Helo-Aquatic Search & Rescue

Partnership remains fundamental to the success of the NCHART program, and the accomplishments of the team. The professional standards upheld by its members reflect a level of commitment essential to sustaining this critical statewide capability in support of the citizens of North Carolina.

Training

NCHART trains monthly to maintain operational readiness across four levels of mission complexity, progressing from basic open-environment operations to highly complex, dynamic rescues involving moving water, confined terrain, and precision hoist operations. All technicians must remain current in the following mission categories to maintain deployable status. 

• Level 4 training is the most basic of the four levels and includes day/night operations in open, land-based environments. These areas have limited confinement and represent the most basic hoist or short haul operation.
• Level 3 training is the most basic of water operations and includes day / night operation in open static water environments. These areas have limited confinement in a static water area and represent the most basic water operations for hoist or short haul operation.
• Level 2 training is confined to land-based rescues where extremely precise operations are required to perform the rescue. Examples of Level 2 training are day/night cliff rescues, buildings, windows, and tree-based rescue.
• Level 1 training represents the most complex helicopter-based rescues in a day/night operation. These rescues involve moving water operations where the entire rescue is performed in a dynamic environment that may or may not be also in a confined area. These rescues require extreme precision and coordination between all crew members to safely execute the mission.

NCHART Selection Process

Selection into NCHART is conducted through a structured three-phase process designed to ensure candidates meet administrative, technical, and operational standards. 

Phase I consists of an administrative review of all submitted applications. Sponsoring agencies are responsible for ensuring each applicant submits a complete application packet, including all required certifications and a Letter of Support. 

In accordance with 14B NCAC 03 .0409, helicopter search and rescue technicians must be members of the Urban Search and Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness Search and Rescue, or Mountain Rescue programs and must have a letter of support from their sponsoring agency. 

Additional requirements include:

• current EMT-B certification, 
• Swiftwater Rescue Technician certification (NFPA 1670 / NFPA 1006), 
• Rope Rescue Technician certification (NFPA 1670 / NFPA 1006), 
• Hazardous Materials Awareness (NFPA 472 / OSHA 1910.120(q)(6)(i)),
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Phase II evaluates the candidate’s knowledge and physical readiness. Candidates are assessed and scored against their peers in swimming proficiency, physical fitness, and rope rescue and rigging skills. Candidates who successfully advance through Phase II are interviewed by the NCHART Technician Selection Committee. Those selected are formally invited to Phase III.

Phase III begins with a 50-hour Basic NCHART Indoctrination Course designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills required to function safely and effectively as an NCHART Technician. Upon successful completion of the indoctrination course, candidates are designated NCHART Technicians in a probationary, non-deployable status for a period of one year. During this probationary period, each technician must complete all required tasks identified in the NCHART Helicopter Search and Rescue Technician Task Book and demonstrate proficiency in accordance with the NCHART Standard Operating Guidelines. Failure to demonstrate satisfactory performance or failure to complete the task book within the established one-year period will result in removal from the program.