDA · Operational team
  Valid one year; associate (non-LE) members may certify in cadaver.
• Human Remains K-9 Team Test Eastern States Working Dog Association · Operational team
  Per O*NET: no missed aids allowed, a false indication fails, areas at least 50 x 50 yd, one blank area; handler supplies four legal aids.
• K-9 Credentialing Test (land cadaver among disciplines) Indiana Department of Homeland Security · State
  Requires passing the K-9 pretest first.

Standards & guides

• ANSI/ASB Standard 076 (2026, 1st ed.), Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Human Remains: Human Remains on Land Published; pending OSAC Registry evaluation. Excludes mass-disaster victim location.
• ANSI/ASB 088-20, General training, certification and documentation guidelines for canine detection On the OSAC Registry; a 2nd edition is in development.
• ANSI/ASB 085-21, Detection canine selection, kenneling and healthcare On the OSAC Registry.
• ASTM F1847-14(2022), Standard Guide for Minimum Training of Search Dog Crews or Teams Active. Covers surface land search incl. mountainous/alpine terrain and inland water bodies; excludes collapsed structures and water-based search. Paid document.

Where to train

• Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACTS) with FIRST Detection K9 Level I, Puppy/Novice, Level II scenario and Level III criminal-investigation HRD workshops using whole-body decomposition at Freeman Ranch; capped at 1:6 instructor ratio.
• Center for Forensic Training and Education (CFTE) In-person and online K9 workshops, private workshops and 1:1 virtual training; hosts a K9 SAR Summit (2026).
• Indiana DHS K-9 SAR courses Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Land Cadaver/HRD (vehicles, surface, buried, elevated).

Organizations

• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Tests and certifies canine teams (Canine SARTECH); NASAR states it does not provide canine education.
• Academy Standards Board (ASB), American Academy of Forensic Sciences ANSI-accredited developer of the ANSI/ASB dogs-and-sensors standards.
• OSAC Dogs and Sensors (NIST) Tracks canine standards on the OSAC Registry.
• North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) Certifies cadaver detection for law enforcement and associate members.

Free courses & resources

• CFTE handler resources Free guides on trained final response, distraction training, training logs and storing training aids.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Canine (K9) operations · Coroner, DMORT & forensic recovery · K9 gear lists

K9Sensus Foundation (Lucas, Iowa) also runs detection seminars that include buried/clandestine-grave work (per a 2023 K9 Cop Magazine event listing). Training aid possession is regulated by state law.

Pathway

1. Prerequisite A solid land HRD alert first: Indiana DHS requires a solid land alert before its water course.
2. Water skills Boat safety, PFDs, water scent theory, shoreline and open-water search strategy.
3. Certified team Certify with a body your agency accepts (e.g., NASAR Canine SARTECH HRD Water, a state program).
4. Advanced Swiftwater vs. stillwater, working with sonar/dive teams, multi-team confirmation.

Certifications

• Canine SARTECH HRD Water Team NASAR · Operational team
  Prerequisites listed by NASAR for all canine disciplines: dog at least 12 months old; handler holds current SARTECH II; hazmat awareness, bloodborne pathogens, crime scene course, ICS-100/200, IS-700/800, CPR/wilderness first aid; dog has an obedience evaluation meeting or exceeding AKC Canine Good Citizen; team scores 80% or better on the Canine SARTECH written exam. NASAR sets the renewal period.
• K-9 Credentialing Test (water cadaver among disciplines) Indiana Department of Homeland Security · State
  Requires passing the K-9 pretest first.

Standards & guides

• ASB 075, Canine detection of human remains in water (in development) Listed by OSAC as at the standards developer, not yet published.
• FEMA 508-8 resource typing: Canine SAR Team, Water Human Remains Type I (Swiftwater) and Type II (Stillwater) in the 2005/2007 document; check RTLT for current versions.

Where to train

• Indiana DHS Water Cadaver/HRD 16 hours: water scent theory, search strategy, boat safety, shoreline and open water; land HRD course prerequisite.

Organizations

• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Tests and certifies canine teams (Canine SARTECH); NASAR states it does not provide canine education.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Canine (K9) operations · Dive & underwater search

Handlers wear PFDs. Water certification typically follows land HRD certification. Your agency decides which credential it accepts.

Pathway

1. Foundation Agility, direction and control, bark alert and rubble work (e.g., Indiana DHS Basic/Intermediate Disaster; task-force training).
2. Foundational assessment FEMA's Foundational Skills Assessment (FSA) evaluates rubble search, bark alert, unstable/confined navigation and control.
3. Certified team Pass the FEMA canine certification evaluation (live find; HR is voluntary for task forces), a SUSAR Type 1 evaluation, or NASAR disaster certification, as your system requires. FEMA and SUSAR teams recertify every three years.
4. Canine Search Specialist Complete the Canine Search Specialist course (CBT plus 24-hour in-person) and the task force's position requirements (ICS, hazmat, confined space awareness, rope, etc.).

Certifications

• FEMA US&R canine certification evaluation (CE), Live Find FEMA National US&R Response System · Federal task force
  Dog at least 18 months old; recertify every three years. Criteria are in Annex G of the FEMA US&R Operations Manual (per TEEX policy). Example test: two ~15,000 sq ft rubble piles in 40 minutes.
• FEMA Foundational Skills Assessment (FSA) FEMA National US&R Response System · Pre-certification
  Evaluates capabilities required for disaster search certification.
• SUSAR Type 1 Certification Evaluation (Live Find and HRD) State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance · State/regional US&R
  Recertify every three years; dog at least 18 months.
• Canine SARTECH Disaster (Disaster Live Search; Disaster Human Remains Search) NASAR · Operational team
  Prerequisites listed by NASAR for all canine disciplines: dog at least 12 months old; handler holds current SARTECH II; hazmat awareness, bloodborne pathogens, crime scene course, ICS-100/200, IS-700/800, CPR/wilderness first aid; dog has an obedience evaluation meeting or exceeding AKC Canine Good Citizen; team scores 80% or better on the Canine SARTECH written exam. NASAR sets the renewal period.
• Arkansas ADEM disaster SAR dog (live find, HRD) Arkansas Division of Emergency Management · State
  Dog at least 18 months and certified by NASAR, AERIE, SUSAR or FEMA Disaster Dog Type I; handler needs SAR Tech II or equivalent, ICS 100/200/700/800/809, hazmat awareness and more.

Standards & guides

• ASB 042 (disaster live) and ASB 043 (disaster human remains) programs In development at ASB; not yet published.
• FEMA 508-8 resource typing: Canine SAR Team, Disaster/Structure Collapse Live and Human Remains Lists Canine Search Specialist positions (Heavy/Medium/Light). Current definitions are in FEMA's RTLT; confirm there.
• NFPA 2500 (consolidated NFPA 1670) NFPA minutes confirm 1670 was consolidated into 2500. Kansas US&R still cites NFPA 1670 awareness.

Where to train

• TEEX Canine Search Specialist (9P1331) 24-hour in-person course after the ~16-hour CBT (9P1330); 2.4 IACET CEUs.
• SUSAR Canine Search Specialist Course 24-hour course with the same CBT prerequisite; open to federal, state and regional US&R members.
• Indiana DHS K-9 SAR courses Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Disaster (rubble, directional, live and cadaver problems).

Organizations

• State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR) Nonprofit association supporting state/local US&R canine teams and evaluations.
• Texas Task Force 2 (example task force) Lists Canine Search Specialist requirements: FEMA course and certification, ICS, hazmat ops, rope/trench/confined-space awareness, CISM.
• Kansas US&R (example state program) Requires FEMA Canine Search Specialist course and FEMA, SUSAR or equivalent Live-Find certification.
• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Tests and certifies canine teams (Canine SARTECH); NASAR states it does not provide canine education.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · FEMA US&R task forces · Canine (K9) operations

FEMA's own materials refer to the 'Canine Evaluation (CE)' and 'Foundational Skills Assessment (FSA)'; some sources also use 'Canine Search Team Certification Evaluation'. Task forces enforce recurrent training (TEEX policy: at least 16 CSS skill-set hours per 90 days or standby status). FEMA position titles come from the NIMS RTLT.

Pathway

1. Candidate Puppy exposure on the mountain, obedience and hide-and-seek scent games (e.g., WBR Level C / resort candidate).
2. Resort operational Pass a resort search test (e.g., WBR Level B, typically around 12 months of age; Breckenridge Level C and B).
3. Advanced / backcountry Pass a harder test to respond beyond the resort (WBR Level A: clear a 100 x 100 m site in 20 minutes; Colorado C-RAD validation).
4. Ongoing Recertify on the program's schedule (WBR: every two years, per Ski Utah) and keep transceiver, probe and shoveling skills current.

Certifications

• Canine SARTECH Avalanche NASAR · Operational team
  An active certified ski patrol member is accepted in place of SARTECH II for avalanche response; other NASAR canine prerequisites apply.
• WBR avalanche dog levels (C, B, A) Wasatch Backcountry Rescue · Candidate / Resort / Advanced
  Level A: clear 100 x 100 m site in 20 minutes (Snowbird).
• C-RAD validation Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment · Rapid deployment
  Optional; builds on resort A/B/C tests, held at another resort with unfamiliar subjects; lets teams work with local sheriff and Flight For Life.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F1847-14(2022) Covers surface land search incl. mountainous and alpine terrain; not avalanche-specific.
• ICAR (IKAR-CISA) avalanche dog handler material (Swiss Alpine Club) International reference on handler skills: transceiver, probing, digging, first aid.

