1.1 This guide establishes the minimum standard for training of search dog crews or teams as it relates to their general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to their use in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

1.2 Search dog crews perform searches on the surface of the land, including in mountainous terrain, alpine environments, and on inland water bodies.

1.3 This guide does not include the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to search in partially or fully collapsed structures, confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), in mountainous terrain, in an alpine environment, or on the water.

1.4 This guide does not provide a theoretical basis for how a search dog crew operates; rather it describes the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a search dog crew to function safely and effectively.

1.5 A search dog crew is able to respond into the field and back country to locate subjects in the wilderness environment.

1.6 A search dog crew is required to have, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined within this guide.

1.7 Search dog crews are eligible to be members of Type I and II SAR teams or crews as defined in Classification F1993.

1.7.1 Personnel trained in accordance with this guide may be members of Type I and II teams or crews of Kind A (Wilderness), Kind B (Urban), Kind C (Mountainous), Kind D (Disaster/collapsed structure), Kind E (Inland water), Kind I (Avalanche), and Kind J (Evidence/human remains), and may operate in urban and disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost their infrastructure.

1.8 Further training may be required before a search dog crew can fully participate on a particular type and kind of team or crew, based on specific local need, regulations, or policies.

1.9 Search dog crews shall work under qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.