FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answered questions about STARR and our courses offered

Why STARR?

Train HARD, but train SAFE, while enjoying the course! At Southern Technical Aquatic Resource and Rescue (STARR) we guarantee that you will leave any of our courses feeling energized, empowered, and more knowledgeable of the educational tools given to you no matter what the call. We strive to provide meaningful real-world scenario's based training to our students that gives them the necessary skills to work various types of real emergencies. We have some of the best instructors in the industry to bring the highest quality training while raising that bar. All of our courses are hands-on and we tailor our training to meet the needs of the many different agencies, individuals and teams with in the rescue profession. We are very passionate about medical and rescue industry and proud to share these skills with all of our students!

What are the course times?

Course times typically run from 9:00 AM - 5:00 pm. Student enrolled in water rescue courses will receive an email confirmation of exact time and place upon registration that provides all the specific details for the water rescue course you are enrolled in. If you didn't receive an email, please contact us at christine@star-rescue.org or (601) 590-6248.

I can't find my course location!

We train at various locations throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. Please check your confirmation email for your specific location. If you didn't receive an email, please contact us at christine@star-rescue.org or (601) 590-6248.

What is the difference between the Water Rescue Courses and other water rescue course?

There are very similar CONTENT between water rescue programs. All courses follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards / Guidelines when designing the courses. However, each course comes with a different emphasis and how they are tailored to the students and/or agencies different needs and capabilities. This provides a great opportunity for those looking for water rescue courses as to the skills sets, learning requirements, and their interests.

Who should register for the Water Rescue Program courses?

Firefighters, First Responders, FEMA, Military, Rescuers that require NFPA compliance. All water rescue courses are certifications that meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for training and is a MUST for anyone working with a Fire Department, Public Safety agency, FEMA, or Military unit. It specifically meets NFPA 2500 (formally NFPA 1670), NFPA 1021, and NFPA 1006 requirements and is the first step toward becoming a "Technical Level". To complete the Technical level training, all 3 levels of Swift Water Flood Rescue class must be completed.

What is the difference between NFPA 2500, 1006, and 1021?

The NFPA 1006 lays out the rescuers training levels, the knowledge and skills required for a rescuer needs to operate at each level of operational capacity - Awareness, Operations, and Technician levels. It includes the qualifications that each level rescuer must be able to demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills listed in NFPA 1006.

NFPA 2500 (formally 1670), is broad and covers all specialty rescues, however focusing on water rescue it illustrates the Agency Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) responsibilities to the rescuer being sent into an incident. NFPA 2500 is very clear that in order for a rescuer to be sent into a water rescue incident, they must have an Awareness level of training at minimum to be able to response.

NPFA 1021 identifies the minimum job performance requirements necessary necessary for a Incident Commander or Fire Officer. It defines the progressive levels of performance required at various levels with recognized practices and procedures accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

It really becomes the burden of the AHJ to decide how to accomplish these objectives. The training provided are just the first step in an Agencies process of having trained personnel to respond to different types of water rescue events.

Below is a quick overview:

Awareness: Able to understand hazards, assess resources needed etc. Maintains a 15 ft or greater distance from waters edge

Operations: Able to enter the environment to some extent (up to the waters edge) based on training and understanding of the environment they are entering. Some AHJ allow operations level to perform boat operations.

Technician: Able to lead the evolution, including safety assessment, understanding the environment, make informed decisions, etc. This level of training is able to both shore based and in water rescues.

Where should I stay during my training?

All of the training sites used by STARR have a nearby hotel, motel, B&B or camping accommodations available, usually less than a 30 minute drive. Please contact christine@star-rescue.org of specific locations and possible discounts at your training location.

Is there a minimum age?

YES! All participants must be 16 years old or above. All minors must have a signed Parental Release Form by their parents or legal guardians and be present the first day of the course. Minors will not be allowed to participate in the course without a signed Parental Release Form.

Is food provided by STARR?

STARR does provide lunch for select water rescue courses. However, please come prepared with snacks or any special foods you may require.

What is your cancellation and/or rescheduling policy?

Please contact christine@star-rescue.org or (601) 590-6248 for specific details regarding cancellation and/or rescheduling of classes. Due to the variety of courses taught at STARR there are different policies for different venues.

I lost my c-card and/or certificate! Can I get a duplicate?

YES! Duplicate c-cards are available for a $25.00 charge and duplicate certifications are available for $30.00 charge. If you lost your card, give us a call with your payment information and we will get you a duplicate made. You can also email us at christine@star-rescue.org and we will send you an invoice to pay prior to sending out the duplicate documents.

How can I get a copy of my American Heart Association (AHA) Ecard?

Anyone can get a copy of their current AHA Ecard by simply clicking here. Then follow the prompts on the page. If you are still having problems accessing your current AHA Ecard then contact christine@star-rescue.org.