Where to train

• Resort ski patrol dog programs (examples: Snowbird, Crystal Mountain, Breckenridge) Year-round progressive training from movement drills to igloo, full burial and article searches.
• Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD) Volunteer nonprofit training current and future avalanche dog teams.

Organizations

• Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR) Utah ski patrollers' avalanche rescue organization; sets avalanche dog testing standards.
• International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) International body publishing avalanche dog material.
• National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Tests and certifies canine teams (Canine SARTECH); NASAR states it does not provide canine education.

Free courses & resources

• WBR: The Importance of Avalanche Rescue Canines (PDF, via ICAR) Describes WBR's canine deployment model.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Mountain, rope & avalanche rescue · Canine (K9) operations

There is no single national U.S. avalanche dog standard; many resorts certify their own dogs (Breckenridge states its dogs are certified through the resort). WBR's URL is as listed by the High Fives Foundation and C-RAD's by ColoradoGives (c-rad.org). The Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) serves Canada.

Pathway

1. Flanker / support member Support members help with navigation, communication and tracking; Mesa County SAR lists these as the flanker's role and does not require a dog.
2. Canine first aid Basic canine first aid (assessment, bandaging, splinting), e.g., Indiana DHS 8-hour K-9 First Aid.
3. Advanced / tactical K9 care Advanced operational K9 first aid and K9 TECC: bleeding control, CPR, bloat stabilization, IV/IO and airway, often taught to handlers with EMS.
4. Scent theory & learning theory Scent dispersion, scent cones and environmental effects, plus canine learning theory (e.g., Indiana DHS K-9 Learning Theory).

Certifications

• K9 MEDIC certificate of completion (Florida SART K-9 handler/first responder course) Florida SART with K9 MEDIC · Course completion
  Issued for the 2017 advanced scope class.

Standards & guides

• K9 TECC Guidelines (C-TECC K9 working group), final 2016-12-14 Prehospital care guidelines for injured civilian operational K9s; PDF linked from SOMA.
• ANSI/ASB 085-21, Detection canine selection, kenneling and healthcare On the OSAC Registry.
• ANSI/ASB 204, Decontamination of canines (in development) Listed by OSAC as at the standards developer.

Where to train

• Indiana DHS K-9 First Aid and K-9 Learning Theory 8-hour canine first aid; 5-hour learning theory; scent theory taught in basic discipline courses.
• Alabama Fire College, Canine Critical/Field First Aid (BARK) 16-hour handler course; prerequisite Canine First Aid.
• Oakland Community College, Advanced Canine Emergency First Aid Anatomy, bandaging, venous access, bloat, CPR and intubation for K9 handlers (RACE-approved).
• Florida SART K-9 First Responder / K-9 TECC Hands-on emergency field care for working dogs; future sessions expected.

Organizations

• Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (C-TECC), K9 working group Publishes the K9 TECC guidelines.
• Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) Hosts the K9 TECC guidelines page.

Free courses & resources

• K9 TECC Guidelines (PDF) Guidelines for prehospital care of injured operational K9s.
• CFTE free handler resources Guides on training logs, trained final response, distractions and training-aid storage.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · K9 Readiness & Conditioning Log · Wind & scent drift estimator

There is no single national flanker certification; teams train flankers internally, often requiring navigation, radio and ground-SAR skills. Check your state's veterinary practice rules on who may give advanced K9 care.

Pathway

1. ICS basics Take free FEMA online courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800; most SAR certifications require some of these.
2. Initial response Learn the first hours of a search: size-up, investigation and initial tasks (NASAR SAR Initial Actions, Tennessee SAR101).
3. Search manager Take a 40-hour search management course such as NASAR MLPI, ERI/dbS MLSO or Tennessee SAR201, plus ICS-300.
4. Planner / incident commander Take the Inland SAR Planning Course and ICS-400; earn a SAR manager credential such as NASAR SARTECH MGR or a state IC qualification.

Certifications

• SARTECH MGR (SAR Manager / SAR Incident Commander) NASAR · Manager
  Core course MLPI (~40 hrs; needs ICS-100, 200, 700, CPR, first aid). NASAR accepts MLSO, Inland SAR Planning and Arizona Inland SAR Management as equivalents.
• New Mexico Field Coordinator (SAR incident commander) New Mexico State Police / Dept. of Public Safety · Incident Commander
  Required to act as IC; rated Type IV up to Type I; at least 8 hours of training each year.
• NIMS ICS courses (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800, ICS-300, ICS-400) FEMA (ICS-300/400 delivered by states) · Foundation to command staff
  ICS-300 is usually a 3-day classroom course (about 21-24 hours) and ICS-400 a 2-day course; prerequisites listed on the Tennessee page.

Standards & guides

• ASTM F1422-08(2020), Using ICS in Managing SAR Operations Guide to applying NIMS ICS to SAR.
• ASTM F3193-25, Training of a Land SAR Team Leader Minimum training for land SAR team leaders.
• NIMS Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT) FEMA's catalog of NIMS position qualifications and task books, including SAR positions. Tool URL: rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public (did not load for us).
• NIMS SAR personnel credentialing criteria (2006) Original NIMS list of SAR positions (e.g. Wilderness Search and/or Rescue Manager, Technician, Unit Leader); check RTLT for current names.

Where to train

• NASAR Managing the Lost Person Incident (MLPI) About 40-hour search manager course; text Managing the Inland Search Function.
• NASAR SAR Initial Actions 8-hour course for those who take initial actions on a missing person call.
• Inland SAR Planning Course Five-day search theory and planning course for ICs and planners; no tuition for eligible U.S. students.
• Basic Inland SAR Course (BISC) Two-day entry course run by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center; free tuition.
• dbS Productions (MLSO, ICG) Managing Land Search Operations (40 hrs) and Incident Commander for Ground SAR (32 hrs), contract delivery.
• Tennessee SAR201 Managing Search Operations 40-hour course; prerequisites include IS-200 and ICS-300.
• Indiana SAR250 SAR Management: Awareness 16-hour management awareness course.
• VDEM GSAR Academy Management Team Operations and Management Team Leadership courses.

Organizations

• NASAR Runs SARTECH MGR and search management courses.
• National Search and Rescue Committee (via USCG Land SAR page) Federal SAR coordination; publishes the Land SAR Addendum.
• NWCG Search and Rescue Team Leader position Federal position description for SAR team leaders on incidents.

Free courses & resources

• FEMA Independent Study via NDEMU Free online IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 courses.
• Inland SAR Planning Course and BISC No tuition for eligible U.S. SAR personnel; students pay travel.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · SAR incident management & support · Incident Command quick reference

There is no federal credential for NIMS ICS positions; states and agencies qualify their own people. FEMA course version letters change, so check the current code before enrolling. ASTM standards are sold by ASTM International; read the scope on the store page and buy the full text if your team adopts it.

Pathway

1. Licensed operator Earn an FCC amateur radio license, starting with the 35-question Technician exam, and take IS-100 and IS-700.
2. Emergency communicator Join ARES or RACES, take ARRL EC-001 and work through the ARES Task Book levels.
3. Auxiliary communicator Take the CISA AUXCOMM course (needs an amateur license and IS-100, 200, 700, 800) and complete the AUXC position task book.
4. Communications Unit Qualify as Communications Technician (COMT) or Communications Unit Leader (COML) through CISA/FEMA courses and a state-signed task book.

Certifications

• FCC Amateur Radio License (Technician, General, Amateur Extra) FCC (exams by Volunteer Examiner Coordinators such as ARRL VEC) · Entry
  Technician exam is 35 questions; licenses last 10 years. FCC charges a $35 application fee; VEC session fee is usually $15 or less.
• Auxiliary Communicator (AUXC) State, using the CISA AUXCOMM course · Operations
  Needs an amateur license and IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800.
• Communications Technician (COMT) State, using the CISA COMT course · Technician
  Five-day course; needs IS-100, 200, 700, 800 and a technical communications background.
• Communications Unit Leader (COML), course E/L 969 State, using the CISA/FEMA EMI course · Leader
  Needs IS-100, 200, 700, 800 and ICS-300; credential issued by the state after a task book.
• ARES Task Book Levels 1–3 ARRL · Entry to leadership
  Level 2 requires IS-100, 200, 700, 800 and EC-001; Level 3 adds leadership coursework and EC-016.

Standards & guides

• ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book (v2.1.1) Three levels: entry, skills/coursework, leadership.
• Auxiliary Communicator Position Task Book (AUXC PTB) Minimum tasks for state-level auxiliary communicator certification.
• ASTM F2662-08(2020), Minimum Training of Dispatchers and Telecommunicators of SAR Incidents Listed on the ASTM F32 standards page.

Where to train

• CISA Communications Unit training resources AUXCOMM materials, COMT study guide, COMU briefings and task books.
• NY DHSES COMU program Example state program for COML, INTD, AUXCOMM courses and credentialing.
• Maine Emergency Management Agency COML course Example 4-day CISA COML course announcement.
• ARRL EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communications Online self-paced course; prerequisites ICS-100 and IS-700.
• ARRL Technician license resources Question pool, license manual and exam finder.

