Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC)
DOI Watercraft (Boating) Training Courses
Policy Reference: DOI Departmental Manual, DM 485
Safety and Occupational Health Program
Chapter 22: Watercraft Safety
National Watercraft Safety Lead - Aaron Garcia (208) 476-2249; aaron_garcia@fws.gov
Contacts for MOCC Training
Region 1 and 8: Aaron Garcia (208) 476-7242, aaron_garcia@fws.gov
Region 2: Jeff Haas, (918) 773-5251 x29; jeff_haas@fws.gov
Region 3: Dave Wedan (608) 783-8435; dave_wedan@fws.gov
Region 4: Richard Blackburn (239) 472-1114; richard_blackburn@fws.gov
Region 5: Mike Mangold (410) 573-4509; mike_mangold@fws.gov
Region 6: Tighe Teets (701) 468-5467, ext. 18; tighe_teets@fws.gov
Region 7: Jerry Berg (907) 786-3519; jerry_berg@fws.gov
NCTC: Gary Schetrompf (304) 876-7255; gary_schetrompf@fws.gov
To view course descriptions, click link below.
Variations of MOCC depending upon additional modules:
SAF4A02 Airboat Operator Module
SAF4OW2 Open Water Module
SAF4RM2 River Module (Moving Water Module)
SAF4NM2 Non-Motorized Module
Course Dates/Locations:
(click on Region below to list dates of scheduled courses)Region 1 & Region 8; (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Hawaii; CNO- California, Nevada)
Region 2; (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma)
Region 3; (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin)
Region 4; (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
Region 5; (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia)
Region 6; (Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)
Region 7; (Alaska)
Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) SAF4102
Course Description. This course gives participants the training required to permit operation of Service-owned watercraft. It reviews minimum requirements for safe operation of motorboats and includes a review of legal requirements, preparations, navigation, operations, emergency procedures, rescue, self rescue, trailering, fire suppression and basic seamanship. The course includes both classroom and on-the-water instruction. There is an on-the-water practical exam during which the student must demonstrate certain skills to pass as well as a written exam with a passing grade of 70 required.
Course Objectives. The objectives of the MOCC are to:
Provide attendees with specific skills and knowledge that will allow them to make an informed decision about their own safety, the safety of any crew member, as well as the safety of the vessel,
Familiarize attendees with state-of-the-art watercraft safety equipment and other gear, through demonstration and actual use, and
Allow attendees to demonstrate, through written examination and physical demonstration, that they have adequate grasp of motorboat handling techniques and knowledge to safely operate a motorboat in a normal work environment.
Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course (MOICC) SAF4101
Requires prerequisite of DOI's MOCC, or equivalent course approved by the Bureau's National Watercraft Safety Lead.
Course Description. The MOICC is targeted toward experienced motorboat operators who have completed the Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or approved equivalent. Since the primary objective is to qualify individuals to present MOCC training to other DOI personnel, the course stresses instructional techniques and presentations. After successfully completing the course, attendees are expected to participate in teaching two MOCCs per year in coordination with an experienced group of instructors from their Region.
Course Objectives. MOICC objectives are to:
Train personnel in instructional techniques and presentations and qualify them to serve as MOCC instructors.
Review with attendees, classroom and on-the-water requirements of the MOCC, emphasizing instructional goals and objectives.
Familiarize attendees with how to safety and efficiently conduct the training.
Refresher Training for MOICC and MOCC
Course Description. Refresher training is offered to currently-certified motorboat operators. It provides updated information related to watercraft operation and helps ensure proficiency. The refresher training includes two modules: (1) Classroom instruction that assesses the operator's knowledge of safe boating, and (2) Proficiency module that assesses the operator's practical skills and abilities to operate a motorboat.
Course Objectives. The refresher training provides motorboat operators with updated information on new equipment, trends, and techniques in watercraft operation. It also provides a check of the operator's skills to ensure that individuals are able to safely operate motorboats in their expected work environment.
Options. The student must complete an educational (classroom or equivalent) examination module, and a practical proficiency module:
A. Education (Classroom or equivalent)
- USFWS-NCTC Motorboat Operator (MOCC) Refresher; or
- Retaking and passing the DOI Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) with a 70% grade.
- Successful completion of the DOI Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course (MOICC).
B. Practical Proficiency
- Significant proven and safe operation of motorboats since completing the MOCC. This may be selected if the individual operates boats regularly as a normal part of their job.
- Hands-on demonstration of boating exercises in the presence of a DOI certified instructor. This should be selected if the individual operates boats occasionally as a normal part of their job.
- Retaking the Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC). This should be selected if the individual has not operated boats on a regular or occasional basis as a normal part of their job and needs to remain certified.
- Successful completion of the Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course (MOICC).
Documentation. Each bureau will utilize established procedures, i.e. SF 182, to maintain records of operator certification and a process to ensure certification is recorded and updated.
The participant must still verify practical on-water boating skills.
Please be sure to have your supervisor verify your Practical Boating Skills in order to complete your re-certification. Re-certification is not complete until you return both the successful test results from this program and a supervisor verification form.
