Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for a Management of Water and Flood course?
Q. How is the course organized?
Days 1 and 3-5 are classroom-based. Day 2 is a river session in Class II water.
Q. How long does the course run each day?
The course runs 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily, with a break for lunch. There are also evening activities, two of which are compulsory:
- Day 1 - Brewery Tour/Tasting (optional) 5 p.m. - 6 p.m
- Day 2 - Evening River Session (required) 9 p.m.- 1 a.m.
- Day 3 - Tabletop Exercise (required) 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Day 4 - Group Dinner (optional) 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Q. Do I have to attend the whole course?
Attendance at all five day sessions plus the two required evening sessions is required to receive certification. The course often includes one or two optional sessions that are social networking opportunities designed to foster mutual cooperation in the future. These can include a brewery tour and tasting, golf, or a final dinner.
Q. What if I’m not a strong swimmer or I’m scared of moving water?
Raven Rescue supports the demonstration of caution and knowledge of personal limits, therefore, in order to receive a certification you are not required to do anything you are uncomfortable with. We support “Challenge by Choice” which means that if you wish to observe a specific activity only, please advise the instructor immediately. This will be noted on your skill sheet (training record) and should be considered when determining work responsibilities. However, with most courses, failure to complete enough of the key skills may result in downgrading to a lower certification level.
Q. Will I get a confirmation that the course is going ahead?
You will recieve an email reminding you of classroom location and start time approximately 10-14 days before the course. You will also receive a cell phone number for your instructor in case of any last minute problems. If you have not received this information within three days of the course, please get in touch with us immediately. If your employer is coordinating your participation, please check with them for details.
Q. Is pre-reading required?
You will receive a manual from the instructor on Day 1. We do not require pre-reading.
Q. What do I need for the classroom sessions?
- Be prepared for note-taking and,
- Dress for the weather as you will go outside on several occasions for dryland skill practice.
What do I need for the river session?
You require a full set of swiftwater PPE. If you do not have your own, we can provide the following at no charge for course participants:
- Full wetsuit or drysuit
- Water-sports helmet
- PFD (lifejacket) - Type III or IV
In addition, there are a few extra items listed below that you must provide yourself:
For under the drysuit:
- Fleece, wool or poly-propylene pants and top
- Wool socks (fleece or poly-propylene socks are fine too)
- Note: NO COTTON as it gets damp and cold very quickly.
Footwear such as:
- Old running shoes that are a bit big (so they fit over the drysuit). These work great!
- Neoprene boots with a good walking sole (neoprene socks are not adequate)
- Fisherman’s felt-soled wading boots
For lunch:
- Lots of drinking water.
- A nutritious lunch and snacks as needed.
- Hot drink in a thermos (optional).
For after the river session:
- A full change of warm clothing
- A towel
- Appropriate outdoor gear if the weather is wet or cold.
Nice extras to bring?
- Neoprene gloves (available at MEC and other outdoor stores for approx. $20)
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Bug dope
- Camera
Q. I’m getting equipment from Raven Rescue. When/where do I get it?
- If Raven Rescue is supplying your gear, the instructor will provide it on Day 2.
- Charges will apply if equipment is lost or damaged. Please follow instructions for handling, putting on and taking off the gear.
Q. How long do I have to wait for my certification or paperwork?
Your instructor will provide your paperwork on the final day of the course. No waiting for it to never arrive by mail.
Q. What kind of paperwork do I get?
Upon conclusion of the course on Day 5, you will receive:
- Certificate of Completion
- Wallet card with your Rescue 3 registration number & date of expiration
- Personalized skill sheet – documenting the skills & knowledge you performed or observed
- Management of Water and Flood Incidents manual that is yours to keep for future reference.
Q. What if I lose my paperwork?
Your certification is granted by Rescue 3 International - the global leader in technical rescue training. Part of what sets us apart from other training providers is the attention we pay to record-keeping. Certification isn’t worth much if you can’t prove it, so every student is entered into the Rescue 3 database, and in the future, if you ever need to verify your credentials for employment or legal reasons, all it takes is a phone call or email to Rescue 3 to obtain a copy of your training record, same day, by email.
Q. What if I want more water-based training?
We provide a full range of NPFA compliant surface water and swiftwater training. You have the option of enrolling in a public course, or coordinating a private course for your personnel.
