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Small Craft Operator

Position Description

Entry Level

These competencies identify the Knowledge and Skills necessary to operate small craft generally between 10 and 20 feet in length to transport passengers and light cargo.  Operates in good weather, on near shore protected water areas with little waterway traffic.  The Small Craft Operator performs, these duties under general supervision.

  1. Safety
    1. Orientation to on-board safety equipment
      1. Lifejackets
      2. Signal devices
      3. Throwable flotation
      4. Fire extinguishers
      5. Kill switches
      6. Instruct passengers on points of safety
  2. Equipment Operation
    1. Orientation to vessels main power steering, and auxiliary equipment
      1. Inboard/Outboard motors
      2. Hydraulic/Cable steering
      3. Compass
      4. Fuel System
      5. DC power
      6. Gauges
      7. Vessel characteristics
  3. Navigation
    1. Orientation to area of operation
      1. Identification of usual trip routes and navigational aids
      2. Identification of local weather patterns
      3. Identification of hazardous areas and conditions
      4. Identification of landmarks, markers, buoys as aids to navigation
      5. Completion of a United States Coast Guard approved course in Small Craft Operation and Safety
  4. Operation of Small Craft
    1. Operation of Small Craft
      1. Determines trip feasibility in absence of supervisor
      2. Determines if trip should be discontinued due to changing conditions once underway
      3. Performs proper loading of passengers and cargo.  Loads are assigned by supervisor
      4. Observes rules of the road
      5. Operates small craft at safe and efficient speed
      6. Maintains the cleanliness of the craft
      7. Reports mechanical and equipment defects to supervisor

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Knowledge of basic rules of the road.
  • Ability to steer a straight course, visually or with compass.
  • Ability to maneuver small boats to dock and undock or come alongside other vessels.
  • Knowledge of engine and control operation and ability to recognize improper equipment performance.
  • Skill in maintaining balance and agility while handling lines and boarding small boats of limited stability.
  • Knowledge of local waters sufficient to plan assigned trips.

Developmental Level

At the developmental level, the incumbent must possess all entry level competencies.  Incumbent may operate a small craft between 25 to 30 feet in length to transport passengers and cargo.  Operates in sheltered bays and rivers with little waterway traffic, adequate water depth and maneuvering room.  Incumbent receives general instructions from supervisor but otherwise operates independently.

  1. Safety
    1. Explains and enforces safety regulations among passengers
  2. Equipment Operation and Maintenance
    1. Performs routine maintenance on mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment.
    2. Recognizes improper operation of equipment in order to secure repairs
  3. Navigation
    1. Selects route and layout compass course
    2. Safely navigates vessel in situations of poor visibility using charts, soundings, navigational aids or landmarks
  4. Operation of Small Craft
    1. Determines trip feasibility
    2. Performs safe operation in all seasons and weather conditions
    3. Determines cargo loading and schedule trips accordingly

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Knowledge of local waterways, currents, shallows, eddies and prevailing winds
  • Ability to interpret charts, tides tables and current diagrams
  • Ability to compare soundings and charted depths, correcting for tide stage as a rough check of position
  • Skill in maneuvering single or twin screw vessels in narrow channels, docking facilities or currents

Full Performance Level

At the full performance level, the incumbent must possess all competencies at the entry and developmental level.  The incumbent may operate a small craft between 31 and 65 feet in length to transport passengers, cargo and equipment.  Vessel may be either single or twin screw of varying drive configurations.  Operates in exposed waters in all seasons and weather conditions.  Waterways may have narrow channels and heavy traffic.  Incumbent operates independently of supervisor under general instructions and may supervise one or more incumbents serving as deck hands.  The operator has considerable latitude to change standard operating procedures, schedules, trip routes and cargo manifests.

  1. Safety
    1. Performs loading/unloading and securing of heavy cargo using booms, cranes or other conveying equipment.
    2. Supervises deck hands in the safe handling of materials and use of conveying equipment.
    3. Performs safe loading and transport of gasoline, diesel fuel, propane and other volatiles.
  2. Equipment Operation and Maintenance
    1. Operates a variety of auxiliary equipment, main power, propulsion and generators.
    2. Performs routine and emergency repairs to all on board equipment as conditions require.
  3. Navigation
    1. Safety navigates vessels in limited visibility or at night using radar, GPS, loran, charts, and other navigational aids.
  4. Operation of Small Craft
    1. Plans sheltered routes and takes into consideration the effects of wind, currents, tides and visibility.
    2. Performs the safe transfer of passengers and cargo from vessel to vessel or vessel to shore in potentially hazardous sea conditions.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Ability to determine exact position of vessel using radar bearings, interpret charts, relation to shoreline configuration and the use of other electronic navigation equipment.
  • Ability to interpolate for depth correction to charted depths in order to calculate when it is safe to cross shallow areas.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Inland Navigational Rules of the Road and The International Rules (72 COLREGS).
  • Ability to set and retrieve anchor and breaking out imbedded anchors using engine or wave action.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2