Asset Commander (Formerly Team Commander)
Goal
To teach delegates to command a specialist rescue asset at the operational level.
Target group
Personnel holding Mod 2, Mod 3, or Mod 4 awards who are required to command an asset in the operational area.
Highlights
Learning outcomes align to DEFRA FRCO 2025 for operational Asset Commanders.
Combines case studies with practical classroom-based exercises for realistic command training.
Online support materials and knowledge confirmation assessments are included.
Description
This 2-day course is designed for personnel holding Mod 2, Mod 3, or Mod 4 awards who are required to command an asset in the operational area. The course teaches delegates to command a specialist rescue asset at the operational level.
Asset Commander DEFRA Module is aimed at personnel who hold Mod 2, Mod 3, or Mod 4 awards and are required to command an asset in the operational area. The DEFRA FRCO 2025 indicates that each team type should include at least one person trained as an Asset Commander. This course covers the DEFRA Flood Rescue Concept of Operations for Asset Commander, providing a firm foundation of knowledge through classroom lectures, presentations and table-top exercises. The course content of the Asset Commander mirrors that of days 1 and 2 of the Water & Flood Incident Manager(DEFRA Mod 5) course. Delegates will learn about incident management considerations, roles and responsibilities, risk management, PPE, search management, the Civil Contingencies Act, incident planning including interpreting weather forecasts, night operations, the challenges of risk appetite and mission creep, communication, incident response and stages, briefing and debriefing, welfare consideration and issues around scenes of crimes or body recoveries. Delegate are issued a pre-course reading list and are given a subject knowledge quiz to complete, which is reviewed throughout the course.
Note that Outreach Rescue also offers the 'Water Rescue Supervisor' award, which is a practical equivalent of this course combining the Asset Commander, Mod 3 recertification as well as further sector specific technical and non-technical skills as an alternative pathway for operational commanders that is more reflective of the operational expectations placed on them.
Compliance
DEFRA FRCO 2025 Asset Commander
Previous knowledge
In-date Mod 2/ Mod 3 OR Mod 4 compliant award. The Asset Commander must remain in-date in the award of the team they command. It is beneficial to have access to Resilience Direct and the Met Office Hazard Manager online facilities.
Requirements
Age 18+. Delegate will require a laptop computer
Progression
Reassessment is recommended every 2 years by means of attending a 1 day recertification course
Theoretical elements
- Classroom lectures and presentations covering incident management considerations, roles and responsibilities, risk management, PPE, search management, the Civil Contingencies Act, incident planning including interpreting weather forecasts, media management, night operations, the challenges of risk appetite and mission creep, communication, incident response and stages, briefing and debriefing, welfare consideration and issues around scenes of crimes or body recoveries.
- Delegates are issued a workbook and a personal reflection which is completed throughout the course and is assessed along with a short written examination.
Practical elements
Whilst this course is classroom based, practical table-top exercises are conducted to put the theory into practice through simulations to confirm learning.