ASTM F3027-24

Standard Guide for Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain (Mountain Endorsement)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide establishes a minimum standard for training of SAR personnel who conduct operations in mountainous terrain.  
4.1.1 Mountain Endorsed individuals are required to have, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to safe movement individually, or as a member of a team, in mountainous terrain.  
4.1.2 Every person who is identified as Mountain Endorsed shall meet the requirements of this guide.  
4.1.3 Mountain Endorsed individuals shall be entitled to add the prefix “Mountain Endorsed” to their current training levels.  
4.2 This guide only establishes the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a person to operate in mountainous terrain as a part of a larger team. No other skills are included or implied.  
4.3 Mountain Endorsement only indicates that personnel are qualified to operate safely and effectively in mountainous terrain in their normal area of operations.  
4.3.1 A Mountain Endorsement alone does not indicate that an individual possesses adequate field skills and knowledge to make mission-critical decisions.  
4.4 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating a Mountain Endorsed individual, and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program.  
4.5 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training individuals to operate in the mountainous environment. Likewise, this guide can be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements in this guide.  
4.6 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence.  
4.7 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM standards to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to conduct search and/or rescue in the mountainous environment.  
4.8 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for search and rescue personnel who conduct operations in mountainous terrain.  
1.2 A Mountain Endorsement is intended only for those individuals capable of operating in the difficult conditions found in mountainous terrain, at altitudes that may have a negative impact on human physiology.  
1.3 Specifically, Mountain Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and effectively in mountainous terrain.  
1.4 A Mountain Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.  
1.5 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for performing operations in partially or fully collapsed structures, in or on water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in an alpine environment.  
1.6 A Mountain Endorsed individual may be a member of a Mountainous Land Search Team or Task Force or Group, as defined in Classification F1993.  
1.7 Mountain Endorsed SAR personnel must work under qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).  
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Techn...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2024
• ICS: 03.100.30 - Management of human resources
• ICS: 13.200 - Accident and disaster control
• Technical Committee: F32 - Search and Rescue
• Drafting Committee: F32.03 - Personnel, Training and Education

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F3027-18 - Standard Guide for Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain (Mountain Endorsement)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM F1993-24 - Standard Classification System of Human Land Search and Rescue Resources
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM F1993-16(2022) - Standard Classification System of Human Land Search and Rescue Resources
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2022
• Referred By: ASTM F3193-16 - Standard Guide for Training of a Land Search and Rescue Team Leader
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Referred By: ASTM F3222-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to F32 Land Search and Rescue Standards and Guides
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Referred By: ASTM F3028-24 - Standard Guide for Training of Search and Rescue Personnel Operating in the Alpine Environment (Alpine Endorsement)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024

Overview

ASTM F3027-24: Standard Guide for Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain (Mountain Endorsement) sets forth the minimum requirements for the training of search and rescue (SAR) personnel who conduct operations in mountainous terrain. This standard establishes the knowledge, skills, and abilities considered essential for safe and effective individual or team operations in such challenging environments. The Mountain Endorsement is designed for personnel operating in areas where rugged terrain and altitude may present significant risks to human performance and safety.

Key Topics

The guide addresses essential competencies and conditions for Mountain Endorsed SAR personnel, including:

• Safe Movement: Demonstrating proficiency in navigating steep, exposed, and technical mountainous terrain as an individual or as part of a team.
• Environmental Knowledge: Understanding the differences between general wilderness travel and mountain-specific hazards, including weather, terrain risks, and altitude effects.
• Physiological Considerations: Recognizing and managing altitude-related illnesses such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), as well as other conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, and snow blindness.
• Survival and Shelter Skills: Ability to survive up to 48 hours in mountainous conditions, construct improvised shelters, and manage personal needs for nutrition, hydration, and hygiene.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use of essential gear including helmets, harnesses, gloves, ice axes, crampons, and avalanche safety equipment, all certified through relevant safety standards.
• Team Skills: Effective load sharing, bivouac performance in winter, risk assessment, and communication within a SAR team.
• Rescue and Navigation: Basic rope skills, creating secure anchors, understanding lost-person behavior, and proficiency with navigation tools, avalanche search techniques, and helicopter operations.
• Fitness Requirements: Meeting fitness and medical standards as defined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and guidelines like NWCG’s “Fitness and Work Capacity.”

Applications

The ASTM F3027-24 standard is intended for:

• Search and Rescue Teams: Ensuring all personnel have the required baseline competencies for safe operations in mountainous terrains, supporting the creation or evaluation of SAR training programs.
• Emergency Response Organizations: Identifying qualified personnel for tasks in mountainous environments and defining training pathways for Mountain Endorsement.
• Training Program Development: Assisting agencies and trainers in developing curriculum and assessment tools that align with the outlined minimum requirements.
• Mutual Aid and Task Forces: Standardizing qualifications across agencies for inter-jurisdictional operations and mutual aid responses in mountainous areas.
• Personnel Evaluation: Allowing AHJs and organizations to assess current training programs or individual readiness against a recognized standard.

