Mounted search and rescue

["Ian Vowles" <Ian@modric.net>]

David,

By way of update and comment on yours regarding costs - 

The NEW NASAR licensing program obviates this issue and SHOULD solve
some of the issues with the expense of NASAR.

Specifically the actual cost of say SARTECH II exam and certificate
patch and rocker is $38 per head with a 25% discount for the
organization that is "licensed"  i.e. a per member cost of $28.50 . The
licensed organization does have to be an "organizational member" which
is approx $185 a year up to 30 members.

We became one of the first if not the first non profit to adopt the
program - from my perspective it has worked well - there was an initial
cost of about $500 to get going ( instructor workshops etc ) , we are
now able to teach at our pace and schedule plus schedule exams at our
convenience - no minimum numbers etc !!.

As we teach our own course ( basically taken from 3-4 national resources
and gathered experience ) - but of course cover the NASAR syllabus we
avoid costly text books or in the case of the old FUNSAR costly and
Boring !! 

For a small group as ours out in the boonies as regards NASAR teachers /
examiners we have been able to bring a National Certificate Exam to our
area - we were teaching long before and had our own form of test BUT
that was of zero value outside of our small group / area.

As a practical example of value - NASAR SARTECH II is recognized in many
areas - locally we are 20 miles off the northern New Mexico state line -
New Mexico has its own standards and exams ( Pace ) but talking with
many of their folks they immediately recognized SARTECH II and accord it
the appropriate credence when considering resources.

I would recommend you look into the license program - I know all your
folks qualified well above - but it may be useful for helping other
groups who may seek your advice.

Ian Vowles
President

Mounted Rescue
400 Ranch Place
Pagosa Springs
Colorado 81147

Tel : 970-731-4062

http://www.mountedrescue.com



<<1) Membership.

I have certifications from Rescue 3, the FAA, the FCC, Dallas Fire
Department, ARC, WMA, SOLO/NOLS, AFRCC and a couple of other
organizations. None of those mentioned required me to join the
organization to receive the nationally recognized certification.

NASAR specifically includes the cost of a one year membership in their
training cost. The other organizations do not. Based on just this point,
which organization would I prefer to get my certification from? >>