Organizations

• ARRL – ARES and RACES ARES is ARRL's emergency service; RACES is government-run under FCC §97.407.
• CISA Emergency Communications Division (COMU) Developed the COML and COMT courses with FEMA EMI; states coordinate training through their SWIC.

Free courses & resources

• CISA COMU self-paced briefings and COMT study guide Free downloadable training resources.
• ARRL exam session guide What to bring, FRN registration and fees for a license exam.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Tactical communications · Radio gear list · Talk clearly on the radio

There is no federal credential for COMU positions; your state SWIC manages training and credentialing. CISA COMT/COML courses are free but students pay travel. Fee details come from ARRL.

Pathway

1. Foundation IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800; then ICS-300 and ICS-400.
2. Basic PIO / unit roles IS-29.a (about 7 hours) and E/L/K0105 Public Information Basics (24 hours).
3. Advanced / section chief E/L/K0388 Advanced PIO (40 hours, 2 years' experience); L-962 Planning Section Chief; E/L 0967 Logistics Section Chief.
4. Qualified (NQS) Complete the NQS Position Task Book; Type 3 also requires O-0305 and E/G/L 0191.
5. Executive / Master FEMA Executive PIO and the Master PIO course series.

Certifications

• ICS Public Information Officer (Type 3/2/1) FEMA NIMS NQS (issued by your AHJ) · Qualified position

Standards & guides

• NIMS NQS Position Qualifications: ICS Public Information Officer (FEMA-509) Type 3: IS-29, ICS 100-400, IS-700/800, E/G/L 0191, E/L 0952, O-0305; Type 2 adds E/L 0388.
• NIMS NQS Position Qualifications: Logistics Section Chief (draft) Includes E/L 0967 and O-0305; marked draft, Dec 2020.

Where to train

• FEMA PIO training program Basic, Advanced, Executive and Master PIO tiers.
• FEMA Basic PIO IS-29.a and E/L/K0105.
• FEMA Advanced PIO (E/L/K0388) 5-day course; 2 years' PIO experience required.
• L-962 Planning Section Chief (state delivery example) 4-day course; prerequisites ICS-300 and ICS-400.

Free courses & resources

• FEMA IS-29.a PIO Awareness Free independent study.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Public information officer · Logistics, base camp & mapping

Position credentials are issued by your authority having jurisdiction, not by FEMA directly. Check the NIMS RTLT for the current version of each position qualification.

Pathway

1. Awareness Recognize rope rescue hazards and call for the right resources. Missouri's Division of Fire Safety, for example, describes Awareness as the minimum capability for anyone responding to technical rescue incidents.
2. Operations Hazard identification, equipment use and limited techniques to support and take part in rope rescues. TEEX RES104 (40 hours) covers NFPA 1006 Awareness and Operations for rope.
3. Technician Advanced techniques to coordinate, perform and supervise rope rescues. TEEX RES107 (40 hours) certifies to NFPA 1006 Chapter 5.3 and requires prior Pro Board Rope Awareness/Operations or Rope Level I.
4. Leader / Instructor Team leaders and instructors usually come from technician ranks. Some providers, such as Rescue 3 International, run separate instructor and instructor-trainer tracks.

Certifications

• Rope Rescue Awareness / Operations / Technician (Pro Board) TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service), Pro Board accredited · Awareness, Operations (RES104); Technician (RES107)
  RES107 prerequisite: Pro Board Rope Awareness and Operations (RES104) or Pro Board Rope Level I. 100% attendance required for Pro Board testing.
• Technical Rescue: Rope Rescue Missouri Division of Fire Safety · Awareness, Operations, Technician
  IFSAC and Pro Board accredited. Written exam (70% to pass) plus practical skills exam at each level.
• Technical Rescuer: Ropes North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal · Awareness, Operations, Technician (or combined FRC 1201)
  Based on the 2021 edition of NFPA 1006 (a 2027 edition is now published). Prerequisites include medical care training, Hazmat Awareness/Operations and Introduction to Technical Rescue.
• Rope Rescue Technician (Pro Board certificate on completion) Illinois Fire Service Institute · Technician
  Listed under NFPA 1006, 2021 edition. IFSI issues Pro Board certificates only after completing its course (no challenge exams).
• Roco Rescue Technician certification (rope) Roco Rescue · Technician
  Based on NFPA 1006 skills and a written exam; valid two years. This is a private provider credential, not Pro Board or IFSAC.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications (2027 edition listed) Individual qualifications; rope rescue is Chapter 5 (Awareness, Operations, Technician). Most current state and TEEX courses cite the 2021 edition.
• NFPA 2500, Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services (2027 edition listed) Consolidates former NFPA 1670 (team operations and training), 1983 (life safety rope and equipment) and 1858. Covers teams and agencies, not individuals.

Where to train

• TEEX Rescue Program (RES104, RES107) 40-hour Rope Awareness/Operations (built on the 2021 edition of NFPA 1006) and 40-hour Rope Technician courses with Pro Board testing.
• CMC Rescue School 40-hour Rope Rescue Technician I/II covering NFPA 1006 Chapter 5 at Operations and Technician levels; a Technician III course also exists.
• Roco Rescue Rope and confined space technician programs (Fast-Track 110 combines both), rescue from fall protection, scaffolding and tower work.
• Rescue 3 International Rope Rescue Operator, Technician and Specialist, plus low-angle and tower courses, with instructor and instructor-trainer tracks.
• Tennessee Fire and Codes Enforcement Academy (FR210) 36-hour Rope Rescue Technician Level course designed to the 2021 edition of NFPA 1006; requires Awareness and Operations first.
• Ropes That Rescue (via AHS Rescue page) Multi-day rope rescue and rigging seminars focused on the physics behind systems and on training trainers.

Organizations

• International Technical Rescue Symposium (ITRS) Annual symposium, co-hosted by CMC Rescue and PMI, where rescuers present research, testing and field experience.
• International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Accredits state and other certifying entities that test individuals to NFPA professional qualification standards.
• National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) National accreditation body for fire service certification programs; its seal appears on accredited certificates.
• Rescue 3 International Accrediting body that designs technical rescue training in water, rope, boat, confined space and ice.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Mountain, rope & avalanche rescue · Knots & systems · Rope gear list

NFPA 1006 is still a separate standard for individuals; NFPA 2500 replaced 1670, 1983 and 1858 for team operations and equipment. Pro Board and IFSAC accredit certifying agencies (usually state fire training), not individual courses, so check which your state uses. Rigging for Rescue is a well-known rope rescue school. NFPA 2500 also includes helicopter operations and tower rescue chapters.

Pathway

1. Team member in training Join a local team; the MRA has no individual memberships. New members are trained to MRA guidelines and tested by their own team.
2. Rescue Member Members who pass their team's testing are called Rescue Members on accredited teams.
3. Team accreditation Each regular member team passes three tests: high-angle (rock) rescue, snow and ice, and wilderness search, evaluated by at least three MRA teams. Teams re-test every five years.
4. Leader / Instructor Experienced members lead field operations and train others using MRA programs, Third Thursday sessions and the MRA online learning system.

Certifications

• MRA team accreditation Mountain Rescue Association · Team
  Three tests (rock, snow and ice, search); re-accreditation every five years. Regions may test more areas: the Rocky Mountain Region tests five, including avalanche operations.
• MRA online education certificates (e.g. Helicopters in Search and Rescue, Basic Level) Mountain Rescue Association · Individual, awareness to intermediate
  Free online learning system for rescue-related certifications; registration required.

Standards & guides

• MRA accreditation (team-level) Peer-tested team accreditation in rock rescue, snow and ice, and search; re-test every five years.
• NFPA 2500 (rope rescue and wilderness search and rescue chapters) Fire-service style team standard; some agencies use it alongside MRA accreditation.

Where to train

• MRA Training & Education Member training programs, Third Thursday monthly online sessions, public education and the MountainSafety.info materials database.
• MRA Training Library Downloadable training documents, including Helicopters in Search and Rescue (Basic Level, also in Spanish).
• International Technical Rescue Symposium Annual symposium attended by fire, mountain, cave, industrial and swiftwater rescuers.

Organizations

• Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) Association of government-authorized mountain rescue units, founded in 1959; membership is by team only.
• MRA Rocky Mountain Region Regional body that evaluates teams every five years in search, high-angle rescue, scree evacuation, winter rescue and avalanche operations.

Free courses & resources

• MRA Online Education Free online learning system with certificates in rescue topics.
• MRA Third Thursday virtual training Monthly online training sessions on Zoom.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Mountain, rope & avalanche rescue · MRA regional teams

Individuals cannot join the MRA directly: find a local team on the MRA site and contact it. Helicopter and hoist work is agency-specific; the MRA's Helicopters in SAR materials are awareness-level, not hoist certification. Your sheriff or land agency decides which credentials it accepts.

