ASTM F3048-13(2022)

Standard Guide for Swiftwater/Flood Search and Rescue Operations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide establishes a framework within which swiftwater/flood SAR operations shall be conducted.  
4.2 Every person, agency, and organization that responds to, or participates in, swiftwater/flood SAR operations should operate within the framework established by this guide.  
4.3 This guide and the framework it establishes should be used in conjunction with established and authorized guidelines and procedures mandated by an AHJ.  
4.4 The AHJ shall determine which personnel, agencies, and/or organizations are qualified and authorized to participate in swiftwater/flood SAR operations.  
4.5 This guide is to be used by individuals and AHJ that wish to perform swiftwater/flood SAR operations as part of the NIMS/ICS.  
4.6 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with the referenced documents to safely and effectively perform swiftwater/flood SAR operations.  
4.7 The AHJ will determine the evaluation process to assess the extent to which the requirements of this standard are met.  
4.8 Because operations in the swiftwater/flood environment are inherently dangerous, and individuals involved are frequently required to perform rigorous activities in adverse conditions, regional and national safety standards should be included in agency policies and procedures.  
4.9 Swiftwater/flood personnel should only perform activities in the swiftwater environment after a thorough risk assessment and appropriate risk mitigation efforts (for example, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), restricting efforts to shore-based techniques, delaying a recovery until more favorable water conditions exist, etc.) have been performed, or at the very least, should follow the appropriate federal, state, tribal, provincial, and local safety standards as they apply to activities in swiftwater environments.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes a framework within which swiftwater/flood Search and Rescue (SAR) operations shall be conducted as part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident Command System (ICS).  
1.2 The requirements of this guide shall apply to individuals, agencies, and organizations that respond to swiftwater/flood SAR operations, including those not regulated by government mandates.  
1.3 This document does not define the specific training required for personnel involved in swiftwater/flood SAR operations. Refer to local, state, federal, public, and private swiftwater rescue certification and operations courses that satisfy the existing authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.  
1.4 This guide includes references more common to the United States of America, but may be adapted for use elsewhere.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2022
• ICS: 13.200 - Accident and disaster control
• Technical Committee: F32 - Search and Rescue
• Drafting Committee: F32.02 - Management and Operations

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1422-08(2020) - Standard Guide for Using the Incident Command System Framework in Managing Search and Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1768-97(2020) - Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F2752-19 - Standard Guide for Training for Basic Rope Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2752-09(2014) - Standard Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1) Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1768-97(2014) - Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1422-08(2014) - Standard Guide for Using the Incident Command System Framework in Managing Search and Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F2752-09 - Standard Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1) Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM F1422-08 - Standard Guide for Using the Incident Command System Framework in Managing Search and Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM F1768-97(2007) - Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM F1422-92(1999) - Standard Guide for Using the Incident Command System Framework in Managing Civilian Search and Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1999
• Refers: ASTM F1768-97(2002) - Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1997
• Refers: ASTM F1768-97 - Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1997

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: F3048 − 13 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Guide for
Swiftwater/Flood Search and Rescue Operations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3048; 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 F1422 Guide for Using the Incident Command System
Framework in Managing Search and Rescue Operations
1.1 This guide establishes a framework within which
F1768 GuideforUsingWhistleSignalsDuringRopeRescue
swiftwater/flood Search and Rescue (SAR) operations shall be
Operations
conductedaspartoftheNationalIncidentManagementSystem
F2752 Guide for Training for Basic Rope Rescuer Endorse-
(NIMS)/Incident Command System (ICS).
ment
1.2 The requirements of this guide shall apply to
2.2 Other Documents:
individuals, agencies, and organizations that respond to
FEMA National Incident Management System, December
swiftwater/floodSARoperations,includingthosenotregulated 3
by government mandates.
FEMA National Response Framework (NRF), January
1.3 This document does not define the specific training 2013
required for personnel involved in swiftwater/flood SAR op-
3. Terminology
erations. Refer to local, state, federal, public, and private
swiftwater rescue certification and operations courses that 3.1 Acronyms:
satisfytheexistingauthorityhavingjurisdiction(AHJ)require-
3.1.1 AHJ—Authority Having Jurisdiction
ments.
3.1.2 EMS—Emergency Medical Services
1.4 This guide includes references more common to the
3.1.3 IAP—Incident Action Plan
United States of America, but may be adapted for use else-
3.1.4 IC—Incident Command or Incident Commander
where.
3.1.5 ICS—Incident Command System
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.6 NIMS—National Incident Management System
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.7 PFD—Personal Flotation Device
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.8 PPE—Personal Protective Equipment
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.9 PWC—Personal Water Craft (for example, jet ski,
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
water bike)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.10 PTB—Position Task Book
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.11 SAR—Search and Rescue
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.12 SWFT—Swiftwater/Flood Technician
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.13 TFL—Task Force Leader
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Referenced Documents
2 3.2.1 authority having jurisdiction—an organization, office,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a
code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials,
installation, or a procedure.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and
3.2.2 boat-assisted—swiftwater/flood SAR operations aided
RescueandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeF32.02onManagementand
Operations. by a boat, in which the boat is operated on a tether.
