NSW State Training Courses

Basic Bush Firefighter (BF)

Basic bush firefighter (BF) training is designed to give you the underlying skills and knowledge you need to operate safely at a bush or grass fire under constant and direct supervision.

To be a safe and effective basic firefighter you need a good level of fitness and the ability to speak and understand English.

BF training involves both theory briefings and practical activities, and normally takes at least 16 to 20 hours to complete. It is usually run at local Council or Brigade level.

Assessment includes demonstrating practical bush firefighting skills and answering related questions.

The resource materials available for BF training include the eight NSW Basic Modules for issue to each trainee and a supporting video supplied to each Council. The Modules cover: 

	1. Basic Safety 		5. Fighting Fire with Water
	2. Fire Behaviour 		6. Hazard Reduction
	3. Hand Tools & Knapsacks 	7. Basic Communications
	4. Bushfire Suppression 	8. Basic First Aid
Alternatively, you can use the five forthcoming National Fire Modules, which cover similar subject matter. They are: 
	1.12A Wildfire Behaviour 	1 1.12B Wildfire Suppression 1
	1.16 Casualty Assistance 	1.19 Comms. Systems
	1.22 Fire Agency Awareness I
Annual training sessions or actual firefighting are typically needed for you to maintain safe and effective BF skills.

Village Firefighter (VF)

VF training is for those of you who need the skills to fight small structural and vehicle fires as well as those involving bush/grass.

VF training involves theory briefings and practical activities, and normally takes at least 40 hours to complete. It is usually run at local Council level, and is similar in content to National Fire Module 1.11 Fire Suppression 1.

Assessment includes demonstrating practical village firefighting skills and answering related questions.

The resource materials available for VF training include the NSW Village Firefighter (VF) Manual for issue to each trainee, and a Course Guide supplied to each instructor.

Supporting videos on structural and vehicle firefighting and on various firefighting equipment drills are available from Regional Offices of the Department.

The VF Manual covers fire behaviour, safety, extinguishers, hoses and fittings, support equipment and firefighting procedures.

VF training can be run as a 100% "face to face" course (VF/100), as a 50% "face to face" course followed by practical work at Brigade level (VF/50), or in combination with BF training (BF/VF).

Except for the last option, you would need to already be a Basic Bush Firefighter (BF) before starting VF training.

At least two (and preferably more) sessions of training or actual firefighting are typically needed each year for you to maintain safe and effective VF skills.

Advanced Firefighter (AF)

Advanced firefighter (AF) training is designed to give you the underlying skills and knowledge you need to operate safely at a bush or grass fire under orders, but not necessarily with constant and direct supervision.

In rural Brigades which do not have a village protection role, firefighters may proceed straight from Basic (BF) to Advanced Firefighter (AF) levels, bypassing Village Firefighting (VF).

AF training involves both theory briefings and practical activities, and normally takes at least 32 hours to complete. It is usually run at local Council level, plus on the job training in the care and inspection of firefighting equipment. Assessment includes demonstrating practical skills and answering questions.

The resource materials available for AF training include six modules. Of these, five correspond to some of the old Crew Leader (CL) modules. The sixth is a National Fire Module.

1. Bush Firefighter Safety (CL/1) 4. Map Reading (CL/7) 2. Bushfire Behaviour (CL/4) 5. Hydr. & Pumping (CL/3) 3. Bushfire Weather (CL/5) 6. Fire Prevention (2.21)

Alternatively, you can use the seven forthcoming National Fire Modules that cover similar subject matter. They are: 

	1.02 Maint. of Equipment 	2.21 Fire Prevention 1
	1.07 Personal Protection 1 	2.28 Wildfire Behaviour 2
	1.09 Map Reading 1 		2.33 Map Reading 2
	2.04 Operate Pumps
At least two (and preferably more) sessions of training or actual firefighting are typically needed each year for a person to maintain safe and effective AF skills.

Crew Leader (CL)

Crew Leader (CL) training is designed to give you the underlying skills and knowledge to supervise other firefighters during firefighting operations.

CL training involves both theory briefings and practical activities, and normally takes at least 48 hours to complete. It is usually run at local Council level. Practical work may include "on the job" training under supervision.

Assessment includes demonstrating leadership skills, applying firefighting tactics and answering related questions.

