6B13
PAY RANGE: 305
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is skilled marine work piloting a diesel engine fireboat in fire fighting and other emergency operations on an assigned shift. Work involves participation in fire fighting activities, maintenance of the pilothouse and deck equipment and the training of firefighters to qualify as Fire Boat Engineer/Co-Pilots or Fire Boat Pilots, and to instruct Firefighters in crew responsibilities to support Fire Department Maritime Incident responses.
Work is performed under the general supervision of a fire officer. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are performed in accordance with standard marine practices and general work instructions. Employees are responsible for the movement and positioning of fireboats. Work involves regular exposure to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions and requires light physical effort.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Determines location of alarms; signals Engineer/Co-Pilot to set diesel engines for propulsion or pumping; signals firefighters serving as deck hands to cast off mooring lines; operates pilothouse control; pilots fireboat to fire and maneuvers it into proper position for firefighting; maintains communications with other vessels.
Takes depth soundings of water in pier areas with assistance of deck hand; prepares and maintains nautical navigation charts; maintains working knowledge of obstructions and hazards to navigation.
Demonstrates to and instructs firefighters and Engineer/Co-Pilots in the principles and procedures of fireboat piloting.
Inspects entire fireboat to insure all equipment is secured and mooring lines are properly set; inspects pilothouse to insure equipment is operating properly; with Co-Pilot/Engineer's assistance, starts and tests engines, throttle and helm control systems; reports damage and malfunctions to fire officer.
Supervises deck hands in securing vessel and properly setting moor lines and assists deck hands in the general cleaning, painting, maintenance and minor repair of the pilothouse and deck equipment.
Administers first aid to fireboat crew when necessary.
Maintains daily station log of operations and maintains ship’s log of all assigned vessels.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the regulations, principles, and practices applicable to piloting of intermediate-sized vessels on federally regulated waters.
• the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard as they apply to pilot operations.
· the rules and regulations pertaining to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs) as they apply to vessels operating within the inland waterways of the U.S.
• tidal conditions, currents, and of the location of channels, shoals, reefs, rocks, floating bells, lights, landmarks, and signals in the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.
• the principles and practices of the care and routine maintenance of hulls, deck structures, gear and other fireboat equipment.
• modern firefighting and fire prevention methods.
• first aid principles and techniques.
SKILL IN:
• the piloting of a fireboat under a variety of conditions.
• demonstrating and instructing firefighters in fireboat piloting principles and procedures.
• taking depth soundings and preparing diagrams of pier areas, noting water depths and accessibility.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 5/19.)
CERTIFICATION:
Possession of Boating Safety Education Certificate that meets the mandatory education standards set by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
AND
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience as a Fire Boat Engineer/Co-Pilot.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Fire Boat Pilot.
Possession of Boating Safety Education Certificate that meets the mandatory education standards set by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) at time of application and during tenure of employment as a Fire Boat Pilot.
Class Established 1/53
Reviewed but not revised 2/80
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC – 4/19
Ad. Board – 5/19
JH