Current edition approved July 1, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally approved
3.2.3 boat-based—swiftwater/flood SAR operations con-
in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F3048 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/
ducted from a boat only.
F3048-13R22.
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 http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/NIMS_core.pdf
the ASTM website. http://www.fema.gov/national-response-framework
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3048 − 13 (2022)
3.2.4 flood—a great flowing or overflowing of water, espe- 4. Significance and Use
cially over land not usually submerged.
4.1 This guide establishes a framework within which
swiftwater/flood SAR operations shall be conducted.
3.2.5 helicopter-based—swiftwater/flood SAR operations
conducted by a helicopter crew, which intends to make direct
4.2 Everyperson,agency,andorganizationthatrespondsto,
contact with the subject(s) while remaining airborne.
or participates in, swiftwater/flood SAR operations should
operate within the framework established by this guide.
3.2.6 in-water contact—swiftwater/flood SAR operations
conducted by rescuers in the water who make direct contact
4.3 This guide and the framework it establishes should be
with the subject(s).
used in conjunction with established and authorized guidelines
and procedures mandated by an AHJ.
3.2.7 near shore—the side of the watercourse where opera-
tions or Incident Command may occur.
4.4 The AHJ shall determine which personnel, agencies,
and/or organizations are qualified and authorized to participate
3.2.8 personal flotation device (PFD)—a buoyant device
in swiftwater/flood SAR operations.
suitable for use by one person to stay afloat in a water
emergency. This may be a vest, ring buoy, life preserver,
4.5 This guide is to be used by individuals and AHJ that
cushion, or other special purpose buoyant apparatus. Types
wish to perform swiftwater/flood SAR operations as part of the
include:
NIMS/ICS.
3.2.8.1 Type I—offshore life jacket
4.6 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with
the referenced documents to safely and effectively perform
3.2.8.2 Type II—near shore buoyant vest
swiftwater/flood SAR operations.
3.2.8.3 Type III—flotation aid
4.7 TheAHJ will determine the evaluation process to assess
3.2.8.4 Type IV—throwable device
the extent to which the requirements of this standard are met.
3.2.8.5 Type V—special use device
4.8 Because operations in the swiftwater/flood environment
are inherently dangerous, and individuals involved are fre-
3.2.9 recovery—an operation to retrieve deceased persons
quently required to perform rigorous activities in adverse
from the current position and move them to a designated place.
conditions, regional and national safety standards should be
3.2.10 rescue—an operation to retrieve persons in distress,
included in agency policies and procedures.
provide for their initial medical or other needs, and deliver
4.9 Swiftwater/flood personnel should only perform activi-
them to a place of safety.
ties in the swiftwater environment after a thorough risk
3.2.11 search—an operation using available trained person-
assessment and appropriate risk mitigation efforts (for
nel and facilities to locate persons in distress.
example, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), restrict-
3.2.12 shore-based—swiftwater/flood SAR operations con-
ing efforts to shore-based techniques, delaying a recovery until
ducted from land adjacent to the water. more favorable water conditions exist, etc.) have been
performed, or at the very least, should follow the appropriate
3.2.13 swiftwater—water moving with sufficient force to
federal, state, tribal, provincial, and local safety standards as
present a significant life and safety hazard to a person entering
they apply to activities in swiftwater environments.
it.
5. Initial SAR Response to Swiftwater/Flood Incidents
3.2.14 swiftwater/flood search and rescue operations—
actions intended to locate and save individuals caught in, or
5.1 Determine scene safety.
stranded by, swift or flood waters, conducted using the NIMS/
5.2 Establish command.
ICS, or equivalent.
5.2.1 The command structure of swiftwater/flood SAR op-
3.2.15 swiftwater/flood search and rescue technician—an
erations must allow for a wide range of incident complexity,
individual trained to perform swiftwater/flood SAR operations.
the potential for involvement of multiple jurisdictions, inci-
dents that increase in scope and area, and the impact of NIMS
3.2.16 type—a classification series developed to identify an
incident types on resource requirements. See Guide F1422 for
incident’s level of complexity ranging from most complex
information on utilizing ICS in a swiftwater/flood ICS.
(Type 1) to least complex (Type 5).
5.2.2 Command Personnel Qualifications:
5.2.2.1 Those directly supervising swiftwater/flood SAR
operations, or the personnel conducting such operations, must
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/flood?s=t Accessed February 7, 2013.
be qualified, at a minimum, at the level of Swiftwater/Flood
Land Search and Rescue Addendum to the National Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue Technician (SWFT) appropriate for the
Supplement to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue
Manual, Version 1.0, November 2011,
environment and conditions.
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/nsarc/Land_SAR_Addendum/Published_
5.2.2.2 Personnel that operate within 10 ft of the edge of
Land%20SAR%20Addendum%20%281118111%29%20-%20Bookmark.pdf
swiftwater must have basic swiftwater rescue awareness train-
Adapted from Land Search and Rescue Addendum to the National Search and
Rescue Supplement to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and ing and be provided with a properly fitted personal flotation
Rescue Manual, Version 1.0, November 2011,
device (PFD).
