Level 1 Inspector Training
Upcoming Classes
Virtual Training October 13-14, 2020 (2 days) 9am-Noon; Zoom Register here. Class logistics here.
Virtual Training September 22-23, 2020 (2 days), 8am-Noon: CLASS IS FULL; For class logistics, click here.
Virtual WIT II training will encompass Level 1 Inspector Training. You may register on Level II.
For Level 2 Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training, please visit WIT II Schedule
The training will include:
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Introduction & overview of what other western states are doing to fight mussels
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Biology of quagga & zebra mussels
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Quagga & zebra mussel status, monitoring, prevention, and regulations in California
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Overview of decontamination, including when decontamination should occur
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Watercraft risk assessment and inspection procedure (with practice)
TO REGISTER: If you are interested in attending, please register online at http://www.westernais.org/register-for-training
COST: Training is provided free of charge to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are responsible for their own travel expenses. Lunch will be delivered; you will need $10 to cover refreshments and lunch at check in/arrival.
*This is a ONE-day training Participants only need to attend one of the days
Background Information
Level I Training is directed at state, federal and local natural resource and boating agency personnel, water users of all types, law makers, policy makers, and border/lake inspection personnel, marina operators and commercial boat transport operators. This training gives a thorough overview of the species and problems caused, and includes information on outreach and education programs, basic mussel biology, distribution, transport vectors, mussel impacts and focuses on how to inspect for and decontaminate traileredwatercraft suspected of having zebra or quagga mussels on-board. It includes 4-5 hours on national prevention programs, current issues, lessons learned from existing watercraft inspection programs, a question and answer session and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise.
Inspectors must complete a minimum of 8 hours of training, where they participate in practical inspections. All students must receive a passing score of 80% or better on the final written exam to pass the class. The training must include the five standard modules or chapters/slideshows:
1) Introduction and Western State AIS Programs
2) Biology (zebra and quagga mussels and other AIS)
3) Watercraft 101
4) Inspection Procedure
5) Overview of Decontamination, including triggers for decontamination.
To receive inspector certification (level 1) students must attend the certification course which is two days. Some trainers may choose to offer an inspection certification in a one day course. Inspectors must complete a minimum of 8 hours of class, where they participate in at least three hours performing practical inspections. All students must receive a passing score of 80% or better to pass the class. The training must include the five standard modules or chapters/slideshows:
1) Introduction and Western State AIS Programs
2) Biology (zebra and quagga mussels and other AIS)
3) Watercraft 101
4) Inspection Procedure
5) Overview of Decontamination, including triggers for decontamination
Sample Agenda
Watercraft Inspection Training, Lake Nacimiento – WIT I, February 21, 2018 - February 22, 2018, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
7:45 Sign in
8:00 Welcome! Quagga D Davis
8:05 Introduction: Overview of AIS and Western States Programs – (Chapter 1)
8:30 California Overview of AIS Program - Kelley Aubushon
8:45 AIS Impacts – Ecological Overview – Kelley Aubushon
9:00 Zebra/Quagga Mussel & Other AIS Biology - (Chapter 2)
9:45 BREAK
10:00 Watercraft 101 – (Chapter 3)
11:15 OUTSIDE – Boat Anatomy
12:00 LUNCH BREAK
1:00 Entrance/Exit Boat Inspection Demonstration – Debi DeShon
1:30 Inspection Protocol – (Chapter 4)
2:00 OUTSIDE - Inspection Practice
3:45 BREAK
4:00 Overview of Watercraft Decontamination
4:30 Test
4:45 Certificate Presentation
5:00 Adjourn