The resource materials applicable to CL training include ten modules. Of these, five already exist as CL modules in the old series. The other five are yet to be produced: 

	1. CrewLeadership (new)		6. VehicleFires (new)
	2. Bush & Forest Fires (CL/9)	7. Electrical Fires (new)
	3. Grass & Crop Fires (CL/9G)	8. Comm. Serv. Ops (new)
	4. Structural Fires (CL/2)	9. Mngt. Fire Ops. (CL/10)
	5. Hazardous Mat'ls (CL/8)	10. BrigadeMngt. (new)
Until the new modules are available, Crew Leaders may be certified using the existing modules alone, but Councils are encouraged to supply training in the other subjects wherever practicable.

Alternatively you can use the four forthcoming National Fire Modules that cover similar subject matter. They are: 

	1.06 Occupational Hazards 	2.13 Fire Suppression 2
	2.29 Wildfire Suppression 2 	3.04 Fireground Operations
Two or more sessions of training or actual firefighting are typically needed each year to retain safe and effective CL skills.

Group Leader (GL)

Group Leader (GL) training is designed to give you the underlying skills and knowledge to manage an incident where several brigades are operating.

GL training involves both theory briefings and practical activities, and normally takes at least 48 hours to complete. The introductory course is run at regional level, with practical work being carried out locally, "on the job" under supervision.

Assessment is carried out at local Council level and includes demonstrating fireground management skills and answering related questions. It typically involves demonstrating fireground management skills at a large hazard reduction exercise or similar.

There are four GL modules, including: 

	1. Principles of Group Leadership
	2. Command and Control Systems
	3. Command & Control Facilities and Resources
	4. Pre-Fire/Incident Planning
Alternatively, you can use the four forthcoming National Fire Modules that cover similar subject matter. They are: 
	3.18 Wildfire Suppression 3 	4.02 Pre-Incident Planning 1
	3.23 Wildfire Behaviour 3 	4.03 Operational Management
At least two (and preferably more) sessions of training or actual firefighting are typically needed each year for a person to maintain safe and effective GL skills.

Assessor (ASR)

ASR training is designed to give you the underlying skills and knowledge to assess other firefighters; and to do it sensitively, consistently, fairly, validly and with a minimum of hassle.

Advanced Firefighter (AF) certification is the prerequisite to commence ASR training, which usually involves a regional Introduction to Assessment Techniques (IAT) course and assessment projects carried out at a local level.

Assessment to be an ASR consists of demonstrating proper assessment techniques and answering associated questions.

The main resource material for ASR training is the national module 3.22 Workplace Assessor manual.

Assessment Validator (ASV)

Assessment Validators (ASVs) are those who design assessment tools and check that the system of assessment is set up and running properly.

In the National Fire Training System, ASVs are the ones who certify applicants as competent in each module of training. (For qualifications applicable only within the NSW Bushfire Service this is done by the Fire Control Officer.)

Training for ASVs will commence in 1996. Assesssment is by completion of relevant project work. Initially, Training Services and some Regional staff of the Department will become ASVs to facilitate the (National) training of Fire Control Officers.

Bushfire Instructor 1 (BFI-1)

BFI-1 training is designed to give you the underlying skills and knowledge to instruct other firefighters.

Advanced Firefighter (AF) certification is the prerequisite to commence BFI-1 training, which usually involves a regional Introduction to Training Techniques (ITT) course followed by instructional projects carried out at a local level.

Assessment includes demonstrating instructional techniques in both theoretical and practical subjects.

The resource materials available for BFI-1 training include the TT/2 Bushfire Instructors Manual.

BFI-1 training is now accredited with NSW VETAB (Vocational Education Training Accreditation Board). From now on BFI-1s will also be able to obtain a national Workplace Trainer Category One certificate. This is a qualification recognised by many industries and educational institutions across Australia.

Bushfire Instructor 2 (BFI-2)

BFI-2 training is designed to give you the underlying skills and knowledge to manage the training of firefighters.

Crew Leader (CL) certification is the prerequisite to commence BFI-2 training, which usually involves a regional Introduction to Training Management (ITM) course (formerly ATT), an Introduction to Assessment Techniques (IAT) course, a Training Techniques Workshop (TTW) and training management projects carried out at a local level.

Assessment includes demonstrating instructional techniques in complex subjects and showing evidence of being able to develop and manage a program of training.

Bushfire Instructor 3 (BFI-3)

The BFI-3 rating is not a higher rating as such, but indicates the person is a BFI-2 who is also competent to instruct and assess others as BFI-1s, BFI-2s, and ASRs.

The BFI-3 rating will be discontinued in the future. In its place persons holding Workplace Trainer Category 2 and/or Assessment Validator certification may be endorsed as instructional and/or assessment techniques specialists once they've demonstrated competence in instructing those subjects.