Pathway

1. Awareness Introductory avalanche awareness sessions on causes and risk for backcountry travelers.
2. Level 1 + Avalanche Rescue Level 1 (three days, no prerequisites) covers hazard assessment, decisions and rescue. Avalanche Rescue is a one-day companion rescue course; AIARE recommends retaking it at least every other year.
3. Pro 1 Professional Avalanche 1 (minimum five days) trains skilled observers for operational programs. Requires Level 1, Avalanche Rescue and at least one winter season of relevant experience.
4. Pro 2 / AvSAR Pro 2 (minimum six days) prepares leaders in forecasting and risk management; requires a Pro 1 certificate, two seasons of operational experience and a reference. Pro AvSAR is a separate 3-4 day organized rescue course for patrollers and SAR teams.

Certifications

• Avalanche Rescue course card AIARE and other course providers · Companion rescue
  One-day course; prerequisite for AIARE 2 and AIARE PRO 1. Retake at least every other year recommended.
• Pro 1 / Pro 2 course certificate A3 Pro Provider Alliance providers · Professional
  Pass/fail. A3 stands behind the certificate while the holder keeps A3 membership and completes recommended continuing professional development.
• Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) National Ski Patrol · Emergency medical responder (non-urban)
  NSP's flagship patroller medical certification, with an annual refresher. Since 2024 NSP also admits patrols whose members hold EMT or Wilderness First Responder credentials as Associate Patrols, without OEC (JEMS, 2024).

Standards & guides

• American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro Training Program Sets professional course outcomes delivered by the Pro Provider Alliance.
• Avalanche.org course progressions (endorsed by A3) Describes the recreation and professional tracks and prerequisites.

Where to train

• AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, AIARE 2, PRO 1, PRO 2 and PRO Rescue.
• A3 Pro Provider Alliance Pro 1 and/or Pro 2 through Alaska Avalanche School, American Avalanche Institute, AIARE, Colorado Mountain College, National Avalanche School and Silverton Avalanche School. AvSAR offered by AAI, Colorado Mountain College and Silverton.
• National Ski Patrol education programs Avalanche education aligned with A3, Mountain Travel and Rescue, OEC and Outdoor Emergency Transportation.
• Avalanche.org course finder Overview of course types and progressions across providers.

Organizations

• American Avalanche Association (A3) Professional association that sets the U.S. professional avalanche training program.
• National Ski Patrol Trains ski patrollers in OEC, avalanche and mountain travel and rescue.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Mountain, rope & avalanche rescue · Avalanche & winter gear list

Recreational courses (Level 1, Level 2) are not professional certifications. SAR teams in avalanche terrain often require Level 1 plus Avalanche Rescue and add Pro AvSAR for organized rescue. The Pro 1 Bridge exam is no longer offered.

Pathway

1. Orientation Orientation to Cave Rescue (OCR), 2-3 days, no prerequisite: cave environment, extrication, communications, medical management and rescue organization, ending with a mock rescue.
2. Level 1 – Task Force Member Weeklong course in vertical litter movement, incident command, basic medical care, mechanical advantage, litter rigging and single rope technique.
3. Level 2 – Task Force Leader Weeklong course building on Level 1 with leadership and management; requires Level 1 completed within the past four years.
4. Level 3 – Vertical Specialist Weeklong course refining vertical skills, rebelays, non-traditional systems, water problems and incident command; requires Level 2. TOFE field exercises follow for Level 2+ graduates.

Certifications

• NCRC course completion (OCR, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3) National Cave Rescue Commission · Orientation to Vertical Specialist
  Prerequisite courses must be within the last four years, or you retake your highest completed level before moving up.

Standards & guides

• NCRC national cave rescue curriculum Curriculum maintained by the NCRC, chartered by the National Speleological Society.
• NFPA 2500 (cave rescue chapter) Team-level standard that includes cave rescue among its disciplines.

Where to train

• NCRC courses OCR, Levels 1-3, Small Party Assisted Rescue (SPAR), In-Cave Emergency Exercises (ICEE) and Team Operations and Field Exercises (TOFE).
• NCRC national and regional seminars Annual weeklong national seminar plus regional weeklong and weekend courses.

Organizations

• National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC) Volunteer NSS commission that trains and tracks cave rescue resources in ten U.S. regions; not itself a rescue team.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Cave & mine rescue · Cave gear list

The NCRC does not perform rescues; members respond through local rescue squads or cave rescue groups. Contact your NCRC Regional Coordinator to get involved. The NCRC sets instructor qualifications.

Pathway

1. Eligibility Team members need one year of underground mining experience within the past five years (contract coal team members need three years in the last ten).
2. Initial training A 20-hour course on the breathing apparatus the team uses (30 CFR 49.8 / 49.18).
3. Team member (annual refresher) Metal/nonmetal: at least 40 hours a year. Coal: at least 96 hours a year, including underground sessions, apparatus use and two local contests.
4. Team trainer / Leader Experienced members serve as captains, benchmen and team trainers; contests include a Team Trainer competition.

Certifications

• Mine rescue team certification (coal) Mine operator, filed with MSHA District Manager · Team
  Coal mines need at least two certified teams; operators send an annual certification statement and report membership changes within 60 days.

Standards & guides

• 30 CFR Part 49, Mine Rescue Teams Subpart A covers underground metal/nonmetal mines; Subpart B covers underground coal mines.

Where to train

• MSHA Mine Rescue Training Instruction guides, contest information and links to the National Mine Health and Safety Academy.
• MSHA Metal/Nonmetal Mine Rescue Contest rules (2026) Rules for national and regional contests: field, technician, bench, first aid and team trainer events.
• Colorado Mine Safety and Training Program Mine rescue training at the Edgar Mine Rescue Training Center or on site: smoke exploration, emergency drills, incident command, rope rescue.
• Indiana Bureau of Mines and Mine Safety State composite mine rescue team based at Vincennes University.

Organizations

• Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Federal agency that enforces Part 49 and supports mine rescue contests and training.

Free courses & resources

• MSHA Mine Rescue Instruction Guides Downloadable guides (e.g. MSHA 3026 initial team training, IG 115 unified advanced training).

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Cave & mine rescue

Mine rescue is an industry-based, regulated discipline; volunteer SAR teams rarely enter active mines. For abandoned mines, local SAR, fire and state mine agencies coordinate. The eCFR is described by the site as authoritative but unofficial.

Pathway

1. Prerequisite Rope rescue Awareness/Operations is commonly required first. TEEX requires Pro Board Rope Awareness/Operations for confined space and Rope Awareness for trench.
2. Awareness Recognize hazards and secure the scene; required before Operations certification.
3. Operations Support entry or shoring operations under supervision.
4. Technician Perform and supervise entries, shoring and extrication. TEEX RES102 (confined space, NFPA 1006 Chapter 7) and RES120 (trench, Chapter 12) are each 40 hours covering all three levels.

Certifications

• Confined Space Rescue Awareness/Operations/Technician (Pro Board) TEEX · Awareness, Operations, Technician
  40 hours; Pro Board testing days four and five; meets OSHA 1910.146 rescue training requirements.
• Trench Rescue Awareness/Operations/Technician (Pro Board) TEEX · Awareness, Operations, Technician
  40 hours; requires Pro Board Rope Rescue Awareness or Rope Level I.
• Technical Rescue Personnel: Confined Space Rescue Alabama Fire College · Awareness, Operations, Technician
  40 hours, NFPA 1006 (2021) Chapter 7; Pro Board and IFSAC badges shown. Requires Rope I or Rope Awareness/Operations.
• Technical Rescuer: Confined Space; Trench Rescue North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal · Technician
  Each requires TR Ropes first; recommended 48 hours each.
• Roco Rescue Technician certification (confined space) Roco Rescue · Technician
  Private provider credential based on NFPA 1006 skills and a written exam; valid two years.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 1006 (confined space and trench chapters; the 2027 edition is current, and most courses still cite the 2021 edition, Chapters 7 and 12) Individual qualifications at Awareness, Operations and Technician.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-required confined spaces (Appendix F) Employers must evaluate rescue services; teams practice at least once every 12 months unless they performed a real permit-space rescue. Appendix F is non-mandatory guidance.
• OSHA confined space standards list General industry and maritime standards; also references ANSI/ASSE Z117.1.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, Excavations Construction excavation and trenching rules.
• NFPA 2500 (confined space and trench chapters) Team operations and training.

Where to train

• TEEX (RES102, RES120) 40-hour confined space and trench courses with Pro Board testing.
• Roco Rescue Fast-Track 70 confined space technician, 30-hour trench rescue technician, annual compliance refresher.
• Rescue 3 International Confined space rescue courses at student, instructor and instructor-trainer tiers.

Organizations

• OSHA Federal workplace standards for confined spaces and excavations.

Free courses & resources

• OSHA Trenching and Excavation resources Hazard information, OSHA Technical Manual and eTool links.
• OSHA interpretation on confined space rescue training Explains annual training and first aid/CPR expectations for rescue teams.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Geo-hazard and heavy equipment

Employers that name a fire department or team as their permit-space rescue service must evaluate it first; posting 911 alone does not comply. Volunteer SAR teams rarely do confined space or trench work unless their agency trains and equips them for it.