(Select your region for downloadable PDF Supervisor verification form).
Region 1 & 8 Contact: Aaron Garcia (208) 476-7242; aaron_garcia@fws.gov
Region 2 Contact: Jeff Haas, (918) 773-5251 x29; jeff_haas@fws.gov
Region 3 Contact: Dave Wedan (608) 783-8435; dave_wedan@fws.gov
Region 4 Contact: Richard Blackburn (239) 472-1114; richard_blackburn@fws.gov
Region 5 Contact: Mike Mangold (410) 573-4509; mike_mangold@fws.gov
Region 6 Contact: Tighe Teets (701) 468-5467, ext. 18; Work Fax (701) 468-5600; tighe_teets@fws.gov
Region 7 Contact: Jerry Berg (907) 246-3339; jerry_berg@fws.gov
Region 9 Contact: Gary Schetrompf (304) 876-7255; gary_schetrompf@fws.gov
Certification of Instructors. DOI Instructors, MOCC or MOICC, will retain certification by:
Instructing a MOCC or MOICC course at least every three years, or
Remaining active in the re-certification of their bureau's boat operators, or
Demonstrating to their bureau's boat/watercraft safety lead or safety manager that they have safely operated boats on-the-job over the past three years, and have kept abreast of changes affecting the boating program.
SAF4A02 Airboat Operator Module: 8 hour course
The Airboat Module (ABM) is an entry-level course on airboat operation. Completion of the MOCC is a prerequisite for the ABM. In addition, ABM instructors can add a prerequisite of at least 20 hours of airboat operation time under the on-board supervision of an airboat operator who has at least 40 hours of airboat operation time and a thorough knowledge of the airboat(s) being operated and area(s) of operation. At least 40 hours of on-board-supervised airboat operating time (supervisor specifications same as above) is required before DOI personnel are allowed to operate an airboat independently.
Objectives:
Understand the operating principles of an airboat
Understand the control panel and purpose of each gauge
Identify and describe each part of an airboat
Perform a pre-trip safety inspection
Demonstrate how to start, stop, and turn and airboat in both shallow and deep water
Operate an airboat at minimum and optimal cruising speeds
Demonstrate docking, beaching, and loading/unloading an airboat
SAF4OW2 Open Water Module: Minimum 8 hour course
The Open-Water Module is an optional module for employees who may encounter ocean, or ocean-like conditions while boating. The course continues the progression of information and practical experience gained from the MOCC, and on the job, into an open water environment where additional knowledge and skills are required to safely operate motorboats in adverse weather and seas, where sight of land may be obscured or lost, and where assistance, if required, may be significantly delayed.
Open-Water Module Objectives:
Understand basic nautical navigation principles
Understand GPS use for navigation
Understand how to read ocean conditions
Understand how to operate a boat in open water
Demonstrate a Pivot Turn
Deploy a Sea Painter
Navigate using a GPS unit
Navigate using a nautical chart
Deploy a Sea anchor/Drogue
Tow a vessel in-line and alongside
SAF4RM2 River Module (Moving Water Module): Minimum 8 hour course
The River Module (sometimes referred to as the “Moving Water Module”) is an optional module that continues the progression of information and practical experience gained from the MOCC, and on the job, into an environment where additional knowledge and skills are required to safely operate vessels due to forces caused by moving water. The River Module can cover motorized or non-motorized watercraft. Since moving water conditions vary widely, River Modules are tailored to the conditions wherein the course is conducted. Course duration is increased when conditions merit (e.g., higher gradient or complex rivers).
River Module Objectives:Understand moving water and how it affects watercraft;
Gain familiarity with watercraft designed for use in moving water, their applications, and maintenance requirements;
Determine if a section of moving water is safe to run;
Understand safety factors to consider when operating watercraft in moving water;
Avoid common problems encountered on moving water, and practice how to deal with them if not avoided; and
Perform common maneuvers in watercraft on moving water.
SAF4NM2 Non-Motorized Module: Minimum 12 hour course
The non‐motorized module is divided into 4 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours in the field with a maximum of 6 students per instructor. Optimally, this will be instructed over a two day period. This course is not intended to be a substitute for a certified Swift Water Rescue course or the need to develop additional skills for running rivers. This course will teach you how to recognize and, with practice, skillfully avoid boating hazards.
Any suggestions for improving the course are welcome. Please contact Jake Schlapfer BLM‐ Anchorage District Office‐Alaska, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507. (907‐267‐1281); jake_schlapfer@blm.gov.
Non-Motorized Module Objectives:
Understand watercraft reactions to various forces of flowing water.
Comprehend general rules for running rivers.
Determine if a section of moving water is safe to run.
Determine the best watercraft type, application and maintenance requirements.
Execute common maneuvers in watercraft on moving water.
Avoid common problems and identify hazardous situations.
Non-Motorized Module Course Materials:
Non-motorized Module Powerpoint
Non-motorized Module Student Manual