Endorsements, Renewals and Subject Experts

An unendorsed BFI rating signifies the holder can competently instruct all "mainstream" bush fire training. Endorsements of the rating are needed to instruct "specialist" skills such as breathing apparatus, chain saws and bush fire driving. This is obtained through assisting at specialist training courses.

All BFI ratings are valid for no longer than three years. Renewal involves reassessment or showing other evidence of current instructional activity and competency.

Job/subject experts are people with extensive experience and competence in a particular subject. They are listed in the Training Register and used to help with technical aspects of assessments.

Breathing Apparatus (BAO)

Breathing Apparatus Operator training is to give you the skills and knowledge to safely carry out interior structural firefighting while using self-contained compressed-air breathing apparatus.

BAO training involves both theory briefings and practical activities, and normally takes at least 24 hours to complete.

Certification at Village Firefighter (VF) level, holding a first aid certificate, and passing a specified medical examination are needed to qualify in the use of breathing apparatus.

Assessment includes questions and demonstrating interior firefighting activities while using breathing apparatus.

Training resource materials include either the NSWBFS SP/3 Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus manual, or the equivalent forthcoming National learning manuals for modules 1.14 Search and Rescue and 1.15 Open Circuit Breathing Apparatus.

To maintain competence in the safe use of breathing apparatus and interior structural firefighting, you need to use a set under training or actual firefighting conditions about once every three months, and more often if you have only recently qualified.

To instruct in the use of BA (BA endorsement of a BFI rating), you need to have a BFI rating, have held a BA operator's rating for at least 12 months, have completed a BA technician's course and been assessed as competent to instruct BA training. A BFI-3 and a BAO "job expert" are needed to assess BA instructors.

To service breathing apparatus sets, you need to complete an approved BA technician's course every three years.

Bushfire Driver (BFD)

BFD training is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to safely drive bush fire vehicles under a variety of conditions.

Certification at basic bush firefighter (BF) level plus a suitable driver's license and experience are the prerequisites for commencing operational bush fire driving training.

Assessment includes questions and demonstrating driving skills under a variety of conditions.

There are six sections to the full Bushfire Driving qualification, covered in the NSWBFS SP/2 Bushfire Driving manual. 

	1. Basic principles 		4. Response driving
	2. On road driving 		5. Defensive driving
	3. Off road driving 		6. Vehicle recovery
Alternatively the forthcoming four National Fire Modules covering similar subject matter can be used. They are: 
	1.04 Driving Vehicles 1 	2.03B Operate Veh. Off Road
	2.03A Operate Veh. On Road 	2.03C Recover Vehicles
To maintain competence in bush fire driving you need to be regularly driving bush fire vehicles under a variety of conditions.

To instruct in bush fire driving (BFD endorsement of a BFI rating) you need to have a BFI rating, have been a Bushfire Driver for at least 12 months, assisted at driving training courses and been assessed as competent to instruct driving skills. A BFI-3 and a BFD "job expert" are needed to assess new driving instructors.

Note: Up until 1995, persons may have been be certified to instruct bush fire driving without having a BFI rating.

Chain Saw Operator (CSO)

CSO training is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to safely operate chain saws under a variety of conditions.

Certification at basic bush firefighter (BF) level is the prerequisite for commencing chain saw operation (CSO) training.

Assessment includes questions and demonstrating chain saw skills under a variety of conditions. There are three levels of chain saw operation recognised: 

	1. Cross-cutting 		2. Simple tree felling
	3. Problem tree felling
It is intended that there should be a number of cross-cutting rated operators in each brigade equipped with a chain saw. Relatively few are expected to be rated at the tree felling levels and that they would be available as specialists on call to a group or groups of brigades.

The NSW State Forests Chain Saw Manual is used as the text for chain saw operator training.

To maintain competence in chain saws you need to be regularly using the equipment under a variety of conditions.

To instruct in chain saw operation (CSO endorsement of a BFI rating) you need to have a BFI rating, have been a chain saw operator for at least 12 months, assisted at chain saw training courses and been assessed as competent to instruct chain saw operation skills. A BFI-3 and a chain saw operation "job expert" are needed to assess new chain saw instructors.

Note: Up until 1995, persons may have been certified to instruct chain saw operation without having a BFI rating.

Other Specialist Packages

PBS - Prescribed Burning Supervisor

This is to train you to be able to supervise prescribed burns. Courses are commencing in 1996, initially focussed at Fire Control Officer level and run by State Forests.

CCA/CCO/CCS - Communications Centre Series

These are to train you to assist in, operate or supervise a Communications Centre. Training is conducted 'on the job'.

AOB - Air Observer

This is to train you to observe fires from the air and help supply information about what the fire is doing to the Incident Controller. A course is run about every two years.

