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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

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
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6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

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ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
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Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
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The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
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Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552