Pathway

1. Awareness Recognize water hazards, size up the scene and call for the right resources without entering the water (NFPA 1006 18.1; Rescue 3 Water and Flood Awareness).
2. Operations Shore-based and support work such as throw bags and rope systems. Under NFPA 1006 this level requires Surface Water Awareness/Operations and Rope Rescue Operations first.
3. Technician In-water and boat-based rescue in current, e.g. Rescue 3 SRT (24 hours) or a state NFPA 1006 Chapter 18 technician course. NFPA 1006 requires Surface Water Technician and Rope Rescue Technician first.
4. Advanced / Boat Advanced technician (Rescue 3 SRTA), swiftwater and flood boat operator, and rescue swimmer courses.
5. Team Leader / Instructor Team leader courses (Rescue 3 WFTL, 12 hours) and the NIMS Swiftwater/Flood SAR Team Leader position; provider instructor programs.

Certifications

• Technical Rescuer: Swiftwater Rescue (NFPA 1006 Ch. 18) State fire training agencies (e.g. NC OSFM, Alabama Fire College) with Pro Board or IFSAC accreditation · Awareness / Operations / Technician
  In NC, requires TR Surface Water Rescue certification first, plus medical, hazmat and other general prerequisites.
• Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT) Rescue 3 International · Technician
  24 contact hours; confident swimmer, age 18+; valid 3 years.
• Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician Advanced - Water (SRTA-W) Rescue 3 International · Advanced Technician
  Requires current Rescue 3 SRT; 18 hours; valid 3 years.
• Water and Flood Team Leader (WFTL) Rescue 3 International · Team Leader
  Requires SFR, SRT or SFRBO; 12 hours; valid 3 years.
• Professional Qualification Assessment (ProQual): Swiftwater Rescue Technician Rescue 3 International · Individual skills assessment
  Solo, graded assessment against agency SOPs and recognized standards; also a step toward Rescue 3 instructor.
• Swiftwater Rescue Technician Lifesaving Resources · Technician
  18 hours over 2 days; stated to meet/exceed NFPA 1670.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 1006, Swiftwater Rescue chapter (2027 edition is current; Chapter 18 in the 2021 edition most courses still cite) Individual job performance requirements at Awareness (18.1), Operations (18.2) and Technician (18.3). Chapter 17 covers Surface Water Rescue, a prerequisite.
• NFPA 2500 (2027 edition), Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services Organizational (team) capability standard; consolidated NFPA 1670, 1983 and 1858. Water, swiftwater/flood, dive, ice, surf and watercraft rescue sit in its operational chapters (from NFPA 1670). The 2027 edition is current; many courses still cite the 2022 edition.
• NIMS Swiftwater/Flood Search and Rescue Technician (FEMA-509 position qualification) Arduous fitness, annual refresher and a Position Task Book. The posted 2020 document is marked draft; check the current version in FEMA's RTLT.
• NIMS Swiftwater/Flood Search and Rescue Team (resource typing, Types 1-3) Type 3 minimum 6 people, Type 2 12, Type 1 16; positions include Team Leader, Technician, Boat Operator and Boat Bowman.
• ASTM F3145-15(R22), Standard Guide for Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician Basic Shore-based minimum training; excludes helicopter and boat-based rescue.

Where to train

• Rescue 3 International Awareness through management courses: SFR, SRT, SRTA, boat operator, rescue swimmer, team leader and flood courses.
• Dive Rescue International - Swiftwater Rescue I/II, Floods & Moving Water Swiftwater Rescue I is 3 days (24 hours) for public safety agency members age 18+.
• TEEX RES402 - NFPA 1006 Swiftwater Technician Training 36-hour offensive flood and swiftwater rescue course for fire, law enforcement, EMS, public works and military.
• Alabama Fire College - Swiftwater Rescue Awareness, Operations and Technician 20-hour NFPA 1006 (2021) Chapter 18 course; Pro Board and IFSAC accredited; requires rope and surface water technician certs.
• Lifesaving Resources 2-day Swiftwater Rescue Technician course and a water rescue instructor academy.
• Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission water rescue program Water Rescue & Emergency Response (16 hours) and Advanced Line Systems Rescue for emergency responders, aligned to NFPA 1670 levels.

Organizations

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 2500 development) Publishes NFPA 2500 and NFPA 1006.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Swiftwater & flood rescue · Water gear list

NFPA 1006 (individual qualifications) remains separate from NFPA 2500 (team capability); only 1670, 1983 and 1858 were consolidated into 2500. Provider certificates (Rescue 3, DRI, etc.) are not the same as state Pro Board/IFSAC certification; your state or AHJ decides what it accepts.

Pathway

1. Prerequisite / Surface Support Recreational scuba certification for divers (e.g. Advanced Open Water for PADI PSD); non-divers can train as tenders or surface support.
2. Operations / Entry PSD Entry public safety diver course: scene evaluation, tending, search patterns and victim recovery (e.g. ERDI ERD I, DRI Dive Rescue 1, PADI/NAUI/RAID Public Safety Diver).
3. Technician / Specialty Advanced and specialty work: drysuit and full face mask, contaminated water, ice diving, current diving, evidence recovery, sonar.
4. Supervisor / Instructor Dive supervisor and instructor tracks (e.g. ERD Supervisor, ERD Instructor, DRI trainer programs).

Certifications

• ERD I / ERD II / ERD Supervisor / ERD Instructor Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI, part of TDI/SDI) · Entry diver through supervisor and instructor
  ERDI describes ERD I as entry level and 'OSHA and NFPA compliant'; ERD II adds drysuit/full face mask and recovery topics.
• ERDI Tender ERDI · Surface support
  Listed on ERDI's course index; confirm prerequisites with ERDI.
• Public Safety Diver Dive Rescue International · Entry PSD (open water scuba)
  5 days (40 hours); public safety agency member, age 18+, RSTC medical statement.
• Dive Rescue 1 Dive Rescue International · Operations
  3 days (24 hours); divers need open water certification; surface support exempt.
• Public Safety Diver PADI · Entry PSD
  Requires Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) to start and Rescue Diver by the end; Surface Support Specialist and Advanced PSD also offered.
• Public Safety Diver NAUI · Entry PSD
  Continuing education course for certified scuba divers; minimum age 18.
• Public Safety Diver (PSD) RAID · Entry PSD
  Online theory plus skills sign-off at a RAID dive center.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 1006, Dive Rescue chapter (2027 edition is current; Chapter 19 in the 2021 edition) Individual requirements at Awareness (19.1), Operations (19.2) and Technician (19.3).
• NFPA 2500 (2027 edition), Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services Organizational (team) capability standard; consolidated NFPA 1670, 1983 and 1858. Water, swiftwater/flood, dive, ice, surf and watercraft rescue sit in its operational chapters (from NFPA 1670). The 2027 edition is current; many courses still cite the 2022 edition.

Where to train

• Dive Rescue International - dive programs 21 courses incl. Dive Rescue 1, ice diving, current diving, contaminated water, evidence recovery, deep dive operations.
• Dive Rescue International - trainer programs Instructor tracks such as Dive Rescue I Trainer and Public Safety Scuba Instructor.
• Dive Rescue International - Humminbird sonar for public safety 2-day (16-hour) side-imaging sonar setup and image interpretation course for public safety agency members.
• ERDI course catalog Diver, tender, supervisor, instructor and specialty ops courses (ice, contaminated water, night, swift water, crime scene).

Free courses & resources

• NIJ TechBeat: 'Fishing for Evidence Yields Results in Texas' Case study on Texas Parks and Wildlife use of side scan sonar for drowning and evidence searches.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Dive & underwater search · Dive gear list

Agencies often require a medical evaluation and a watermanship test; DRI recommends the IADRS Watermanship Test. Your agency or AHJ decides which credentials it accepts.

Pathway

1. Awareness Size up the incident, locate witnesses and last-seen points, and call for resources (NFPA 1006 20.1).
2. Operations Shore-based and support roles for technician teams (NFPA 1006 20.2).
3. Technician On-ice movement and in-water rescue in ice rescue suits (NFPA 1006 20.3), e.g. 16-hour Rescue 3 IRT or DRI Ice Rescue courses.
4. Instructor Agency instructor programs such as Lifesaving Resources Ice Rescue Instructor Academy or DRI Ice Rescue Trainer.

Certifications

• Technical Rescuer: Ice Rescue (NFPA 1006 Ch. 20) State fire training agencies (e.g. Massachusetts DFS, Utah Fire Service Certification Council) · Awareness / Operations / Technician
  Massachusetts offers a Pro Board written exam after its Ice course.
• Ice Rescue Technician (IRT) Rescue 3 International · Technician
  16 hours; confident swimmer, age 18+; valid 3 years. IRTA is the advanced course.
• Ice Rescue (Ice Rescue Specialist) Dive Rescue International · Technician (surface ice)
  2 days (16 hours); public safety agency member, age 18+.
• Ice Rescue Instructor Lifesaving Resources · Instructor
  4-day academy; age 21+; authorizes agency Awareness/Operations/Technician courses for 3 years; student certs valid 5 years.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 1006, Ice Rescue chapter (2027 edition is current; Chapter 20 in the 2021 edition) Awareness (20.1), Operations (20.2), Technician (20.3); each level requires the one below.
• NFPA 2500 (2027 edition), Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services Organizational (team) capability standard; consolidated NFPA 1670, 1983 and 1858. Water, swiftwater/flood, dive, ice, surf and watercraft rescue sit in its operational chapters (from NFPA 1670). The 2027 edition is current; many courses still cite the 2022 edition.