RAF - Remote Area Firefighter

This is to train you to fight fires in areas which can only be reached by a long hike or helicopter insertion. It requires a high level of fitness. A major RAF exercise is run each year.

FAO - First Aid Officer

This is achieved by obtaining any standard NSW Workcover Authority approved senior first aid certificate.

EQO - Equipment-Officer

This is to train you to coordinate the care of Brigade equipment.

FHS - Firefighter Health and Safety

This is to train people who implement FH&S (mainly FCOs).

Deputy Fire Control Officer (DFCO)

The following National Fire Training Modules are specified for Deputy Fire Control Officer (DFCO) training: 
	1.08 Occupational Stress *	3.14	Leadership *
	1.11 Fire Suppr. 1 (or VF) *	3.15	Supervising Teams *
	1.20 Computer Skills *		3.16	Quality of Service
	3.01 Occ. Health & Safety *	3.17	Rural Prescr. Burning 1 *
	     #(1.06)			        #(3.04, 3.18 and 3.23)
	3.04 Fireground Operations	3.18	Wildfire Suppression 3
	     #(1.19 & 2.13 or 2.29)		#(1.12B, 2.29 and 3.23)
	3.09 W'place Trainer Cat. A *	3.21	Introduction to Law
	3.10 Writing W'place Docs.	3.22	Workplace Assessor *
	     #(1.21 and 2.27)		3.23	Wildfire Behaviour 3
	3.11 Public Speaking		        #(1.12A and 2.28)
	     #(2.25 and 2.27)		3.24	Meetings
	3.12 Dealing with Conflict	4.02	Pre-Incident Planning
	     #(2.24)			4.03	OperationalMngmt. *
	3.13 Negotiation Skills		        #(3.18 or 2.13 and 3.04)
	     #(3.12)			4.04	Incident Control Sys. *
					x.xx	Ecology *
* Means training in this module is available during 1996.

# Shows any pre-requisite modules at a lower level which need to be achieved before commencement, through training or recognition of prior learning or current competency (RPL/RCC).

Completion of the above set of modules exceeds the qualification requirement for the issue of a Certificate IV in Firefighting Supervision (Public Administration). As a recognised provider of national training the Department can issue this Certificate.

Fire Control Officer (FCO)

Fire Control Officers also need to complete the following: 
	4.01 Resources Evaluation.	4.16	Leader./Team Mngmt.
	4.07	Fire Prevention 2	        #(3.14 and 3.15)
		#(2.21) 		4.17	Intro. to Budgeting
	4.10	Administration 2	        #(2.30 and 3.19)
		#(2.22) 		4.25	Rural Presc. Burning 2
	4.11	Communications 1	        #(3.17)
		#(3.10) 		5.02	Incident Planning
	4.12	Interviews #(3.13)		#(4.04)
	4.13    W'place Trainer Cat B.* 5.03 	Logistics Management
		#(3.09)				#(4.04)
	4.15 	Public Relations 1	5.04	Incident Management
	        #(4.11)				#(4.03 and 4.04)
Plus three other elective modules from Diploma or Adv. Dip. Ievels

Note: 4.02, 4.03 & 4.04 are already covered at DFCO level

* Means training in this module is available during 1996.
# Are prerequisite modules for those listed.

Completion of the above set of modules exceeds the qualification requirement for the issue of a Diploma of Firefighting Management (Public Administration).

A recognition of Prior Learning or Current Competency (RPL/RCC) process will be made available for persons who can show evidence of already being competent in any module. Automatic recognition of some modules for existing senior staff ("redlining") is currently being negotiated at a national level.

Further information about FCO/DFCO training can be obtained from the Training Officer, Management, on Tel: 048 221 238. Training Management System

The training management system is a service offered by the Department of Bushfire Services to help local Councils develop their system of bush fire training.

Basically it consists of a Departmental officer helping the Fire Control Officer and training officers carry out an accurate local training needs and resources analysis and producing a realistic plan for developing training further in the area.

As time goes by, the Department helps the area review its progress and suggests ways in which training can best be tackled. The system also gives the Department, particularly its regional staff, a clear idea of what outside training support is needed by each area.

Working to this system ensures the volunteers in an area get the best result for the effort put into training, and ensures that people are not overworked or "burnt out" in the process of providing it.

Close consultation is maintained with the Fire Control Officer, trainers and other interested persons throughout the process.

The resulting Local Training Plan is endorsed by both the local Fire Control Officer and the Department's Training Services section.

The system is not compulsory and there is no fee charged.

