Qualifications 

Due to the nature of our work Unit Members must meet certain requirements. These requirements reflect the various levels of state, county and Unit responsibilities that are required to perform search and rescue in the State of Washington and King County.

  

The Pacific Northwest Trackers Association recognizes two categories of membership: Active Members and Associate Members.

Active Members

 

Active Members are fully qualified to participate in search and rescue activities, to vote on Unit business and to receive funding for advanced training according to the Unit's policy for training funds disbursements.

The requirements for beginning Active Membership are:

1. Shall be at least 16 years old.

2. Shall be physically able to carry the required equipment (approximately 25-30 lbs.) through non-technical wilderness terrain.

3. Shall pass all requirements as listed in WAC chapter 118-04-120 for field-qualified personnel (acquire a King County Emergency Worker Card).

4. Complete a three-month probation period (which can be waived or lengthened at the discretion of the Unit Training Officer).

5. Acquire a tracking level of "Basic Track Awareness" as defined in Part 2 of this Handbook.

6. Actively participate in Unit meetings and activities.

7. Possess equipment as outlined in Appendix C.

Once members have attained Active Member status, the annual attendance requirements for maintaining Active Membership are:

1. Thirty-six (36) hours of Unit training per training calendar year. The 36 hours of training must include an overnight training of at least 12 hours and does not include travel time.

 

2. Three (3) Unit meetings per training calendar year.

 

3. Two (2) searches per training calendar year.

Associate Members:

Generally these people are new to the group and are working toward Active Member status. Associate Members for example may also be members of longer standing who do not satisfy Active Member requirements but who do have the ability to contribute to the group in other ways.

Associate Members can attend meetings and practices, but are not eligible to vote on Unit business or receive any funding by the Unit for advanced training. The specific requirements for this category of membership are as follows:

1. Complete King County registration card.

2. Actively pursue completion of the requirements for category of Active Member.