SAR PILOT TRAINING
The SAR pilot training program begins with a one-hour orientation in which candidates receive their class schedules and uniforms. All of the pilot equipment is free to candidates, including pilot uniforms and even the use of the training helicopters.
The first two segments of the pilot program are taught in the classroom. First, candidates learn how to use the Gridtalkie communications system to communicate with each other, and also to coordinate with other search-and-rescue organizations in Second Life. Second, candidates undergo intensive classroom training on how to use the active radar system and radio transponders. After these classroom portions are complete, students take to the air.
The first air instruction class is the SAR Recovery Orientation, an intensive walk-through of the rescue systems used aboard Navy helicopters. After this hands-on class, students take three additional in-air classes, each class focusing on a specific search-and-rescue helicopter used by the Navy: The NHIndustries NH-90, the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, and the Bell 429 Global Ranger. In each of these classes, the candidates learn the specific search-and-rescue functions of the aircraft, and are also taught general rotary flight techniques and skills.
After the classes are over, the candidate performs the infamous "SAR Drill," an on-the-job test of their skills and abilities. While their instructor supervises, the candidate engages in a mock response mission to rescue a downed swimmer and return the swimmer to the safety of the NRS Oryx Medical Center.
Upon successfully passing the SAR Drill, candidates are turned to self-instruction to hone their skills. During this time, candidates fly supervised or solo patrol and response search-and-rescue missions implementing the protocols they learned during the program. After successfully completing ten patrol missions, and three response missions, the candidate is certified as a Search and Rescue Pilot. Officers are awarded the Navy Aircrew insignia and receive a Navy Aircrew (AW) designation, qualified as a search-and-rescue rotary specialist. Enlisted sailors are awarded the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) insignia and receive an Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AB) rating. The complete personnel qualification standard (PQS) for the SAR Pilot training program is as follows:
Search and Rescue Orientation (1 hour)
Gridtalkie Operation (1 hour)
Radar and Transponders (2 hours)
SAR Recovery Orientation (1 hour)
Piloting the NH-90 (1 hour)
Piloting the SH-60 (30 minutes)
Piloting the Bell 429 (30 minutes)
Complete 10 patrol missions
Complete 3 response missions
SAR RESCUE SWIMMER TRAINING
The SAR rescue swimmer program begins with a one-hour orientation in which candidates receive their class schedules and uniforms. All of the rescue swimmer equipment is free, including swimer uniforms and even the use of the training helicopters.
The first two segments of the rescue swimmer program are taught in the classroom. First, candidates learn how to use the Gridtalkie communications system to communicate with each other, and also to coordinate with other search-and-rescue organizations in Second Life. Second, candidates undergo intensive classroom training on how to use the active radar system and radio transponders. After these classroom portions are complete, it's time for physical training.
The rescue swimmer physical training program is intense and includes three components. First, candidates learn how to move swiftly and efficiently by completing the challenging physical training course at NRS Oryx. Upon successfully passing that class, candidates take to the water, where they learn how to swim in SL water both and without personal flotation devices (PFDs). Third and finally, candidates participate in the SAR Recovery Orientation, where they learn to swim effectively using the specific search-and-rescue equipment aboard Navy helicopters. After these water segments of the training are completed, it's back to the classroom.
The final classroom components of the rescue swimmer program are Emergency Medical Response I, and Emergency Medical Response II. In these two classroom segments, candidates learn the basics of paramedic and emergency medical response.
After the classes are over, the candidate performs the infamous "SAR Drill," an on-the-job test of their skills and abilities. While their instructor supervises, the candidate engages in a mock response mission to rescue a downed swimmer and return the swimmer to the safety of the NRS Oryx Medical Center.
Upon successfully passing the SAR Drill, candidates are turned to self-instruction to hone their skills. During this time, candidates serve as rescue swimmers aboard supervised or solo patrol and response search-and-rescue missions implementing the protocols they learned during the program. After successfully completing ten patrol missions, and three response missions, the candidate is certified as a Search and Rescue Swimmer. Officers are awarded the Navy Aircrew insignia and receive an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AWR) designation. Enlisted sailors are awarded the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) insignia and receive an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AWR) rating. The complete personnel qualification standard (PQS) for the SAR Rescue Swimmer training program is as follows:
Search and Rescue Orientation (1 hour)
Gridtalkie Operation (1 hour)
Radar and Transponders (2 hours)
Physical Training (1 hour)
Rescue Swimmer Training (1 hour)
SAR Recovery Orientation (1 hour)
Emergency Medical Response I (1 hour)
Emergency Medical REsponse II (1 hour)
Complete 10 patrol missions
Complete 3 response missions