Related Standards

ASTM F3027-24 is part of a broader suite of standards designed to improve SAR effectiveness and safety, and it should be used in conjunction with:

• ASTM F1993: Classification System of Human Land Search and Rescue Resources
• ASTM F2209: Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
• ASTM F2752: Guide for Training for Basic Rope Rescuer Endorsement
• ASTM F3068: Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book (PTB)
• ASTM F3222: Terminology Relating to F32 Land Search and Rescue Standards and Guides

Additionally, relevant external references include safety and fitness guidelines such as the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) PMS 304-2, and established resources on mountaineering techniques.

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Keywords: mountain rescue, mountainous terrain, search and rescue training, SAR standards, mountain endorsement, ASTM F3027-24, high altitude, safety standards, PPE, wilderness operations

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3027 − 24
Standard Guide for
Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain
(Mountain Endorsement)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3027; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training, including
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for search and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rescue personnel who conduct operations in mountainous
terrain.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 A Mountain Endorsement is intended only for those
2.1 ASTM Standards:
individuals capable of operating in the difficult conditions
F1993 Classification System of Human Land Search and
found in mountainous terrain, at altitudes that may have a
Rescue Resources
negative impact on human physiology.
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
1.3 Specifically, Mountain Endorsed individuals may, under
F2752 Guide for Training for Basic Rope Rescuer Endorse-
qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and
ment
effectively in mountainous terrain.
F3068 Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book
(PTB)
1.4 A Mountain Endorsement alone is not sufficient to
F3222 Terminology Relating to F32 Land Search and Res-
indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and/or
cue Standards and Guides
abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and
2.2 NWCG Publication:
rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.
PMS 304-2 Fitness and Work Capacity
1.5 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training
requirements for performing operations in partially or fully
3. Terminology
collapsed structures, in or on water, in confined spaces,
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this guide, see Termi-
underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in an
nology F3222, Classification F1993, and Guides F2209 and
alpine environment.
F2752.
1.6 A Mountain Endorsed individual may be a member of a
Mountainous Land Search Team or Task Force or Group, as 4. Significance and Use
defined in Classification F1993.
4.1 This guide establishes a minimum standard for training
1.7 Mountain Endorsed SAR personnel must work under of SAR personnel who conduct operations in mountainous
qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate by the Authority terrain.
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). 4.1.1 Mountain Endorsed individuals are required to have,
at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safe movement individually, or as a member of a team, in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
mountainous terrain.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.2 Every person who is identified as Mountain Endorsed
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
shall meet the requirements of this guide.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.3 Mountain Endorsed individuals shall be entitled to add
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
the prefix “Mountain Endorsed” to their current training levels.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel, contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Training and Education. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2024. Published April 2024. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F3027 – 18. DOI: Available from National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) at
10.1520/F3027-24. www.nwcg.gov/publications/304-2.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3027 − 24
4.2 This guide only establishes the minimum knowledge, 5.2.1 The differences between wilderness travel and moun-
skills, and abilities required for a person to operate in moun- tain travel;
tainous terrain as a part of a larger team. No other skills are 5.2.2 Human functional and survival needs in cold, windy,
included or implied. and wet environments, including:
5.2.2.1 Clothing (suitable for all four seasons);
4.3 Mountain Endorsement only indicates that personnel are
5.2.2.2 Shelter, both emergency and extended stay;
qualified to operate safely and effectively in mountainous
5.2.2.3 Nutrition;
terrain in their normal area of operations.
5.2.2.4 Hydration;
4.3.1 A Mountain Endorsement alone does not indicate that
5.2.2.5 Hygiene;
an individual possesses adequate field skills and knowledge to
5.2.2.6 Sanitation;
make mission-critical decisions.
5.2.2.7 Individual and team safety issues specific to operat-
4.4 This guide is an outline of the topics required for
ing in mountainous terrain.
training or evaluating a Mountain Endorsed individual, and
5.3 Mountain Endorsed individuals shall demonstrate the
may be used to assist in the development of a training
ability to manage the following medical conditions at a basic
document or program.
wilderness first aid level:
5.3.1 Acute mountain sickness (AMS);
4.5 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to
determine if its content includes the topics necessary for 5.3.2 High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE);
5.3.3 High altitude cerebral edema (HACE);
training individuals to operate in the mountainous environ-
ment. Likewise, this guide can be used to evaluate an existing 5.3.4 Hypothermia;
5.3.5 Snow blindness;
training program to see if it meets the requirements in this
guide. 5.3.6 Frostbite.
5.4 Risks and hazards specific to mountainous terrain, and
4.6 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the
methods for avoiding or mitigating them. Such risks and
following sections are not in any particular order and do not
hazards include:
represent a training sequence.
5.4.1 Personal fall;
4.7 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with
5.4.2 Rock fall;
other ASTM standards to identify the knowledge, skills, and
5.4.3 Severe and rapidly changing weather;
abilities needed to conduct search and/or rescue in the moun-
5.4.4 Avalanches, if avalanches occur within the normal
tainous environment.
response area;
4.8 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, 5.4.5 Rapidly rising water and flash floods.
it does not imply that a Mountain Endorsed individual is a
5.5 If avalanches occur within the normal response area, or
“trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of
if required by the AHJ, Mountain Endorsed individuals shall
an organization.
have, at a minimum, American Institute for Avalanche Re-
