Fourteen emergency first responders from Kaua'i recently completed an 80-hour training course over two weeks for certification as rescue craft operators.

The recipients represented the Kaua'i Fire Department, county Ocean Safety Bureau, and Pacific Missile Range Facility Crash Fire.

In order to qualify for the rescue craft operator training, a strong foundation in aquatic rescue operations is required and a minimum of two years of service, said Kaua'i Fire Chief Robert Westerman.

Kalani Vierra, Ocean Safety Bureau supervising officer, added that the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association followed strict guidelines set by the U.S. Lifeguard Association when they developed the curriculum for the Risk Technician/Rescue Craft Operator Course that is used statewide.

Earning certificates were firefighters Makali'i Andrade, Aaron Hawthorne and Dane Smith; Ocean Safety Bureau personnel Matthew Burman, Anthony Jaquias, Edward Pananganan, Bruce Stine, Kleve Zarbaugh, Gad Ho'okano, Kristopher Huber and Justin Tabalno, and Aaron Amorin, Aaron Labuguen and Kaiana Palama of Pacific Missile Range Facility Crash Fire.