# Checklist - RPAS, Marine and ARFF (Conditional Modules)

> Fire Service Safety Management System, version 0.3.3 (2026-10-25). The Human Factor. Document FSSMS-AUD-P25.
>
> Canonical: https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules
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> Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 with the Adopting Agency Grant (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
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## Scope

This category audits three conditional modules: [RPAS Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/rpas-program) (remotely piloted aircraft), [Marine Firefighting Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/marine-firefighting-program) (vessels and shipboard fire) and [Airport Rescue and Firefighting Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/airport-rescue-and-firefighting-program) (ARFF at an aerodrome). Each module is switched on or off in the Program Profile Worksheet ([01 Program Profile Worksheet](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/program-profile-worksheet) Part B and Part C modules 20, 28 and 29).

**Module switched off rule.** If the Profile Worksheet marks a module Not applicable, the auditor records the reason and the review date in the finding column of that module’s first item, checks the dispatch data for the last three years for any response that contradicts the decision, and scores nothing in that section. A contradicted “Not applicable” is itself a finding against the Profile Worksheet, reported under the Assessment category. A module marked Conditional is scored on the awareness-level items only (marked “Cond.” in the stage column) unless the department has chosen to run the full program.

The audit method, auditor independence, sampling and reporting rules are in [01 Audit Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/audit-program); the category taxonomy and the roll-up are in [02 Audit Checklist Master Index](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/audit-checklist-master-index).

## Criteria

The items below are drawn from the following standards and law. Confirm each section number against the current official text before the first audit.

- RPAS: Canadian Aviation Regulations Part IX as amended in 2025, including pilot certificates, registration, site survey, pre-flight, records, altitude, emergency-scene restrictions and fitness [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, Part IX ss. 901.19, 901.23, 901.26, 901.29, 901.47 to 901.49)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); the Level 1 Complex Operations certificate and the RPAS Operator Certificate added by the 2025 amendments, SOR/2025-70 [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, Part IX)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); NFPA 2400 organizational program, pilot qualifications and maintenance [(NFPA 2400, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-2400); wildland air operations coordination [(NFPA 1140, 2022)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1140); privacy under the applicable municipal access-to-information and privacy statute ([J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information)).
- Marine: vessel construction [(NFPA 1925, 2018)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1925); in-service inspection and testing [(NFPA 1910, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1910); crewing and certificates [(Marine Personnel Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-marine-personnel-regulations-ca); safety equipment and approved flotation [(Small Vessel Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-small-vessel-regulations-ca); marine firefighter qualifications [(NFPA 1010, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1010); shipboard fire guidance [(NFPA 1405, 2021)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1405); confined spaces (CSA Z1006:23); flotation within 3 m of water (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-2).
- ARFF: aircraft firefighting at airports and aerodromes, category, training, PPE and the annual response time test [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, Subpart 303)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); aerodrome emergency plan [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 302.202 ff.)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); Advisory Document 343 and TP 312 (Transport Canada, n.d.-a; Transport Canada, n.d.-b); ARFF qualifications [(NFPA 1010, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1010); ARFF services and proficiency [(NFPA 460, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-460); vehicles and maintenance ([NFPA 1900, 2024](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1900); [NFPA 1910, 2024](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1910)); PFAS foam phase-out [(Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-prohibition-of-certain-toxic-substances-regulations-2025-ca); aircraft hazards (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-21).
- All three: incident management, accountability and risk management [(NFPA 1550, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1550); the applicable provincial or territorial OHS statute and regulations, or the federal regime where it applies instead ([J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement); see Jurisdiction requirements).
- Accreditation crosswalk: the marine items answer Criterion 5J (CC 5J.1 deployment objectives for marine and shipboard incidents; CC 5J.2 annual appraisal); the ARFF items answer Criterion 5I (CC 5I.1 deployment objectives including extinguishing agent; CC 5I.2 annual appraisal); the RPAS items answer 11A.2 (reporting and addressing hazards and unsafe practices) and 11A.8 (risk management during emergency operations); all three answer 11A.5 (OHS training), 11A.8 and 11A.12 (accountability at every risk event) [(CPSE, 2019)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-cpse-2019). The criteria are paraphrased here; the auditor reads the manual’s own text when preparing an accreditation file.

