Area Marine Companies Train with United States Coast Guard

This week, 10 firefighters from area departments attended a Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR) course at Delaware City Fire Company. This National Association of State Boating Law Administrators course was instructed by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay personnel. The BOSAR course gives maritime law enforcement and emergency responders a learning framework in order to become more proficient with skills necessary to operate in the maritime environment and conduct search and rescue operations. A key element of this course is be the preparation of participants to become qualified in the tasks necessary for response to maritime safety and security operations, and Coast Guard/FEMA recognition in the national qualification database maintained by and through NASBLA. Coordination is key and having all responders capable of working together during a search is crucial.

The course covers a wide variety of topics including Crew Efficiency Factors, Risk Factors and Team Coordination, Boat Characteristics and Stability, Boat Handling, Boat Piloting and Navigation, Search and Rescue, Rescue and Assistance, and Towing and Salvage. This included several days of hands-on training evolutions on the Delaware River. A small boat from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay also assisted with the training evolutions. This was a fantastic course and we are grateful for the support and partnership of the Coast Guard. A huge thank you to BOSN Schneider, MKC Fahey, BMC Butler, and Mr. Iannacone for their time and knowledge!

Departments Represented:
Delaware City Fire Company
Port Penn Volunteer Fire Company
Good Will Fire Company
Holloway Terrace Fire Co.
Wilmington Fire