Kodiak Disaster Response Training - Transport Solutions
Throughout the year, several agencies in and around Kodiak Island offer disaster response training, covering everything from fire prevention, fire extinguisher training, CPR, and light search and rescue to oil spill response, disaster medical operations, cold water survival, and team organization.
All of these disaster response trainings are especially critical in Alaska, where conditions can be extremely harsh, and the weather can change rapidly. Much of the disaster training is focused on local agencies, all working together to share resources, training locations, personnel, and expertise. While a lot of training is geared towards emergency responders and professionals, there are many opportunities for Alaska residents to participate and learn.
Local Agencies Involved in Disaster Response
Some of the local agencies participating in disaster response training – whether through training itself or providing resources – include:
KARES
The Kodiak Amateur Radio Emergency Services volunteer group operates and staffs the Mobile Emergency Communications Unit and Command Post for Bayside Fire Station, provides backup communications support for Kodiak emergency responders during disasters, and collaborates with local agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard in emergency situations.
KISAR
Kodiak Island Search and Rescue is a non-profit organization focused on providing volunteers for local search and rescue through continued training and education. They also work to increase public awareness through educational programs and demonstrations.
Kodiak Area Native Association
Through their Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Program, this association ensures local communities (Akhiok, Larsen Bay, Old Harbor, and Port Lions) are reached during emergencies, even during inclement weather or in remote areas. The VPSOs work with Alaska State Troopers and are trained in emergency medical response, fire prevention and suppression, search and rescue, and disaster preparedness and response.
Alaska Forum
Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and support from the State of Alaska, residents in rural Alaskan communities have free access to Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. CERT education includes basic disaster response skills like fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
Coast Guard Base Kodiak is the largest U.S. Coast Guard Base, and Air Station Kodiak provides search-and-rescue training, disaster relief, and marine environmental protection.
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA)
AMSEA trains commercial fishermen in at-sea survival tactics, including the use of liferafts, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), and immersion suits.
Naval Special Warfare Cold Weather Detachment Kodiak
This specialized naval training course trains Navy SEALs for cold-weather maritime tactics, from diving to emergency procedures in icy conditions.
Oil Spill Response
A large part of disaster response in Alaska is aimed at oil spill response, working to keep the water, marine life, and local marine ecosystems safe. Groups like the USCG, Local Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council train alongside local Kodiak agencies to conduct fishing vessel oil spill response training through exercises with booms, barges, and skimmers. These include search-and-rescue, at-sea medical evacuations, and much more.
The focus for Kodiak oil spill response, as with any disaster training, is preparedness. The aim is to ensure local fishing fleets, crews, and organizations are ready to respond quickly and efficiently. The Alyeska Pipeline SERVS (Ship Escort/Response Vessel System) program, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Resolve Marine, and the Alaska Chadux Network are major players here, holding at-sea and classroom training sessions.
Training includes:
Incident Command Systems (ICS)
Safety rigging
Air quality testing with gas meters
Response tactics
Wildlife protection - including bird hazing with propane cannons and Breco Buoys
