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PMS 530-1

Personnel, Government

Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)

Aircraft | Contracts | Facilities | Maintenance | Operations | Personnel Contractors | Personnel Government


SYSTEM:  SEAT, Personnel (Government)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Utilization Span of control exceeded

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Ensure that base operations plans address contingency to handle events where span of control may be exceeded. Home units need to mitigate this issue by pre-training and recruitment of supplemental personnel. Order additional personnel as necessary. Comply with NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations' staffing minimums.

Possible

Critical

High

Management Ineffective use of SEATs on incidents

Likely

Moderate

Medium

Ensure that base operations plans address contingency to handle events where span of control may be exceeded. Home units need to mitigate this issue by pre-training and recruitment of supplemental personnel. Order additional personnel as necessary. Comply with NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations' staffing minimums.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Training Lack of knowledge and experience in aviation contract administration and aviation program management for SEAT Manager trainees

Almost Certain

Moderate

Medium

Recommend SEAT Managers attend aviation contract administration course.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Lack of available and trained agency SEMGs, ramp personnel

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Fire management should provide opportunities for training/qualification of agency employees.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Human Factors Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Review risk assessment and existing policy/procedures. Brief/debrief with all personnel and utilize risk management tools to include Go/No-Go checklists. Educate personnel on the hazards of normalization of risk and complacency. Emphasize situational awareness with all personnel. Mission decisions are made at the appropriate level.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Changes in standard operating procedures not being accepted

Likely

Moderate

High

Clarify and confirm program changes. Provide training. Notify appropriate personnel, in a timely manner. Accept questions and seek out responses.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Conflicting personalities resulting in hazardous attitudes

Possible

Critical

High

If individuals cannot professionally resolve differences, managers and supervisors must intervene immediately. Brief/debrief, employ CRM, provide and receive honest and objective feedback, maintain positive attitude. Maintain professionalism and mission focus at all times.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Experience SEAT Manager - Agency vs AD

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

Provide program oversight (Local, State or National) to ensure that SEMG meets currency experience requirements and have completed triennial refresher as per NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications. Provide FWPT/RAMP training. Encourage more Agency personnel train for SEMG qualification.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Aerial supervision - lack of SEAT-specific knowledge and experience

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Provide thorough pre-mission briefings and conduct post-mission AARs, including SEAT pilots and ATGS. Include specific SEAT section for ATGS training.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Policy/ Procedure Policy deviation

Possible

Critical

High

Re-enforce and emphasize to SEMGs to communicate with local UAO, SECOs, COs, SAMs, etc. when questions and/or issues arise.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Multiple agencies - differing standards (state vs federal)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Recommend continued development and implementation of interagency standardized SEAT program management and policy.

Possible

Critical

High

 

Download the Word version (docx) of this information and the Risk Assessment Matrix (pdf) to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet (docx).

 

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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Questions?  Please contact:
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The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

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References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

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Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

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IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

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References:

Incident Management Teams Association

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Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

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References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

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Questions?  Please contact:
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References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200