## Scoring

**0** not in place; **1** documented, not implemented; **2** implemented, not verified effective; **3** implemented and effective with evidence. Score each module separately; the module score is the mean of its scored items. Never report the three modules as one number and never average a switched-off module into anything. Items marked S1 must score 3 before a module can be reported at Stage 1; S2 items are scored but not required until Stage 2. The accountability-loop item and the psychological-safety item in each module are reported on their own line in the audit report, as [01 Audit Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/audit-program) requires. Every finding below 3 becomes an entry in the [Corrective Action Register](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/corrective-action-register) with an owner and a due date.

## RPAS (module 20)

| \# | Item | Stage | Evidence expected | Score (0-3) | Finding | Owner | Due |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| R1 | Module switch recorded in the Profile Worksheet with the reason; if off, dispatch data confirm no RPAS use in three years | S1 | Profile Worksheet Part B and C; dispatch query |  |  |  |  |
| R2 | RPAS program charter approved by the fire chief, adopting NFPA 2400 [(NFPA 2400, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-2400), with mission types, restrictions (no flight in a wildfire traffic area without air operations approval; no flight over crowds) and the command relationship under the incident commander | S1 | Signed charter; JOHSC consultation record |  |  |  |  |
| R3 | Operations manual current and covering roles, pilot qualification matrix, currency, aircraft list, site survey and pre-flight, normal and emergency procedures (fly-away, lost link, low battery, manned aircraft intrusion), night operations, flight near and over people, incident reporting, fitness, privacy, records | S1 | Manual with revision date inside 12 months |  |  |  |  |
| R4 | Every operational pilot holds a Transport Canada Advanced certificate, or Level 1 Complex for BVLOS, with the 24-month recurrency current [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, Part IX)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); department currency (90-day flight rule) tracked | S1 | Certificate copies; currency log |  |  |  |  |
| R5 | RPAS Operator Certificate held where the department conducts BVLOS or other complex operations, as the 2025 amendments, SOR/2025-70, require [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, Part IX)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | S2 | RPOC or a documented determination that none is needed |  |  |  |  |
| R6 | Every aircraft registered with Transport Canada with the mark displayed; manufacturer safety declarations on file for any flight over people | S1 | Registration certificates; declarations |  |  |  |  |
| R7 | Flight logs and maintenance logs complete for at least 24 months [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 901.29)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); battery logs with cycle counts and retirement | S1 | Sample five flights and two aircraft |  |  |  |  |
| R8 | Site survey and pre-flight checklist in use for every flight [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 901.23, 901.26)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca); NAV Drone authorization on file for every controlled-airspace flight | S1 | Checklist sample; authorization records |  |  |  |  |
| R9 | Special Flight Operations Certificate on file for any operation outside the standard rules, with its conditions tracked and met | S1 | SFOC and condition log, or a record that none was needed |  |  |  |  |
| R10 | Night operations only with position lights fitted and pilots trained for night; flights at or below 122 m AGL and within visual line of sight unless under Level 1 Complex or SFOC [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 901.39, 901.40, 901.47)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | S1 | Training records; flight log altitudes |  |  |  |  |
| R11 | Airspace deconfliction procedure with the provincial wildfire agency’s air operations, the air ambulance helicopter and police RPAS: NOTAM and restriction check, air-to-ground monitoring at wildland incidents, immediate landing on manned aircraft approach [(NFPA 1140, 2022)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1140); evidence of coordination at the last wildland or multi-agency incident | S1 | Procedure; incident records; interview the last pilot in command |  |  |  |  |
| R12 | Privacy impact assessment completed before first operational use; retention schedule and access-request handling written under the applicable municipal privacy statute; chain of custody for imagery used as evidence | S1 | PIA; retention schedule; custody log sample |  |  |  |  |
| R13 | Lithium battery storage and charging controls in stations: fire-resistant container or cabinet, never charged unattended, damaged cells quarantined | S1 | Station inspection; charging location observed |  |  |  |  |
| R14 | Incident and accident reporting procedure known to pilots (Transport Canada and, where applicable, Transportation Safety Board); every occurrence reported and reviewed under the learning program | S1 | Procedure; occurrence records; interview |  |  |  |  |
| R15 | Insurance confirmed in writing for RPAS operations, including mutual-aid use | S1 | Insurer’s confirmation |  |  |  |  |
| R16 | Annual program audit against NFPA 2400 and the operations manual completed by the team [(NFPA 2400, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-2400); findings in the register | S2 | Audit record; register entries |  |  |  |  |
| R17 | Accountability loop: owner, doer, verifier, feedback and closure named and working; the loop test in the program passes on a real concern from the last year [(CPSE, 2019, criterion 11A.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-cpse-2019) | S1 | Program section 11; one traced concern |  |  |  |  |
| R18 | Psychological safety: pilots and observers say they can abort a flight or refuse a mission without reprisal; aborts and refusals in the last year were answered back to the member within five working days | S1 | Interview three pilots or observers; reply records |  |  |  |  |