4.8.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the require-
search and Education (AIARE) Level 1, National Ski Patrol
ments and qualifications for its team member ratings.
(NSP) Level 1, American Avalanche Association (AAA) Level
4.8.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding
1, or equivalent avalanche safety and rescue training
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3027 − 18 F3027 − 24
Standard Guide for
Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain
(Mountain Endorsement)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3027; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for search and rescue
personnel who conduct operations in mountainous terrain.
1.2 A Mountain Endorsement is intended only for those individuals capable of operating in the difficult conditions found in
mountainous terrain, at altitudes that may have a negative impact on human physiology.
1.3 Specifically, Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal
duties safely and effectively in mountainous terrain.
1.4 A Mountain Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to
perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.
1.5 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for performing operations in partially or fully collapsed
structures, in- or on-water, in or on water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in an alpine
environment.
1.6 A Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed individual may be a member of a Mountainous Land Search Team or Task Force
or Group, as defined in GuideClassification F1993.
1.7 Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed SAR personnel must work under qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate by the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This test method guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,
Training and Education.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018April 1, 2024. Published December 2018April 2024. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 20132018 as
F3027F3027 – 18.–13. DOI: 10.1520/F3027-18.10.1520/F3027-24.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3027 − 24
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1773 Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering, Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices (Withdrawn 2024)
F1993 Classification System of Human Land Search and Rescue Resources
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
F2752 Guide for Training for Basic Rope Rescuer Endorsement
F3068 Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book (PTB)
F3222 Terminology Relating to F32 Land Search and Rescue Standards and Guides
2.2 Other References:NWCG Publication:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) publication PMS 304-2,PMS 304-2 “FitnessFitness and Work Capacity”Ca-
pacity
“Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” 8th ed., Ronald C. Eng and Julie Van Pelt, eds.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 alpine ice axe, n—as defined by the UIAA (Union Internationale Des Associations D’Alpinisme), a Type B ice tool (the
UIAA Basic type) with lower strength, for use in general circumstances, as on glacier for snow hiking, for ski mountaineering, etc.,
and which meets the requirements of UIAA 152 or CE EN 13089:2011.
3.1 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, see Terminology F1773, Terminology F3222, and Guides Classification
F1993, and Guides F2209, and F2752.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide establishes a minimum standard for training of SAR personnel who conduct operations in mountainous terrain.
4.1.1 Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed individuals are required to have, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities
pertaining to safe movement individually, or as a member of a team, in mountainous terrain.
4.1.2 Every person who is identified as Mountain Endorsed shall meet the requirements of this guide.
4.1.3 Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed individuals shall be entitled to add the prefix “Mountain Endorsed”)Endorsed” to
their current training levels.
4.2 This guide only establishes the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a person to operate in mountainous
terrain as a part of a larger team. No other skills are included or implied.
4.3 Mountain Endorsement only indicates that personnel are qualified to operate safely and effectively in mountainous terrain in
their normal area of operations.
4.3.1 A Mountain Endorsement alone does not indicate that an individual possesses adequate field skills and knowledge to make
mission-critical decisions.
4.4 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating a Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed individual,
and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program.
4.5 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training individuals
to operate in the mountainous environment. Likewise, this guide can be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it
meets the requirements in this guide.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.Available from National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) at www.nwcg.gov/
publications/304-2.
F3027 − 24
4.6 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent
a training sequence.
4.7 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM Standardsstandards to identify the knowledge, skills, and
abilities needed to conduct search and/or rescue in the mountainous environment.
4.8 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that a Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed
individual is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of an organization.
4.8.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the requirements and qualifications for its team member ratings.
4.8.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding additional requirements for its own members.
4.9 A Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed individual shall document his or her training by completion of a position task
book,book compliant with Guide F3068, or by field demonstration under qualified supervision.
4.10 Where proficiency in a skill or ability must be demonstrated, unless stated otherwise it shall be demonstrated for initial
qualification,qualification and as often as required by the AHJ.
5. General Knowledge
5.1 The AHJ shall verify that a Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed person possesses both attitude and aptitude for working
in mountainous terrain:
5.1.1 The individual must demonstrate the ability to function effectively in highly exposed locations, at altitude, in the conditions
normal to that terrain;
5.1.2 The individual must demonstrate the ability to move safely and effectively anywhere in that terrain.
5.2 Mountain-Endorsed Mountain Endorsed individuals shall demonstrate knowledge of the following:
5.2.1 The differences between wilderness travel and mountain travel.travel;
5.2.2 Human functional and survival needs in cold, windy, and wet environments, including:
5.2.2.1 Clothing (suitable for all four seasons);
5.2.2.2 Shelter, both emergency and extended stay;
5.2.2.3 Nutrition;
5.2.2.4 Hydration;
5.2.2.5 Hygiene;
5.2.2.6 Sanitation;
5.2.2.7 Individual and team safety issues specific to operating in mountainous terrain.
5.2.3 Medical conditions
...