Washington State’s Homeland Security Institute has constructed the ERIFS training course through a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) competitive training grant award.
ERIFS is an official DHS course and is available free of charge.
The Critical need for ERIFS
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified ferry systems as the number one potential maritime terrorist target in the U.S. The Washington State Ferry System is the largest in the nation. An attack on one of the larger commuter boats could result in a higher number of deaths than an attack on commercial aircraft or trains. Ferries are also continually at risk of an accident or a natural disaster. It is for these reasons that the Washington State Homeland Security Institute developed ERIFS.
The Curriculum and how it Works:
Ferry operations across the nation differ considerably, depending on the conditions faced, types of boats, services provided, and other local considerations. Therefore, ERIFS is an “awareness level” or basic information course, which is applicable to any ferry system. Consequently, the course has been structured to allow the instructor and the audience, to discuss and apply the information presented to their specific local jurisdiction.
Questions which arise during the training will help emergency response communities to identify and address their unique emergency response considerations, from a multi-disciplined, multi-dimensional local perspective, that may include local weather and water conditions, specific vessel and terminal layout and construction issues, and particular areas of terrorism or disaster concerns.
Classroom Delivery Options
If your organization would like to have ERIFS delivered by HSI subject matter experts (both in-state or out of state), go to ERIFS Delivery Request.
If you have questions regarding the course e-mail John Fortugno at: jfortugno@sbctc.edu or by phone at 360-704-4358.
PLEASE NOTE: HSI will deliver the 8-hour Train the Trainer version to all out of state organizations.
Organizations interested in participating in upcoming Train the Trainer offerings (both in and out of state) are welcome to attend, as long as space and sponsoring organization permits. To find out if space is available e-mail John Fortugno at: jfortugno@sbctc.edu or by phone at 360-704-4363.
If you would like to locate a trainer from your local area and/or discipline go to Trainer Database then click to select a course by trainer and click on ERIFS
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