## Marine (module 28)

| \# | Item | Stage | Evidence expected | Score (0-3) | Finding | Owner | Due |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| M1 | Module switch recorded in the Profile Worksheet with the reason; if off, dispatch data confirm no vessel operation or vessel fire response in three years | S1 | Profile Worksheet Part B and C; dispatch query |  |  |  |  |
| M2 | Every vessel registered or licensed and listed in a vessel register with tonnage; Transport Canada inspection certificate current for vessels over 15 gross tonnage [(Canada Shipping Act, 2001 \[CA\], 2001)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canada-shipping-act-2001-ca) | S1 | Register; certificates |  |  |  |  |
| M3 | Every operator holds SVOP, MED A3 or DVS, Marine Basic First Aid and ROC-M, current; no operator relies on a Pleasure Craft Operator Card [(Marine Personnel Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-marine-personnel-regulations-ca); currency hours met | S1 | Certification matrix; certificates; vessel log hours |  |  |  |  |
| M4 | Vessel operations manual per vessel with crewing minimums, wind, sea state, visibility and night limits, stability limit for monitor use, towing, man overboard and float plan rules; operator holds the go/no-go without override | S1 | Manual; interview two operators on the limits |  |  |  |  |
| M5 | Canadian-approved flotation device for every crew position, sized and rated for the clothing worn; worn under way and within 3 m of the water’s edge [(Small Vessel Regulations \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-small-vessel-regulations-ca); (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-2); inflatables serviced annually | S1 | Inspection sheets; service tags; dockside observation |  |  |  |  |
| M6 | Immersion or dry suits provided and used for cold-water months, inspected after use and tested annually; the manual names the months or the water temperature that triggers them | S1 | Issue records; inspection records; manual |  |  |  |  |
| M7 | Pre-departure checklist and vessel log in use for every departure, with crew count out and in and the weather recorded against the limit | S1 | Sample 10 departures |  |  |  |  |
| M8 | Annual vessel inspection and pump test against the marine chapter of NFPA 1910 [(NFPA 1910, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1910); defect reporting with operator authority to tag out | S1 | Test reports; defect log |  |  |  |  |
| M9 | Shipboard fire procedure: unified command with the master and port, fire control plan, CO2 or fixed-system lockout before entry, stability officer and water limit, dewatering, dangerous goods check, confined-space rules for holds [(NFPA 1405, 2021)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1405); (CSA Z1006:23) | S1 (Cond. for shore-only response) | Procedure; size-up card on the vessel and first-due apparatus; interview an officer |  |  |  |  |
| M10 | Pre-plans for the vessel types and berths likely to be called; written agreements with the port authority, Coast Guard and terminal operators; joint exercise inside two years | S2 | Pre-plans; agreements; exercise record |  |  |  |  |
| M11 | Man-overboard and cold-water recovery drill for every crew inside 12 months, with the recovery device fitted to the vessel; crews can state the 1-10-1 principle | S1 | Drill records; interview two crew members |  |  |  |  |
| M12 | Marine firefighter and vessel operator qualifications under NFPA 1010 for members who fight fire from or on vessels [(NFPA 1010, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1010) | S2 | Certificates or approved equivalents |  |  |  |  |
| M13 | Deployment objectives for marine and shipboard incidents (staffing, response time, agent, apparatus and equipment) written from the community risk assessment and standards of cover and met; annual program appraisal completed [(CPSE, 2019, criteria CC 5J.1, CC 5J.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-cpse-2019) | S2 | Standards of cover extract; team annual appraisal |  |  |  |  |
| M14 | Accountability loop: owner, doer, verifier, feedback and closure named and working; the loop test in the program passes on a real concern from the last year [(CPSE, 2019, criterion 11A.12)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-cpse-2019) | S1 | Program section 11; one traced concern |  |  |  |  |
| M15 | Psychological safety: crew members say they can refuse to sail or stop an entry without reprisal; refusals and stop calls in the last year were answered back within five working days | S1 | Interview three crew members; reply records |  |  |  |  |

