1. (1) Outfitters and guides are required to hold current basic first aid certification at all times actively licensed.

2. (2) Basic first aid certification must be obtained through a provider and course approved by the department based upon the following minimum criteria:

   1. (a) The provider must require written or practical tests and participants are to receive completion certificates.

   2. (b) The provider program must include, at a minimum, universal precautions for self-protection and training specific to the following types of injuries:

      1. (i) shock;
      2. (ii) bleeding;
      3. (iii) poisoning;
      4. (iv) burns;
      5. (v) temperature extremes;
      6. (vi) musculoskeletal injuries;
      7. (vii) bites and stings; and
      8. (viii) medical emergencies.
   3. (c) Instruction in the principles and first aid intervention of injuries must refer to body extremities.
3. (3) A list of approved providers and courses shall be maintained on the board web site.
4. (4) An applicant may also meet basic first aid certification if the applicant provides proof of a certification, license, or other credential that is equivalent to or greater than basic first aid certification, approved on a case-by-case basis by the department. The board may also maintain on its web site a list of certifications, licenses, and other credentials that will be routinely accepted as equivalent to or greater than basic first aid.
5. (5) Whenever clients are present, each watercraft; vessel; vehicle; primary, secondary, and temporary base of operations must possess a serviceable basic first aid kit.
6. (6) Each watercraft or vessel shall contain a serviceable U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device for each person onboard and a rescue throw line measuring at least 55 feet in length. Children under 12 are required to wear a personal floatation device. Watercraft 16 feet and longer are required to be equipped with a throwable Type IV floatation device. Personal floatation devices must be readily accessible at all times.
7. (7) All watercraft or vessels are required to carry onboard a supplementary means of power, such as an extra motor or extra oar that will adequately motivate the craft.

Authorizing statute(s): 37-47-201, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 37-47-201, MCA

History: NEW, 1992 MAR p. 439, Eff. 3/13/92; AMD, 1996 MAR p. 668, Eff. 3/8/96; AMD, 1999 MAR p. 809, Eff. 4/23/99; AMD, 2000 MAR p. 730, Eff. 3/17/00; TRANS, from Commerce, & AMD, 2006 MAR p. 324, Eff. 2/10/06; AMD, 2010 MAR p. 1889, Eff. 8/27/10; AMD, 2011 MAR p. 2149, Eff. 10/14/11; AMD, 2015 MAR p. 58, Eff. 1/30/15; AMD, 2017 MAR p. 1900, Eff. 10/14/17; AMD, 2019 MAR p. 850, Eff. 6/22/19; AMD, 2020 MAR p. 1157, Eff. 6/27/20; AMD, 2021 MAR p. 1407, Eff. 10/23/21; AMD, 2024 MAR p. 2149, Eff. 9/7/24.