How to Join
Becoming and being a member of Maine Mounted Search and Rescue requires dedication and commitment, but it is also incredibly rewarding!
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NEW as of 2020 - Become an ASSOCIATE! Using the same application as a Full Member, you can now choose to pay lower dues, meet lower attendance standards, and take part in trainings at your own expense. This can be a great way to "try it on for size" and see if search and rescue is a good fit for you!
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Basic Full Membership Requirements
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Dedication and commitment
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Physical fitness level suitable for traveling miles into the wilderness with little or no support
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Ability to leave for a search with very little notice
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Completion of required trainings and certifications
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Mounted Members: access to a suitable horse, truck, and trailer
Full members need to attend monthly training sessions and quarterly meetings. We also have to maintain current certification status for both ourselves and, if we are mounted members, our equines. Finally, we each pay yearly membership dues.
How To Become A Member
To become a member, you'll submit a new member application* and your annual dues, and begin coming to meetings and training sessions. You'll come on board in probationary status and we'll pair you with a seasoned member who can help you navigate the training and certification requirements. (* If you want to fill out the application online and submit it electronically, you MUST download it first and THEN fill it out, or your data will not save.)
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It takes a while to complete all of the requirements, but you'll be a valued member of the team throughout the process... your questions and input are welcome. You'll be able to vote once you've reached Member status.
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Requirements for Full Certification
A fully-certified member of MMSAR has met the following requirements, and is able to attend a search in their choice of Support, Ground Searcher, or Mounted Searcher:
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Basic CPR & First Aid certification
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Fitness test (2-mile walk with 25# pack in under 30 minutes is preferred method)
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Online Federal Incident Command System certification (IS-100)
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Successful completion of the Basic Search And Rescue (BASAR) online course, written exam, and associated practical exercises
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Mounted Members must pass the Mounted Team Evaluation with their equine.
You do not have to have these requirements completed (or even started) before applying. Training will be provided to you after you join. Probationary members will be responsible for the cost of training, which is minimal.
Interested but not quite ready to apply? Send an email to info@mainemountedsar.org, or call (207) 458-6036.
We're very glad you're interested in joining... we can't wait to hear from you!