Provisional Standards of Competency for Fireboat Crews
The main purpose of this standard is provide a suitable starting point for providing training programmes and guides for fireboat crews. These standards contain only suggested levels of competency and are still under development. Some of the requirements, especially for Fireboat Master, seem demanding, but many of the requirements can already be met by the more experienced members of Woronora Bushfire Brigade. Fireboats often have to operate in isolated areas and a general working knowledge of the engineering systems aboard is required to solve problems and effect general repairs in the field.

Introduction

These standards are meant to complement the ones already introduced for Bush Firefighters (TT/1 1992). They are meant to highlight the considerable additional skills required to crew water based appliances. The crew would be lead by a Fireboat Master who is in command of the boat while on the water. The boat would be piloted by a Fireboat Helmsman, or in their absence, the fireboat master; and the rest would be rated as Fireboat Crew.

Levels of Competency

There are three levels of competency for fireboat crew members :-

Fireboat Crew - (FBC)

This level indicates the minimum standard for boat crew members to operate effectively on a fireboat and acknowledges the extra skills required for fireboat crews. They would be under the direct supervision of a crew leader.

Fireboat Helmsman - (FBH)

This level indicates additional skills for a boat crew member to pilot (drive) a fireboat.

Fireboat Master - (FBM)

This person has to safely and effectively command a fireboat. They require skills in navigation, seamanship and a working knowledge of the equipment on the boat. Fire operations still fall on the most senior field officer.

Fireboat Crew

Prerequisites

A Fireboat Crew must :-
  1. Be certified as Basic Bush Firefighter.
  2. Be able to swim 50 metres while wearing normal turnout equipment including overalls, boots, coat and helmet (no time limit).

Nautical Knowledge

  1. A basic understanding of boating and nautical terms for parts of a vessel.
  2. Knowledge of the location and function of safety equipment.
  3. Be able to assist in tasks such as anchoring, mooring, launching and retrieving a boat.

Fireboat Helmsman

Prerequisites

A fireboat helmsman must process a Recreational Boating Licence and be accredited as Fireboat Crew.

Nautical Knowledge

  1. Boating rules as published by the MSB in the NSW Safe Boating Handbook.
  2. Boating safety including man overboard.
  3. Manoeuvring small vessels, especially in confined waters.
  4. Anchoring and mooring lines to secure a vessel.
  5. Launching and retrieving a boat from a trailer.
  6. A basic knowledge of location and function of equipment aboard a vessel.
  7. A knowledge of nautical terminology and an ability to convey clear instructions to boat crew members.
  8. Vessel trim and crew safety.
  9. Knowledge of local features and place names.

Fireboat Master

Prerequisites

Each fireboat master shall :-
  1. Possess a Recreational Boating Licence.
  2. Possess a Restricted Radio Operators Licence.
  3. Be certified as a Bushfire Crew Leader.
  4. Be certified as a Fireboat Helmsman.

Nautical Knowledge

Collision Regulations

A knowledge of the Collision Regulations as detailed in the Uniform Shipping Laws Code, particularly :-
  1. Maintaining look-out (Rule 5)
  2. Safe speed for prevailing circumstances (Rule 6)
  3. Risk of collision (Rules 7 and 8)
  4. Encouonntering other vessels (Rules 13 to 18)
  5. Operating with restricted visibility (Rule 19)
  6. Lights and day shapes (Rules 21,23,25 and 30)
  7. Sound and light signals (Rules 33 and 35)
  8. Distress signals (Annex IV)
  9. Knowledge of IALA Buoyage System 'A'

Vessel Handling

  1. Manoeuvring characteristics of small vessels, especially in confined waters.
  2. Berthing and unberthing.
  3. Anchors and anchoring.
  4. Handling vessels in bad weather including heavy swells and flooded rivers.
  5. Shallow water operations.
  6. Handling a vessel that is partially disabled.
  7. Vessel stability.
  8. Towing or being towed.

Safety

  1. Man overboard (day and night).
  2. Search and rescue.
  3. Helicopter operations.
  4. Loss of :-
    1. steering
    2. power
    3. propeller (or fouling)
  5. Collision or grounding.
  6. Use of distress signals.
  7. Ground to air signal codes.
  8. Use of lifesaving equipment.

Engineering

  1. Knowledge of the routine operation and checks of all machinery aboard the vessel.
  2. Engine instrumentation and warning indicators.
  3. Electrical systems including location and operation of
    1. batteries
    2. circuit breakers and/or fuses.
    3. radios
    4. running lights
    5. navigational instruments.
  4. Pumping arrangements especially bilge pumps, cooling water and fuel systems.

Navigation

Basic chartwork and position fixing including :-
  1. Position fixing using
    1. compass bearings
    2. transits
    3. GPS
  2. Compass deviation and variations
  3. Chart symbols and abbreviations including :-
    1. datum and notes
    2. compass rose and variation
    3. natural features and landmarks
    4. depths, tides and currents.
    5. rocks, wrecks and obstructions.
    6. light characteristics, leads and sectored lights.
    7. buoys, marks and beacons.

Local Knowledge

Familiarity with the local area of operations including :-
  1. bays, headlands and local place names
  2. tidal currents and water depths
  3. restrictions and speed limits
  4. navigational aids
  5. hazards including
    1. oyster leases
    2. mooring areas
    3. permanent dredging operations
    4. rocks and shoals
Go back to Woronora Bushfire Brigade HOME PAGE