ASTM F3027-18

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 standard...
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 Guide 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 Technical Bar...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2018
• 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 F3027-13 - Standard Guide for Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain (Mountain Endorsement)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Replaced By: ASTM F3027-24 - Standard Guide for Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain (Mountain Endorsement)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM F2752-19 - Standard Guide for Training for Basic Rope Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F3222-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to F32 Land Search and Rescue Standards and Guides
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM F1773-09(2015) - Standard Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering, Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM F2752-09(2014) - Standard Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1) Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F2209-10 - Standard Guide for Training of Level I Land Search Team Member
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM F1773-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering, Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2752-09 - Standard Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1) Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM F1993-99(2005) - Standard Classification of Human Search and Rescue Resources (Withdrawn 2014)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1773-97(2004) - Standard Terminology Relating to Climbing and Mountaineering Equipment and Practices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM F2209-03 - Standard Guide for Training of Level I Land Search Team Member
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Refers: ASTM F1993-99 - Standard Classification of Human Search and Rescue Resources
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Refers: ASTM F1773-97 - Standard Terminology Relating to Climbing and Mountaineering Equipment and Practices
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997
• Referred By: ASTM F1993-16(2022) - Standard Classification System of Human Land Search and Rescue Resources
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018

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 − 18
Standard Guide for
Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain
1
(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
generalandfieldknowledge,skills,andabilities,forsearchand
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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
individuals capable of operating in the difficult conditions
F1773 Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering,
found in mountainous terrain, at altitudes that may have a
Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
negative impact on human physiology.
F1993 Classification System of Human Land Search and
1.3 Specifically, Mountain-Endorsed individuals may, under
Rescue Resources
qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
effectively in mountainous terrain.
F2752 Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1)
1.4 A Mountain Endorsement alone is not sufficient to
Rescuer Endorsement
indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and/or
F3068 Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book
abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and
(PTB)
rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.
F3222 Terminology Relating to F32 Land Search and Res-
cue Standards and Guides
1.5 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training
requirements for performing operations in partially or fully
2.2 Other References:
collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces,
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) publication
underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in an
PMS 304-2, “Fitness and Work Capacity”
alpine environment.
“Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” 8th ed., Ron-
1.6 AMountain-Endorsed individual may be a member of a ald C. Eng and Julie Van Pelt, eds.
Mountainous Land Search Team or Task Force or Group, as
defined in Guide F1993.
3. Terminology
1.7 Mountain-Endorsed SAR personnel must work under
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate by the Authority
3.1.1 alpine ice axe, n—as defined by the UIAA (Union
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Internationale Des Associations D’Alpinisme), a Type B ice
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the tool (the UIAA Basic type) with lower strength, for use in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the general circumstances, as on glacier for snow hiking, for ski
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- mountaineering, etc., and which meets the requirements of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- UIAA 152 or CE EN 13089:2011.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, see
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
Terminology F1773, Terminology F3222, and Guides F1993,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
F2209, and F2752.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,
2
Training and Education. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published December 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F3027–13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F3027-18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F3027 − 18
4. Significance and Use 5. General Knowledge
4.1 This guide establishes a minimum standard for training 5.1 The AHJ shall verify that a Mountain-Endorsed person
of SAR personnel who conduct operations in mountainous possesses both attitude a
...

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 − 13 F3027 − 18
Standard Guide for
Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain
1
(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 confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in an alpine
environment.
1.6 Type I-IV teams (as defined inA Mountain-Endorsed individual may be a F1993) which may utilize personnel trained to this
guide are Kind A (wilderness), Kind B (urban),member of a Mountainous Land Search Team or Task Force or Group, as defined
in Guide F1993and Kind C (mountainous), Kind D (disaster/collapse), Kind E (inland water), Kind G (cave), Kind H (mine), Kind
I (avalanche), Kind J (evidence/cadaver), Kind K (aircraft), and/or Kind L (unclassified).
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1773 Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering, Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
F1993 Classification System of Human Land Search and Rescue Resources
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
F2752 Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1) 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
1
This test method 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 Sept. 1, 2013Nov. 1, 2018. Published October 2013December 2018. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as
F3027–13. DOI: 10.1520/F3027-13.10.1520/F3027-18.
2
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F3027 − 18
2.2 Other References:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) publication PMS 304-2, “Fitness and Work Capacity”
“Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” 8th ed.ed., Ronald C. Eng and Julie Van Pelt, eds.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 alpine environment, n—mountainous terrain, typically above tree line, where the ability to negotiate routes rated Class
3
2–5 is required
...

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F3027 − 18
Standard Guide for
Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain
1
(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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
individuals capable of operating in the difficult conditions
F1773 Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering,
found in mountainous terrain, at altitudes that may have a
Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
negative impact on human physiology.
F1993 Classification System of Human Land Search and
1.3 Specifically, Mountain-Endorsed individuals may, under
Rescue Resources
qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
effectively in mountainous terrain.
F2752 Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1)
1.4 A Mountain Endorsement alone is not sufficient to
Rescuer Endorsement
indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and/or
F3068 Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book
abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and
(PTB)
rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.
F3222 Terminology Relating to F32 Land Search and Res-
cue Standards and Guides
1.5 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training
requirements for performing operations in partially or fully
2.2 Other References:
collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces,
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) publication
underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in an
PMS 304-2, “Fitness and Work Capacity”
alpine environment.
“Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” 8th ed., Ron-
1.6 A Mountain-Endorsed individual may be a member of a
ald C. Eng and Julie Van Pelt, eds.
Mountainous Land Search Team or Task Force or Group, as
defined in Guide F1993.
3. Terminology
1.7 Mountain-Endorsed SAR personnel must work under
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate by the Authority
3.1.1 alpine ice axe, n—as defined by the UIAA (Union
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Internationale Des Associations D’Alpinisme), a Type B ice
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the tool (the UIAA Basic type) with lower strength, for use in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the general circumstances, as on glacier for snow hiking, for ski
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- mountaineering, etc., and which meets the requirements of
UIAA 152 or CE EN 13089:2011.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, see
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
Terminology F1773, Terminology F3222, and Guides F1993,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
F2209, and F2752.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,
2
Training and Education. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published December 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F3027–13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F3027-18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F3027 − 18
4. Significance and Use 5. General Knowledge
4.1 This guide establishes a minimum standard for training 5.1 The AHJ shall verify that a Mountain-Endorsed person
of SAR personnel who conduct operations in mountainous possesses both attitude and aptitude for working in mountain-
terrain. ous terrain:
4.1.1 Mountain-Endorsed individuals are required to have, 5.1.1 The indi
...