201.01 A ON-DECK

On-Deck Overview

• On-Deck is a tactical function for resource layering in a Sector, positioned just outside immediate hazard zones.
• It is not an independent staging location but supports tactical operations.

Responsibilities and Supervision

• On-Deck crews are supervised by the Sector Officer or Company Officer and remain in position until assigned by the Incident Commander (IC) or Sector Officer.
• Common assignments include:
  • Rapid Intervention Crew
  • Reinforcing positions within the assigned sector
  • Crew relief within the assigned sector
  • Other tactical assignments from the IC

Coordination and Resource Allocation

• The IC must coordinate with Sector Officers to ensure effective resource levels for tactical objectives and work/rest cycles.
• On-Deck crews act as reserves to respond to changing conditions or Mayday situations.
• Proactive assignment of additional resources involves placing On-Deck crews in critical sectors as soon as possible upon arrival.

Assignment Instructions

• On-Deck assignments are communicated via direct orders, ensuring clarity on location and accountability (e.g., Command to Engine 5).

Operational Readiness

• On-Deck crews must park in non-obstructive ways, maintaining access to the scene.
• Crews should be fully equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and necessary tools (including the RIC Bag) before reporting to their assigned location.

Size Up and Monitoring

• Upon arrival, On-Deck companies notify the IC or Sector Officer of readiness.
• Crews need to stay intact and prepared while monitoring the tactical channel.

Area Assessment

• On-Deck crews must assess their assigned area, focusing on:
  • Structure entrance/exit points
  • Both interior and exterior conditions
  • The identification of crews working inside
  • Approximate location of interior crews
  • Which crews are deploying each hose line

Relief Crew Protocol

• When relieving another crew, the Company Officer should conduct a face-to-face information transfer with the exiting Officer.
• Essential information includes:
  • Current interior conditions
  • Routing instructions to work area
  • Interior obstructions
  • Additional tools/resources needed
  • Sector objectives

In Transit Definition

• Refers to the duration for a company to arrive at the designated assignment area after an order is placed.

Factors Affecting In Transit Time

• Distance: The greater the distance between the staging area and the incident site, the longer the transit time.
• Incident Perimeter Size: Larger incident perimeters require more time to navigate and reach the assignment area.
• Equipment Assembly: The volume of equipment that needs to be organized and prepared can extend the time before departure.

In Transit

• Refers to the duration a company requires to travel to an assignment area post order receipt.
• The timing can fluctuate based on several factors, affecting response efficiency.
• Distance from the staging area to the incident site influences transit time significantly.
• The size of the incident perimeter can extend the travel distance and complicate logistics.
• The quantity of equipment needing assembly also impacts how quickly a company can mobilize.