## ARFF (module 29)

| \# | Item | Stage | Evidence expected | Score (0-3) | Finding | Owner | Due |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| A1 | Module switch recorded in the Profile Worksheet with the reason; if off, dispatch data confirm no aerodrome response in three years; the aircraft hazard card still held under the hazmat program for off-airfield crashes | S1 | Profile Worksheet Part B and C; dispatch query; hazmat program |  |  |  |  |
| A2 | CARs 303 applicability determined and documented (designated airport or participating aerodrome) with the critical category and the aircraft that set it [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.01 to 303.07)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | S1 | Compliance matrix T1; aerodrome operator’s confirmation |  |  |  |  |
| A3 | Vehicles, principal and complementary agent quantities and discharge rates meet the category; agent inventory on hand today verified with a written reserve [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 303)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | S1 | Matrix; inventory count on the day; vehicle plates |  |  |  |  |
| A4 | Annual response time test passed inside 12 months: 50 percent of principal agent at the farthest runway midpoint within three minutes, remaining vehicles within four; notice to the Minister four weeks before; results submitted within 14 days [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 303.18)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | S1 | Test record T2; notice and submission letters |  |  |  |  |
| A5 | ARFF personnel numbers and hours of operation meet the category; initial and annual recurrent training with live aircraft fire documented for every member [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, ss. 303.12 to 303.13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | S1 | Roster; training record T5; live-fire records [(CPSE, 2019, criterion CC 11A.5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-cpse-2019) |  |  |  |  |
| A6 | NFPA 1010 airport firefighter and ARFF driver/operator qualifications [(NFPA 1010, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1010); airside vehicle operator permits current for every driver | S2 | Certificates; permit register |  |  |  |  |
| A7 | ARFF vehicle daily readiness check completed every duty period; annual pump test, foam proportioner accuracy test and agent quality test inside 12 months ([NFPA 1910, 2024](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1910); [NFPA 460, 2024](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-460)) | S1 | Sample seven daily sheets per vehicle; test reports |  |  |  |  |
| A8 | Fluorine-free foam transition plan with dates and budget; legacy foam not used for training or open testing; discharges contained and run-off disposed of as hazardous waste; legacy concentrate disposal manifests on file; training ground assessed [(Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 \[CA\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-prohibition-of-certain-toxic-substances-regulations-2025-ca) | S1 plan; S2 completion | Plan; containment procedure; manifests; assessment |  |  |  |  |
| A9 | Aerodrome emergency plan names the department’s role; written agreement with the aerodrome operator sets command, resources, airside access and cost recovery; full-scale exercise on the operator’s cycle (every two years) with an after-action review [(Canadian Aviation Regulations \[CA\], 2026, s. 302.202 ff.)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-canadian-aviation-regulations-ca) | S1 | Plan extract; agreement; exercise record |  |  |  |  |
| A10 | Aircraft hazard procedure and card on every ARFF vehicle and first-due apparatus (composites, fuel, oxygen, ballistic parachutes, batteries, cargo, engines, slides, helicopters) (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-21; GN 6-41); SCBA and PPE policy for interior and composite work; proximity ensembles where adopted [(NFPA 1970, 2025)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-nfpa-1970) | S1 | Card present; procedure; interview two firefighters |  |  |  |  |
| A11 | Airside driving rules: no movement-area driving without the permit and tower or ground clearance; mutual-aid staging gate and escort; runway incursions by department vehicles in the last year reviewed | S1 | Procedure; radio records; incursion reports |  |  |  |  |
| A12 | Deployment objectives for aviation incidents (staffing, response time, stations, extinguishing agent, apparatus and equipment) written from the community risk assessment and standards of cover and met; annual program appraisal completed [(CPSE, 2019, criteria CC 5I.1, CC 5I.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-cpse-2019) | S2 | Standards of cover extract; team annual appraisal |  |  |  |  |
| A13 | Exposure reports filed for composite, fuel and foam exposures; rehab at aircraft incidents and live-fire training on the standard triggers | S1 | Exposure reports; rehab logs |  |  |  |  |
| A14 | Accountability loop: owner, doer, verifier, feedback and closure named and working; items affecting the declared service reported to the aerodrome operator the same day; the loop test in the program passes on a real concern from the last year [(CPSE, 2019, criteria 11A.8, 11A.12)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/checklist-rpas-marine-and-arff-conditional-modules#ref-cpse-2019) | S1 | Program section 11; one traced concern; operator notices |  |  |  |  |
| A15 | Psychological safety: ARFF members say they can stop an airside movement or an entry without reprisal, and officers have declared a reduced service level rather than conceal a shortfall; stop calls in the last year answered back within five working days | S1 | Interview three members and one officer; declared-service records; reply records |  |  |  |  |