Where to train

• Rescue 3 International - ice courses Ice Awareness, Ice Rescue Technician, Ice Rescue Technician Advanced, Ice Field Safety.
• Dive Rescue International - Ice Rescue and Ice Diving Operations Surface ice rescue (16 hours) and a 24-hour under-ice dive course that requires Dive Rescue 1 Specialist.
• Lifesaving Resources Ice and water rescue instructor academies; courses stated to meet/exceed NFPA 1670 and 1006.
• ERDI Ice Surface Rescue / Ice Diving Ops Ice surface rescue and ice diving specialty courses.
• Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission - Ice Rescue & Emergency Response 16-hour technician-level course; requires Water Rescue & Emergency Response.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Swiftwater & flood rescue

Ice rescue suits and fitness/swim checks are typically required for in-water roles. Course certificates are not the same as state Pro Board/IFSAC certification; your state fire training agency decides what it accepts.

Pathway

1. Awareness Recognize surf hazards and call for help (NFPA 1006 21.1).
2. Operations Support and shore-based surf operations (NFPA 1006 21.2).
3. Technician / Lifeguard In-water surf rescue (NFPA 1006 21.3), or open water lifeguard training under a USLA-certified agency.
4. Watercraft / Specialty Personal watercraft rescue and coastal rescue swimmer courses.

Certifications

• Lifeguard Agency Certification United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) · Agency
  Certifies agencies, not individuals; valid 3 years; agency submits fitness, swimming, CPR and medical aid policies.
• Aquatic Rescue Response Team (ARRT) Certification USLA · Agency / team
  For teams that respond to emergency reports such as 9-1-1 calls; team swim policy and curriculum required.
• Personal Watercraft Surf Rescue Technician (PWC) Rescue 3 International · Technician (watercraft)
  18 hours; requires SRT or WRT-Pro; valid 3 years.
• Inland Rescue Swimmer Coastal (IRSC) Rescue 3 International · Rescue swimmer upgrade
  8 hours; requires Inland Rescue Swimmer; valid 3 years.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 1006, Surf Rescue chapter (2027 edition is current; Chapter 21 in the 2021 edition) Awareness (21.1), Operations (21.2), Technician (21.3).
• NFPA 2500 (2027 edition), Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services Organizational (team) capability standard; consolidated NFPA 1670, 1983 and 1858. Water, swiftwater/flood, dive, ice, surf and watercraft rescue sit in its operational chapters (from NFPA 1670). The 2027 edition is current; many courses still cite the 2022 edition.
• USLA certification guidelines (Open Water Lifesaving manual, 3rd ed.) Agency-level programs: Lifeguard Agency, Aquatic Rescue Response Team (ARRT), Personal Rescue Watercraft and Beach Emergency Vehicle Operations.

Where to train

• USLA-certified open water lifeguard agencies Agency lifeguard training using USLA guidelines and the Open Water Lifesaving manual.
• Rescue 3 International - boat and swimmer courses PWC surf rescue, rescue boat operator and rescue swimmer courses.

Organizations

• United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National association of open water lifeguards; runs agency certification programs.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Coast Guard & marine units

USLA certifies agencies; individual lifeguards are trained by their certified agency. Confirm agency fees and deadlines with USLA.

Pathway

1. Crew Member Boat crew basics: line handling, lookout, man overboard and towing (NASBLA Boat Crew Member; Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crewmember).
2. Operator / Coxswain Operating the vessel in SAR and response (NASBLA BOSAR; Auxiliary Coxswain; Rescue 3 SFRBO for swiftwater/flood).
3. Specialty Airboat, fire boat, tactical, PWC and dive-support boat operations.
4. Instructor / Examiner Credentialed instructors and qualification examiners for each program.

Certifications

• Boat Crew Member National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) · Crew
  Developed with USCG Office of Boat Forces, USCG Auxiliary and National Safe Boating Council; in FEMA's State/Federally Sponsored Course Catalog.
• Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR) NASBLA · Operator
  Qualifications recorded in NASBLA's national database with Coast Guard/FEMA recognition.
• Auxiliary Boat Crewmember / Coxswain / PWC Operator U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary · Crew / Coxswain
  Mentor task sign-offs, then a Qualification Examiner oral exam and checkride; requires IS-100/IS-700 and annual workshop and risk management refresher.
• Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO) Rescue 3 International · Operator (swiftwater/flood)
  40 hours; requires SRT, age 18+, confident swimmer.

Standards & guides

• NASBLA BOAT Program (national standard recognized by USCG MOU) Common framework for training, qualifying and credentialing marine law enforcement and emergency responders; several disciplines approved as NIMS typed resources.
• NFPA 2500 (2027 edition), Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services Organizational (team) capability standard; consolidated NFPA 1670, 1983 and 1858. Water, swiftwater/flood, dive, ice, surf and watercraft rescue sit in its operational chapters (from NFPA 1670). The 2027 edition is current; many courses still cite the 2022 edition.
• NIMS Swiftwater/Flood SAR Team: Boat Operator and Boat Bowman positions Boat positions are part of typed swiftwater/flood teams.

Where to train

• NASBLA BOAT courses Boat Crew Member, BOSAR, airboat, fire boat, tactical, pursuit and stop, officer water survival and more.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary surface operations Volunteer path: join, become Basically Qualified, security check, ICS courses, mentor training, QE checkride.
• Rescue 3 International - boat courses Rescue, flood and swiftwater boat operator, paddle boat handling, PWC and work boat courses.
• Dive Rescue International - Boat Based Operations 3-day course on department watercraft for diving, rescue and search; requires Dive Rescue 1 Specialist.
• Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission - Emergency Boat Operation & Rescue 16-hour technician-level course; requires Water Rescue & Emergency Response and a Boating Safety Education Certificate.

Organizations

• NASBLA Association of state boating law administrators; runs the BOAT Program.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Harbor patrol & marine units · Coast Guard & marine units

NASBLA course lengths and prerequisites are in its course overview PDFs. Coast Guard Auxiliary currency rules are in its qualification handbook. The public Auxiliary sources used are its own published documents.

Pathway

1. Awareness Learn what drones can and cannot do in disasters and how FAA rules apply; NDPTC AWR-345 is a free 8-hour awareness course.
2. Remote pilot Pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test (age 16+), or fly under your agency's public aircraft COA, which lets the agency self-certify its pilots.
3. Proficiency Demonstrate flying skill on the NIST sUAS standard test methods, which run from a Level 1 basic safety checkride to Level 5 indoor confined search.
4. Program lead / instructor Build SOPs, training and a data-privacy policy; proctor NIST evaluations and join public safety UAS networks.

Certifications

• Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) Federal Aviation Administration · Remote pilot
  Age 16+; pass the UAG knowledge test at an FAA-approved test center; free online recurrent training (ALC-677) every 24 calendar months.

Standards & guides

• FAA 14 CFR Part 107 (Small UAS rule) Remote pilot certificate; free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
• FAA public aircraft operations (COA) Government agencies can get a COA and self-certify pilots and aircraft for governmental functions.
• NIST Standard Test Methods for sUAS Sponsored by DHS S&T; being standardized through ASTM E54.09.
• NIST proficiency levels 1-5 Open area checkride through confined indoor payload tests.
• NFPA 2400, Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Used for Public Safety Operations References the NIST tests as Job Performance Requirements (per NIST).
• ASTM F38 Committee on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Includes F3266, Standard Guide for Training for Remote Pilot in Command (per NIST).

Where to train

• NDPTC AWR-345 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems in Disaster Management 8-hour instructor-led course, no cost to participants; request through your State Administrative Agency.
• TEEX sUAS program UAS110 Basic sUAS Airmanship, UAS101 online fundamentals, SAP151, SAP154.
• TEEX SAP151 sUAS for Public Safety Personnel 32 hours with flight time; prepares for the FAA knowledge test (test fee not included).
• DRONERESPONDERS Online courses, NIST training, Part 107 exam prep, regional conferences.

Organizations

• DRONERESPONDERS (program of AIRT) Nonprofit public safety UAS network with a SAR working group.
• Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) Public safety aviation association; has worked with AIRT to promote NIST sUAS test methods.

Free courses & resources

• FAA Part 107 recurrent training Free online course on FAASafety.gov (ALC-677).
• NIST sUAS test method guides Free test lane plans, forms and targets.
• NDPTC AWR-345 DHS/FEMA-funded, no tuition.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Drone (UAS) reconnaissance · Drone gear list

The Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA) also runs public safety drone training conferences. ASTM standards text is behind a paywall. Check your state and agency for required pilot standards.

Pathway

1. General Emergency Services Join Civil Air Patrol and earn GES (CAPT 116 and OPSEC training), required before any other ES specialty.
2. Mission Scanner Train as an aircrew visual searcher using the Mission Scanner SQTR and task guides.
3. Mission Observer Take on navigation, communications and crew coordination as a Mission Observer.
4. Mission Pilot Must be a Mission Scanner, start training at 175 PIC hours and pass the CAPF 91 check at 200 PIC hours.
5. Air Operations Branch Director / IC Move into air operations and incident staff roles; most specialties renew every 3 years.