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/nsarc/Land_SAR_Addendum/Published_
Land%20SAR%20Addendum%20%281118111%29%20-%20Bookmark.pdf 5.3 Perform scene size up.
F3048 − 13 (2022)
5.3.1 Determine incident Type (see X1.3 for examples of 5.9.2.3 Green (or Cold) Zone—All areas not in Red or
incident Types). Orange Zones. For personnel in the Green Zone, PPE shall be
optional.
5.3.2 Determine the kind of response: search, rescue, or
5.9.3 The Safety Officer shall be responsible for assessing
recovery.
hazards.
5.4 Develop rescue plan.
5.9.3.1 Inform command of hazard(s).
5.4.1 Prior to initiating swiftwater/flood SAR operations, a
5.9.3.2 Secure hazard(s), if possible.
contingency rescue plan shall be prepared and briefed to all
5.10 Begin initial response with resources on scene.
personnel.
5.10.1 If subject(s) location(s) are not known, begin inves-
5.4.2 The contingency rescue plan shall state the actions to
tigation and search effort, else;
betakenbyallpersonnelintheeventanaccidentoccursduring
5.10.2 If subject(s) are visible, assign an individual to
SAR operations.
communicate with each victim and maintain visual contact,
5.4.3 The contingency rescue plan shall include provision
else;
for the control or rescue of animals.
5.10.3 If subject(s) are submerged, evaluate risks and ben-
5.5 Assess risk level of SAR operations.
efits of rescue attempt and, if needed, request dive assets.
5.6 Institute personnel accountability program at scene.
5.11 Develop an alternative response plan.
5.11.1 Allaffectedpersonnelshallbebriefedabouttheplan.
5.7 Establish operations communications protocols.
5.11.2 Additional resources, as needed, should be requested
5.7.1 Swiftwater/flood SAR operations shall employ visual
for deployment or placed on stand-by.
and auditory commands.
5.7.1.1 Commonly used visual commands are provided in 5.12 Establish staging area, if needed.
X1.1.
5.12.1 An area for staging personnel and equipment for
5.7.1.2 Commonly used auditory (whistle) commands are swiftwater/flood SAR operations shall be selected, and its
provided in X1.2. location briefed to all personnel.
5.12.2 A Staging Manager shall be designated. He or she
5.7.2 Radio communication protocols shall be established,
shall oversee the location where resources, teams, and equip-
including designation of frequencies, for operational and ad-
ministrative activities. ment are assembled.
5.7.3 Backup communications methods and/or protocols
5.13 Establish subject landing area.
shall be established before operations begin.
5.13.1 A landing area for rescued subject(s) shall be desig-
nated and its location briefed to all personnel.
5.8 Designate a Rescue Group Leader for each swiftwater/
5.13.2 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) support shall be
flood SAR operation.
provided at the subject landing area.
5.8.1 The Rescue Group Leader shall be a qualified super-
visor with adequate knowledge of swiftwater/flood rescue
6. Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Operations
procedures and safety.
5.8.2 The Rescue Group Leader shall, whenever possible,
6.1 Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Operation Styles:
be positioned such that he or she is in plain sight of any
6.1.1 Five location-based styles of swiftwater/flood rescue
rescuers operating in the water.
operations shall be employed in Swiftwater/Flood SAR Opera-
tions: shore-based, boat-assisted, boat-based, in-water contact,
5.9 The Incident Commander (IC) shall designate one
and helicopter-based.
person to be the Safety Officer.
6.1.2 The Rescue Group Leader shall employ one of these
5.9.1 The Safety Officer shall be properly trained for the
rescue styles after considering weather and environmental
operation. The Safety Officer shall be responsible for oversee-
concerns and the following factors:
ing the safety of the entire operation, and shall answer directly
6.1.2.1 The number of personnel available;
to the IC.
6.1.2.2 The qualifications of the responding personnel;
5.9.1.1 For SAR operations occurring over a large area, the
6.1.2.3 The equipment available;
Safety Officer shall assign responsibility for local operational
6.1.2.4 The physical condition of the victim;
safety to other individuals. Designated local Safety Officers
6.1.2.5 The location of the victim (if known);
shall answer directly to the Safety Officer.
6.1.2.6 The current and short-term threats to the victim; and
5.9.2 The Safety Officer shall be responsible for identifying
6.1.2.7 The extent of risk for the rescuer(s).
zones and/or areas of operation:
5.9.2.1 Red (or Hot) Zone—Any area in the water, or any 6.2 Basic Operational Personnel Qualification Require-
area where personnel will enter the water should they fall. All ments:
personnel in the Red Zone must wear PPE. 6.2.1 All personnel entering the water during swiftwater/
flood SAR operations shall be, at minimum, qualified at the
5.9.2.2 Orange (or Warm) Zone—Anyareawherepersonnel
SWFT level appropriate for the environmental conditions.
mayenterthewatershouldtheyfall.TheOrangeZoneincludes
the immediate vicinity around rescue rigging.All personnel in 6.2.2 All personnel constructing and using rope rescue
the Orange Zone must wea
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