Fire Control Officers who wish to enquire further about the Training Management System should contact the Department's Manager, Training Services (02 684 4411)

Training Modules and Manuals

To assist with training, a wide range of training resource material has been developed, with more on the way. All requests for Training Resources should be made through your Fire Control Officer (FCO).

FCOs can obtain the supplies from Regional Offices of the Department of Bushfire Services. Requests for supplies should be limited to those actually needed for training so as to avoid wastage. Training resources include:

Basic Training (BP) Modules

These are training handout booklets for persons undergoing Basic Bush Firefighter (BF) training . They consist of: 

	BP/1 Basic Safety (new edition in 1996)
	BP/2 Fire Behaviour
	BP/3 Handtools and Knapsacks
	BP/4 Bushfire Suppression
	BP/5 Fighting Fire with Water
	BP/6 Hazard Reduction
	BP/7 Basic Communications (new ed. in 1996)
	BP/8 Basic First-Aid (National 1.16 Casualty
	     Assist. module to replace it in 1996/97)

Village Firefighter (VF) Manual

This Manual contains all of the modules for Village Firefighter training in a single volume.

Advanced Firefighter (AF) Modules

Advanced Firefighter (AF) training currently uses existing Crew Leader Modules (shown in brackets). Titles indude: 

	AF/1 - (CL/1) - Bush Firefighter Safety
	AF/2 - (CL/4) - Bushfire Behaviour
	AF/3 - (CL/5) - Bushfire Weather
	AF/4 - (CL/7) - Map Reading
	AF/5 - (CL/3) - Hydraulics and Pumping
	AF/6 - (new)  - Fire Prevention

Crew Leader (CL) Modules

It is planned to rewrite the Crew Leader (CL) Modules during 1995/96. The proposed (and current) titles are shown below: 
	New CL/1  (new)    - Crew Leadership
	New CL/2  (CL/9)   - Bush and Forest Fires
	New CL/3  (CL/9 G) - Grassland and Crop Fires
	New CL/4  (CL/2)   - Structural Fires
	New CL/5  (CL/8)   - Hazardous Materials
	New CL/6  (new)	   - Vehicle Fires
	New CL/7  (new)	   - Electrical Fires
	New CL/8  (new)	   - Community Service Ops.
	New CL/9  (CL/10)  - Management of Fire Ops.
	New CL/10 (new)	   - Brigade Management.
To avoid confusion the new CLs will be produced in a single Manual.

Group Leader (GL) Modules

The four Group Leader (GL) modules are in a single volume, called GL/1-4.

Specialist (SP) Training Manuals

Three of the specialist series of training manuals are available: 
	SP/1 Chain Saw Operator (State Forests Manual)
	SP/2 Bushfire Driving
	SP/3 Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus.

Training Techniques (5) Manuals

These include (along with their planned year of availability): 
	TT/1 Recommended Standards of Training for
	     Bush Firefighters (new edition in 1996)
	TT/2 Bushfire Instructor's Guide (new 1994 ed.)
	TT/3 Practical Drills for Bush Firefighters (1997)*
The new edition of TT/1 covers numerous specialist trainin8 packwges, as well as all the mainstream training. TT/1 (1996) has also been aligned with the National Fire Training Module Specifications.

* An interim TT/3 is available (NSW Fire Brigade Manual drill sections and Queensland Fire Service Q-STEP Skills and Drills Manual, supplied with the VF Course Guide).

Course Guides (CG)

Note that Course Guides are issued for use by instructors. They include (along with their planned time of availability): 

	CG/VF	Village Firefighter Course Guide (avbl.)
	CG/TT	Training Techniques Course Guide (avbl.)
	CG/BFD	Bushfire Driving Course Guide (mid '96)
	CG/CSO	Chain Saw Operator Course Guide (mid '96)
	CG/AF	Advanced Firefighter Course Guide (late '96)
	CG/CL	Crew Leader Course Guide (1997).

Training Videos

VHS training videos are held at Regional Offices. Itltles include: 
	Ash Wednesday			Method of Fuel Assessment
	Blackout			Water is the Weapon
	Buildings and Bushfires		Water Against Wildfire
	Our Summer Fate			Petroleum Storage Fires
	Fire Weather			Fire Command in Action
	Dangerous Summer		Fire Concepts and Bchaviour
	Decisions, Decisions		Fire: Countdown to Disaster
	Firefighter Fatigue		Fire Power
	Fire line			Hazmats: Case Studies
	Getting There Safely		LPG Emergencies
	Mapping				Petroleum Fires
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This information has kindly been supplied by the Training Services Section, Rural Fire Service, NSW, Australia and the copyright is hereby attributed to them.