Certifications

• Mission Scanner (MS) Civil Air Patrol · Aircrew entry
  Requires GES; tracked by SQTR in Ops Quals.
• Mission Observer (MO) Civil Air Patrol · Aircrew
• SAR/Disaster Relief Mission Pilot (MP) Civil Air Patrol · Pilot
  Mission Scanner first; 175 PIC hours to start, 200 PIC hours for the CAPF 91 flight check.
• Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD) Civil Air Patrol · Leader

Standards & guides

• CAPR 60-3, CAP Emergency Services Training and Operational Missions Lists ES specialties, prerequisites and 3-year renewal.
• APSAC accreditation standards APSA accreditation for public safety aviation units: administration, flight ops, safety, training, maintenance.

Where to train

• CAP National Emergency Services Academy - Mission Aircrew School Scanner and Photographer, Intermediate and Advanced Pilot and Observer, Aircrew Survival; one-week sessions at Camp Atterbury, IN.
• Air Force Rescue Coordination Center Mobile Search Management Course for CAP wings and other agencies.

Organizations

• Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force auxiliary; about 90% of AFRCC-assigned inland SAR missions.
• Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) U.S. inland SAR coordinator for the 48 contiguous states, Tyndall AFB.
• Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) Association for law enforcement, fire and SAR aviation units; runs the APSAC accreditation program.

Free courses & resources

• CAP SQTRs and task guides Qualification records and task guides for aircrew, ground and ICS roles.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Aviation search assets

Sheriff, state police and fire aviation units set their own crew standards. The APSA website address is as given on the California Highway Patrol accreditation page.

Pathway

1. Field navigation Map, compass and GPS use plus basic incident mapping apps.
2. Incident mapping Learn to draw segments, assignments and operational periods in a SAR mapping tool such as CalTopo/SARTopo.
3. GIS Specialist Wildland incidents use the NWCG GISS position: sponsor, Position Task Book, S-341 and red card.
4. Professional / lead Lead an incident GIS unit; optional GISP professional certification.

Certifications

• CalTopo for Incident Response certificate of completion CalTopo with NASAR · Operations
  Free certificate; complete all exercises on your own map and the quiz on NASAR's class platform.
• GIS Specialist (GISS) NWCG · Incident specialist
  ICS-100, IS-700, S-341, PTB; RT-341 refresher yearly.
• GISP (Certified GIS Professional) GIS Certification Institute · Professional
  Portfolio plus core technical exam; 3-year certification.

Standards & guides

• NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (PMS 936) and GISS Workflow (PMS 936-1) References for incident GIS specialists.
• NAPSG incident symbology Standard incident map symbol set developed with DHS.

Where to train

• CalTopo First Response training Self-paced Incident Response course (7 modules), SAR objects, mobile field skills, team admin videos.
• NWCG S-341 GIS Specialist for Incident Management Required course for the GISS position.

Organizations

• NAPSG Foundation Nonprofit helping public safety agencies use GIS; runs SARCOP and a SAR GIS working group.
• GIS Certification Institute Issues the GISP credential.

Free courses & resources

• NAPSG SAR GIS Basic Training Free self-paced module on geospatial tools for field ops, ICP and pre-planning.
• NAPSG SAR Common Operating Platform (SARCOP) Free ArcGIS hub with SAR mapping templates, apps and guides.
• CalTopo for Incident Response Free NASAR certificate of completion.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Logistics, base camp & mapping · Map, compass & navigation tools

Land navigation is usually taught inside ground SAR courses; see the Ground & Wilderness cards. Teams pick their own mapping software.

Pathway

1. Awareness Know beacon types (EPIRB, ELT, PLB) and how to register them free with NOAA; learn what phone data can show.
2. Operations Run direction-finding searches (CAP Urban Direction Finding team) or work with law enforcement on exigent phone location requests.
3. Analyst Interpret cell location records and map them for search planning.

Certifications

• Urban Direction Finding Team (UDF) Civil Air Patrol · Operations
  Ground ES specialty for locating beacons; requires GES.

Standards & guides

• NOAA 406 MHz beacon registration (47 CFR) Registration is required by federal rules, free, and renewed every 2 years.
• USCG emergency beacon guidance Beacons must be registered with NOAA before installation.

Where to train

• Utilizing Cellular Data for Patrol and Dispatch Operations (Arizona Law Enforcement Training Council) 16-hour entry course for criminal justice staff, including tracking missing persons and exigent pings.
• NCJTC Search and Canvass Operations in Child Abductions Search and canvass plus recognizing cell phone evidence to locate a child.

Organizations

• NOAA SARSAT Runs U.S. beacon registration and the satellite alerting system.
• Civil Air Patrol Trains UDF teams to locate ELTs and other beacons.

Free courses & resources

• NOAA beacon registration Free online registration; renew every 2 years.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Digital & electronic search · Distress beacons

Phone records are released to law enforcement, not volunteers; follow your agency's legal process. The cellular course listed is one example delivery; confirm dates and cost with the provider.

Pathway

1. Learn Study OSINT methods and the legal and ethical limits; use free guides and training videos.
2. Practice Join supervised events such as Trace Labs Search Party CTF teams, where coaches vet submissions.
3. Work with agencies Agency staff use NamUs and NCMEC resources in missing person cases.

Where to train

• Trace Labs Search Party CTF Crowdsourced OSINT events for missing persons; guides and training playlist.
• NCMEC training NCMEC Connect on-demand courses for 9-1-1 and law enforcement; Emerging Trends regional training.
• NamUs training Free database and forensic services training for agencies.

Organizations

• Trace Labs Nonprofit that crowdsources OSINT for missing persons and passes it to law enforcement.
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Training and the Missing Kids Readiness Program for agencies.
• NamUs National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (DOJ/OJP).

Free courses & resources

• NCMEC Connect Free on-demand trainings.
• NamUs training and outreach Free.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Cyber & OSINT intelligence · Missing children & at-risk adults

No national OSINT credential for SAR exists that we could verify. Volunteers should not contact families or suspects; pass findings to the investigating agency.

Pathway

1. Basics CPR/AED and first aid (cards valid 2 years) plus Stop the Bleed.
2. Wilderness First Aid WFA, 16-20 hours (NOLS); WAFA, 40 hours.
3. Wilderness First Responder WFR, about 80 hours or a hybrid format; the common SAR field standard. Recertify with a 24-hour WFR-R (NOLS).
4. Wilderness EMT EMT plus wilderness module (170-200 hours), with NREMT certification renewed every 2 years.
5. Clinician / leader WMS FAWM fellowship or Diploma in Mountain Medicine for licensed clinicians; TECC for high-threat care.

Certifications

• Wilderness First Aid / WAFA / WFR / WEMT NOLS · Entry to EMT
  WFA 16-20 h; WAFA 40 h; WFR 80 h; WEMT 200 h (age 18+).
• Wilderness EMT SOLO · EMT
  170+ hours; 3-year SOLO WEMT plus 2-year NREMT on passing; age 18+.
• Wilderness First Responder (5-day hybrid) Wilderness Medical Associates International · WFR
  About 30 hours self-study plus 45 hours in person; includes BLS CPR.
• Nationally Registered EMT National Registry of EMTs · EMT
  2-year cycle; 40 CE credits or exam.
• Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) Wilderness Medical Society · Clinician
  WMS member with a medical credential, 1 year practice, 95-100 credits.
• Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DiMM) Wilderness Medical Society · Clinician
  Four week-long sessions; approved by UIAA, ICAR and ISMM.
• TECC Provider NAEMT · Operations
  CAPCE-accredited for 16 hours CE.
• Stop the Bleed American College of Surgeons · Basic
  Certificate requires an in-person skills course.
• CPR / BLS / Heartsaver American Heart Association · Basic
  Cards valid 2 years.
• Adult First Aid/CPR/AED American Red Cross · Basic
  Certificate valid 2 years.

Standards & guides

• TECC guidelines (C-TECC) Civilian high-threat casualty care guidelines based on TCCC.
• NREMT National Continued Competency Program EMT recertification: 40 credits every 2 years.

Where to train

• NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFA, WAFA, WFR, hybrid WFR, WEMT, recerts, WUMP.
• SOLO Wilderness Medicine WFA through WEMT; Conway, NH and affiliates.
• Wilderness Medical Associates International WFA, WAFA, WFR and recertification.
• NAEMT TECC Tactical Emergency Casualty Care for EMS and prehospital practitioners.

Organizations

• Wilderness Medical Society Professional society; FAWM and DiMM programs.
• Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Maintains TECC guidelines.
• National Registry of EMTs National EMS certification.

Free courses & resources

• ACS Stop the Bleed online course Free online lecture; attend a skills session for a certificate.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Wilderness EMS & TCCC · Wilderness medical field reference · Medical gear list

Your state EMS office decides who may practice and at what level; a WFR is training, not a state license. Other wilderness medicine schools also offer WFA and WFR.

Pathway

1. Awareness Take free Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online, a 5-hour NCTSN course.
2. Crisis intervention ICISF core courses: Group Crisis Intervention and Assisting Individuals in Crisis.
3. Certificate Add an advanced course, a suicide course and specialty training for an ICISF Certificate of Specialized Training (3 years).
4. Team lead Lead a peer support or CISM team; CAP also lists CISM as an ES specialty.

