September 2020: IOSA Update
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2020 has been a challenge, to say the least.
A global pandemic, widespread wildfires and the resulting smoke, ongoing work to fight racial injustice, a looming election, and hurricanes galore. Hopefully you all are safe, comfortable, and finding some peace amidst the struggles.
Despite the collective wallop of 2020, IOSA has been moving forward. The Board of Directors has expanded and is meeting regularly via Zoom. Plans for construction of the Operations Base at Jensens' Marina in Friday Harbor are well underway with the extensive leadership and support of the Port of Friday Harbor. Finally, a volunteer hiring committee has been working tirelessly to identify a new executive director. Hopefully that process will be completed shortly and our next newsletter will be introducing you to the new day to day leader of IOSA.
For now, we want to highlight some upcoming training- unique opportunities to expand your knowledge and better prepare you and IOSA for eventually working together once again, in real life.
November & December 8 Hour HAZWOPER Training:
IOSA is working with Brian Johnson of DH Environmental to offer a selection of 8 hour HAZWOPER classes via Zoom in November and December. Brian has taught for IOSA before, both in-person and online. He does a nice job of meeting the requirements of the class, but also keeping things lively and relevant to IOSA's mission. Class size will be capped at 12 in order to ensure plenty of discussion and interaction. For more info about the classes, visit IOSA's training page. There is no cost for the training.
These classes serve as initial training for those with no HAZWOPER certification, and will also recertify those with active 8 or 24 hour certifications who need their annual refresher. For more info about HAZWOPER training, visit this FAQ
If you are interested, please sign up for the class offering that works best for you. We'll put together a final schedule based on interest.
HAZWOPER 8 HOUR:
Single Session: Saturday Nov 7th 8am - 4pm
Night Session: Monday Nov 16th, 18th, and 20th from 6pm - 8:30pm (need to attend all 3)
Single Session: Thursday Dec 3rd 8am - 4pm
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) TRAINING:
ICS is the guiding system for all oil spill responses (and other emergencies). And the larger or more complex the incident, the more important it is to have a strong structure in place to guide the effort.
FEMA offers online versions of the two introductory ICS classes. We'll just come out and say that this training isn't the most captivating thing you'll ever do, but it does get across some of the basic principles that are important to be aware of. You can do the training anytime. There are a couple of hurdles to jump to get signed up, but the process is straightforward. If you do complete the training, you'll be emailed a certificate. Please forward that email to info@iosaonline.org so it can be added to your training record.
ICS 100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
ICS 200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
Note that you'll need a FEMA ID Number to complete the training. You may register for a number here.
As always, thank so much to you, our volunteers, for all you do and all you have done. We look forward to an energized and active IOSA heading into the future. Stay safe, take care.
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