## Effectiveness questions

These cannot be answered from documents. Observation or interview only; record who was observed or interviewed by role.

**RPAS**

1.  Watch a pre-flight. Does the pilot run the site survey and checklist from the card, check the airspace and NOTAMs, and brief the visual observer, or is it done from memory?
2.  Ask the last pilot in command at a multi-agency incident how they knew where the helicopter was. Does the answer match the deconfliction procedure?
3.  Ask a visual observer what they would do if they thought the flight should stop. Does the answer include a phrase, an expected reply from the pilot, and a belief it would be welcomed?

**Marine**

1.  Stand at the dock during a launch. Is every person within 3 m of the edge wearing an approved flotation device, fastened, and is the crew count spoken aloud?
2.  Ask an operator what the wind and sea limit is for this vessel today and what happens if the incident commander wants them out past it. Does the answer match the manual and the go/no-go rule?
3.  Ask a crew member what they would do if told to go below on a burning vessel before the CO2 was confirmed locked out. Does the answer include stopping, saying why, and an expectation of being heard?

**ARFF**

1.  Watch the daily check. Is the foam proportioner setting, the agent quantity and the complementary agent pressure actually read and recorded, or is the sheet signed in the bay?
2.  Ask a driver/operator to describe the response route to the farthest runway midpoint at night and what they do if the tower does not answer. Does the answer match the procedure and the test record?
3.  Ask an ARFF firefighter what they would do with a burned composite airframe after the fire is out. Does the answer include SCBA, wet-down, bagging PPE and an exposure report?

