This is skilled marine work piloting a diesel engine fireboat in fire fighting and other emergency operations on an assigned shift. Work involves participation in fire fighting activities, maintenance of the pilothouse and deck equipment and the training of firemen to qualify as fireboat pilots.

work is performed under the general supervision of a fire officer. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are performed in accordance with standard marine practices and general work instructions. Employees are responsible for the movement and positioning of fireboats. Work involves regular exposure to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions and requires light physical effort.

• Determines location of alarms; signals engineer to set diesel engines for propulsion; signals firemen serving as deck hands to cast off mooring lines; operates pilothouse control; pilots fireboat to fire and maneuvers it into proper position for fire fighting; signals engineer to set diesel engines for pumping.
• Takes depth soundings of water in pier areas with assistance of deck hand; prepares charts, based on depth soundings, which describe areas accessible to fireboats.
• Demonstrates to and instructs firemen in the principles and procedures of fireboat piloting.
• Inspects deck to insure all equipment is secured and mooring lines are properly set; inspects pilothouse to insure equipment is operating properly; with engineer's assistance, starts and tests engines, throttle and helm control systems; reports damage and malfunctions to fire officer.
• Supervises and assists deck hands in the general cleaning painting, maintenance and minor repair of the pilothouse and deck equipment.
• Administers first aid to fireboat crew when necessary.
• Maintains daily log of operations.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the regulations, principles, and practices applicable to piloting and intermediate-sized vessels on tidal waters.
• the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard as they apply to pilot operations.
• tidal conditions, currents, and of the location of channels, shoals, reefs, rocks, floating bells, lights, landmarks, and signals in the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.
• the principles and practices of the care and routine maintenance of hulls, deck structures, gear and other fireboat equipment.
• modern firefighting and fire prevention methods.
• first aid principles and techniques.

• the piloting of a fireboat under a variety of conditions.
• demonstrating and instructing firemen in fireboat piloting principles and procedures.
• taking depth soundings and preparing diagrams of pier areas, noting water depths.

• Two years of experience as a fireman, supplemented by the successful completion of a training program as a fireboat pilot as qualified by the Fire Training College and filed with the City of Philadelphia's Personnel Department.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: 305
Class Established: 1/1953
Reviewed but no revised: 2/1980

RH/sb/ps