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Deck Coordinator

DECK Incident Position Description

The Deck Coordinator (DECK) serves as a trained member of a helibase organization, assisting the Helibase Manager (HEBM) in the performance and completion of helicopter missions through management of deck operations. The DECK reports to the HEBM and works in the Aviation functional area.

  • For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Review Helibase Operations Plan and obtain initial briefing from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Conduct self in a professional manner.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Use Incident Command System (ICS) terminology, organization, and command structure.
  • Participate in proficiency checks and drills.
  • Calculate amount and type of additional resources required and obtain through established ordering procedures. Ensures adequate staffing is in place for anticipated or expected activity.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure daily operational objectives and performance standards are met.

Perform Deck Coordinator-Specific Duties

  • Perform daily preparedness checks and ensure operational readiness of helibase deck.
  • Brief assigned deck personnel using helibase operations plan, crash rescue plan, local aviation plan, and storm water pollution and prevention plan (SWPPP) when in place. Train assigned personnel in these operations if necessary.
  • Coordinate with HEBM to designate areas for passenger/cargo loading, fueling, maintenance, overnight parking, day(s) off parking, transient aircraft, and vehicle parking, and to ensure adequate space for deck operations.
  • Maintain the safety of deck operations.
  • Coordinate and direct Parking Tenders, Personnel Loadmaster, Cargo Loadmaster, water tenders, etc., and provide daily or more frequent briefings as necessary.
  • Respond to unforeseen circumstances and initiate contingency operational plans pertaining to deck congestion, unexpected maintenance, unanticipated delays, etc.
  • Provide HEBM with resource needs within specified timeframe.
  • Manage the deck.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate using clear text.
  • Obtain daily or more frequent briefings from supervisor.
  • Ensure assigned radios are functional prior to commencing daily operations.
  • Maintain radio or message links with appropriate incident functions.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Coordinate movement of all aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and personnel on the deck.
  • Ensure Parking Tenders are proficient in the use of aircraft radios and nationally standardized hand signals.
  • Ensure all personnel are trained in aircraft rapid refueling if approved at the helibase.
  • Monitor and ensure the safety of all fueling operations by requiring Parking Tenders and fuelers to adhere to established regulations and procedures.
  • Assign and brief deck personnel as needed to ensure proper clearances.
  • Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.
  • Communicate and coordinate deck equipment, supply, and personnel needs.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary information with the following:
    • Helibase Manager (HEBM)
    • Aircraft Base Radio Operators (ABRO)
    • Helicopter Managers (HGBM)
    • Parking Tenders
    • Flight Crews/Pilots
    • Personnel and Cargo Loadmasters
    • Fuelers/Fuel Truck Drivers
    • Fixed Base Operator (FBO) when applicable
    • Other resources associated with deck operations, (i.e., water tenders, porta-john servicers, etc.)
  • Ensure deck personnel receive briefing from pilot prior to cargo operations.
  • Ensure deck personnel brief pilot prior to cargo operations.
  • Participate in functional area briefings and After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards.
    • Assess Hazards.
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions.
    • Implement Controls.
    • Supervise and Evaluate.
  • Participate in safety sessions and critiques.
  • Ensure preflight safety briefings are provided to passengers.
  • Ensure own and others’ safety and welfare in all aspects of job.
  • Report hazards, injuries, incidents, and accidents to supervisor immediately.
  • Ensure the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Ensure the deck is free of Foreign Object Debris (FOD).
  • Ensure cleanliness of the deck. Report all fuel and retardant spills to the HEBM and ensure they are promptly cleaned by the responsible party according to established environmental and/or hazardous materials procedures.
  • Monitor personnel working on the deck for fatigue, stress, and distraction.
  • Verify base and/or incident emergency and safety procedures.
  • Plan for aircraft and/or medical emergencies. Ensure that assigned resources are prepared to execute the helibase crash rescue plan and/or Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan. Manage the emergency based on procedures stated in the Incident Action Plan (IAP), the Medical Incident Report, helibase crash rescue plan, and/or other relevant guidelines.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:

Demobilize

  • Follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest standards are followed.
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NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

Date: August 27, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32, NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32, and Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for SCKN includes the Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Book, and job aid were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Status/Check-In Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32

NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32

Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111

The Next Generation Position Task Book and Incident Position Standards are now available for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF)

Date: July 26, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81 and NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81 are now available.

The Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) is responsible for monitoring operations on an incident from a risk management perspective to provide for the welfare of incident resources and the public. The new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort.

References:

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81

NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81

Updated NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

Date: July 25, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

The Incident Planning Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277.

The NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc) establishes the standards for collection and retention of records on wildland fires. This July 2024 update will provide incident management teams the most current standards required to maintain incident records and submit them to host units at the close of an incident.

References:

NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

eDoc Box Directory (zip file)

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standard Request for Comment

Date: July 24, 2024
Contact: Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee has released Equipment Bulletin 24-002 NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment. This bulletin outlines the proposed NWCG OHV typing standard, as well as the business need for establishing the standard. Comments on the proposed standard will be accepted through August 15th using the comment form linked below.

References:

ETC-EB-2024-02: NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard Comment Form