## Jurisdiction requirements

This chapter relies on the following legal requirements, which differ by province and territory. Check your jurisdiction’s section on each topic page before adopting it.

| Topic | What to check in your jurisdiction | Page |
|:---|:---|:---|
| OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement | Which OHS statute, regulations and regulator govern the work in each module, and whether a federal regime applies instead, for example at an airport or aboard a vessel (all three modules) | [J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement) |
| Privacy and Health Information | Which access-to-information and privacy statute governs RPAS imagery, its retention, access requests and disclosure (item R12) | [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information) |
| Wildland and Interface Fire | The wildland fire agency’s airspace and air operations arrangements with municipal departments, for RPAS deconfliction at wildland incidents (item R11) | [J35 Wildland and Interface Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j35-wildland-and-interface-fire) |

## References

Canada Shipping Act, 2001, S.C. 2001, c. 26 (Canada; consolidation date not recorded). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-10.15/>

Canadian Aviation Regulations, SOR/96-433 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30; Subparts 302 and 303, airports and aircraft fire fighting, and Part IX, remotely piloted aircraft systems). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/>

Center for Public Safety Excellence \[CPSE\]. (2019). *Fire and emergency service self-assessment manual* (10th ed.). Commission on Fire Accreditation International. <https://cpse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/10th-Edition-FESSAM-Strikethrough-Underline-v.4.pdf>

CSA Group. (2023). *CSA Z1006:23, Management of work in confined spaces* (3rd ed.). <https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA_Z1006:23/>

Marine Personnel Regulations, SOR/2007-115 (Canada; consolidation consulted in 2026, date not recorded). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2007-115/>

National Fire Protection Association. (2018). *NFPA 1925, Standard on marine fire-fighting vessels* (last standalone edition; now part of NFPA 1910). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1925-standard-development/1925>

National Fire Protection Association. (2021). *NFPA 1405, Guide for land-based fire departments that respond to marine vessel fires*. <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1405-standard-development/1405>

National Fire Protection Association. (2022). *NFPA 1140, Standard for wildland fire protection* (consolidates NFPA 1051, 1141, 1143 and 1144). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1140-standard-development/1140>

National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1010, Standard on professional qualifications for firefighters* (consolidates NFPA 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1005). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1010-standard-development/1010>

National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1550, Standard for emergency responder health and safety* (consolidates NFPA 1500, 1521 and 1561). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1550-standard-development/1550>

National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1900, Standard for aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, automotive fire apparatus, wildland fire apparatus, and automotive ambulances* (consolidates NFPA 414, 1901, 1906 and 1917). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1900-standard-development/1900>

National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1910, Standard for the inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, testing, and retirement of in-service emergency vehicles and marine firefighting vessels* (consolidates NFPA 1071, 1911, 1912 and 1925). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1910-standard-development/1910>

National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 2400, Standard for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) used for public safety operations*. <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-2400-standard-development/2400>

National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 460, Standard for aircraft rescue and firefighting services at airports* (consolidates NFPA 403, 405 and 412). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-460-standard-development/460>

National Fire Protection Association. (2025). *NFPA 1970, Standard on protective ensembles for structural and proximity firefighting, work apparel, open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for emergency services, and personal alert safety systems (PASS)* (consolidates NFPA 1971, 1975, 1981 and 1982). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1970-standard-development/1970>

Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development \[MLITSD\]. (n.d.). *Firefighter guidance notes* (Section 21 Advisory Committee; individual notes revised to 2026). <https://www.ontario.ca/document/firefighter-guidance-notes>

Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025, SOR/2025-270 (Canada; consolidated to 2026-09-30). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2025-270/>

Small Vessel Regulations, SOR/2010-91 (Canada; consolidation consulted in 2026, date not recorded). <https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-91/>

Transport Canada. (n.d.-a). *Advisory Document 343: Complementing regulations and standards respecting aircraft fire fighting at airports and aerodromes*. <https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/list-regulations/canadian-aviation-regulations-sor-96-433/standards/advisory-document-343-complementing-regulations-standards-respecting-aircraft-fire-fighting-airports-aerodromes-0>

Transport Canada. (n.d.-b). *Aerodromes standards and recommended practices* (TP 312, 5th ed.). <https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/aerodromes-standards-recommended-practices-tp-312>