As the weather gets cooler and the daylight gets shorter, many of the marine responses will be handled by Fireboat 15.  Deck Hands are a crutial part of the operation of this vessel whether it be on a Search and Rescue, Search and Recover, a simple boater in distress, a boating accident with injuries or a fire on the water.  It is imperative that we are ready to handle these events.  This past Tuesday night we began the Fall training for Deck Hands.  Eight people attended the classroom training at the station for the first half hour.  Four continued onto the Fireboat for a comprehensive overview of the vessel.  After the time was spent explaining the various parts of the boat, how it's berthed, casting off, use of PFDs and safety, we embarked for practical traing on the river.  Class participants had the opportunity to see the river at twilight and night time exploring the different navigational aids, their purposes, markings and position.  They also received instruction on how to interpret the GPS, Chart Plotter. Radar and FLIR.  We explored up into the C & D Canal to the Reedy Point Bridge, the mouth of the Salem River, Pea Patch Island, "A" Light and the Refinery Pier.  Each participant had an opportunity to take the helm in the branch canal and operate the boat themselves.  Upon our return to port, instruction was given on checking the fluids, strainers and securing the boat.  A training schedule is located on the company website as well as in the hallway with the dates of the remaining Fireboat training through December.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the boat so you too may assist the company with River Rescues.