Certifications

• Certificate of Specialized Training (Emergency Services track and others) ICISF · Practitioner
  Core: Group Crisis Intervention, Assisting Individuals in Crisis, one advanced course, one suicide course; plus specialty training. Valid 3 years.
• Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) ES specialty Civil Air Patrol · Team member

Where to train

• ICISF CISM courses and seven specialty certificate tracks.
• NCTSN Learning Center Free online PFA and SPR courses.

Organizations

• International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) CISM training and certificates.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Publishes PFA Online.

Free courses & resources

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online 5-hour interactive course, updated 2022.
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Mental health & responder wellness · Responder wellness

CISM is peer support, not therapy; teams should have licensed mental health backup.

Pathway

1. Entry Typical task force entry needs ICS-100, 200, 700 and 800, medical clearance and a fitness test (e.g. Texas Task Force 2: 2 miles in 40 minutes with a 30-pound pack).
2. Operations / Technician State or Pro Board structural collapse certification at Awareness, Operations and Technician, plus NFPA 1006 Technician in rope, confined space, trench and vehicle/machinery for FEMA team qualification.
3. US&R position Position courses such as Structural Collapse Specialist (TEEX 9P2631, 80 hours), Technical Search Specialist and Canine Search Specialist. Structures Specialists are licensed engineers who complete FEMA/USACE StS-1.
4. Leader Squad officer, team manager and task force leader roles add ICS-300/400 and leadership courses.

Certifications

• US&R Rescue Specialist Certificate TEEX · Rescue Specialist
  About 270 required hours: 9P2631, RES107 rope, and Advanced Structural Collapse 3, 4 and 5, plus one elective.
• Structural Collapse Specialist (9P2631) TEEX (FEMA National US&R contract training provider) · Technician / Specialist
  80 hours; requires the 8-hour 9P2630 CBT first ($10 on TEEX). Mirrors the FEMA US&R curriculum.
• Rescue Technician – Structural Collapse Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner · Awareness, Operations, Technician
  Requires Hazmat Operations within one year and CPR/medical training; written and skills tests.
• Structural Collapse Rescue Operations / Technician Illinois Fire Service Institute (Pro Board) · Operations, Technician
  Listed under NFPA 1006, 2021 edition.
• Technical Rescuer: Structural Collapse North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal · Technician
  Requires TR Ropes first; recommended 88 hours.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 1006 (Structural Collapse Rescue chapter) Individual Awareness, Operations, Technician qualifications.
• NFPA 2500, Chapter 6 (Structural Collapse Search and Rescue) Team operations and training.
• NIMS resource typing and position qualifications (RTLT) FEMA's Resource Typing Library Tool holds resource typing definitions, position qualification sheets and position task books.

Where to train

• TEEX Urban Search and Rescue Structural collapse specialist, advanced collapse, technical search, canine search, wide area search and planning courses.
• Texas Task Force 2 Example of a task force's Rescue Specialist requirements and annual training.
• Vermont Task Force One (VT-TF1) Example of a state-level Type IV USAR team covering rope, trench, confined space, collapse and swiftwater.

Organizations

• FEMA National US&R Response System 28 state- and locally managed task forces that deploy as a federal asset (FEMA advisory, August 2026).
• State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR) Formed in 2002 to unify task forces outside the national system; uses NIMS typing (Type I-IV). Described on Vermont's state page.
• Arizona Task Force 1 (example federal task force) One of 28 FEMA task forces, sponsored by Phoenix Fire Department.

Free courses & resources

• FEMA US&R Structural Collapse Specialist CBT (9P2630) About 8-hour online prerequisite hosted by TEEX ($10; 180 days to complete).
• FEMA ICS courses (ICS-100, 200, 700, 800) Free prerequisites most task forces require before applying.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · FEMA US&R task forces · US&R gear list

You join a FEMA task force through its sponsoring agency, usually by open orientation; FEMA classes are typically only open to rostered members. The RTLT is available on request from FEMA-NIMS. Check current position names in the RTLT.

Pathway

1. Preparedness Free FEMA courses on animals in disasters and community animal planning (IS-10.a, IS-11.a, IS-111.a).
2. Awareness Two-day TLAER awareness course: animal behavior, restraint, trailer incidents, simple lifts, water/mud/ice rescue. Stated to meet Chapter 9 of NFPA 1670 and 1006.
3. Operations / Technician Hands-on large animal rescue with teams and equipment; an operations/awareness 3-day TLAER format is also offered at some venues. Confirm levels with the provider.

Certifications

• Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue - Awareness Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, Inc. (TLAER), hosted by universities · Awareness
  2 days; syllabus states it meets Chapter 9 of NFPA 1670 and 1006. Hosted by e.g. Ohio State and Purdue veterinary colleges.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 2500, Chapter 9: Animal Rescue Team capability chapter from NFPA 1670; the 2027 revision adds an awareness-level biosecurity requirement (per industry summary).
• NIMS Swiftwater/Flood SAR Team Type 1 (animal rescue capability) Type 1 teams add the ability to support and rescue animals.

Where to train

• Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - TLAER course 2-day hands-on large animal rescue course for vets, animal control, emergency managers and responders.
• Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine - TLAER course 2-day awareness course for vets, firefighters, EMS, animal control and owners; up to 16 CE hours.

Free courses & resources

• FEMA IS-10.a: Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness Online course on how hazards affect animals and what owners and care providers can do.
• FEMA IS-11.a: Animals in Disasters: Community Planning Online course on building community animal emergency plans using ICS.
• FEMA IS-111.a: Livestock in Disasters Online course combining producer and emergency manager knowledge for animal agriculture.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Animal rescue & sheltering

Course details come from host university pages. FEMA course links point to the EMI course list because individual overview pages did not load correctly. Confirm whether NFPA 1006 (2021) keeps an animal chapter with your state certifying agency.

Pathway

1. Intro Take free IS-317.A Introduction to CERT (2 hours).
2. CERT Basic Complete classroom CERT Basic Training through a local program (Teen CERT is about 20 hours).
3. Active member Join a local CERT, Teen CERT or MRC unit and train with it.
4. Leader / instructor Take the FEMA CERT Train-the-Trainer and Program Manager courses.

Certifications

• IS-317.A Introduction to CERTs FEMA · Intro
  2 hours, 0.2 CEU; does not replace classroom CERT Basic.

Standards & guides

• FEMA CERT Basic Training curriculum Instructor guides, participant manuals and hazard annexes.

Where to train

• FEMA CERT program CERT Basic materials, Train-the-Trainer, Program Manager course.
• Teen CERT Teen program supporting schools and local responders.

Organizations

• Community Emergency Response Team (FEMA) More than 3,200 local programs.
• Medical Reserve Corps (ASPR) Hundreds of local units of community health volunteers.
• Citizen Corps Local councils; find one with the council map.

Free courses & resources

• IS-317.A Free online.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Community volunteer SAR & CERT · How to join a team

CERT light search and rescue is not wilderness SAR; join a SAR team for that. CAP lists CERT as an ES specialty.

Pathway

1. Awareness Recognize a release and notify authorities; no hour minimum under OSHA, competency required.
2. Operations Defensive actions from a safe distance; OSHA requires at least 8 hours.
3. Technician Stop the release; OSHA requires at least 24 hours at the operations level plus more competencies.
4. Specialist / IC Specialist and incident commander levels for hazmat teams.

Certifications

• Hazmat Awareness / Operations / Technician (state certification example) NC Office of State Fire Marshal · Awareness to Technician
  Built on NFPA 470 (2022); technician grants IFSAC certification.

Standards & guides

• NFPA 470 (2022), Hazardous Materials/WMD Standard for Responders Current hazmat responder standard used by state certification programs.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q) HAZWOPER emergency response Training levels and hours for emergency responders.
• OSHA interpretation on (q) training levels Explains awareness, operations and technician roles.

Where to train

• Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) AWR-358 Hazmat Awareness (8 h), PER-272 Hazmat Technician, PER-261, PER-900.
• CDP resident training Fully funded by DHS for state, local, tribal and territorial responders; Anniston, AL.
• TEEX HAZ701 NFPA 470 Online Hazmat Awareness & Operations 16-hour online course, $100.

Free courses & resources

• CDP courses No cost to eligible SLTT responders; apply through your state training point of contact.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · CBRNE, hazmat & biosecurity

NFPA 470 replaced earlier standards such as NFPA 472 and 1072. Volunteers usually train to awareness level only.

Pathway

1. Awareness Learn scene preservation and when to stop and call the medical examiner or coroner.
2. Recovery training Forensic anthropology field courses on locating, mapping and recovering surface and buried remains.
3. Federal team Professionals can serve on NDMS DMORT teams that support local mortuary operations.

Where to train

• Texas State FACTS Human Remains Recovery Course 5 days, lecture plus field recovery; mainly law enforcement and death investigators.
• TEEX FSA109 Skeletal Death Investigation (at Texas State) 40 hours for Texas peace officers and crime scene staff.
• NamUs training Free training on the missing and unidentified persons database.

Organizations

• DMORT (NDMS / ASPR) Federal disaster mortuary teams: coroners, medical examiners, forensic specialists and more.
• NamUs National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Free courses & resources

• NamUs training and outreach Free.

Upcoming courses on the training calendar · Coroner, DMORT & forensic recovery · Forensic dendrochronology

Recovery of remains is under the medical examiner or coroner's authority; SAR volunteers should follow their direction.