Currency is a vital part of the NASBLA Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program. It ensures that responders retain the skills and knowledge necessary to perform safely and effectively in maritime operations. While initial training establishes competency, annual currency requirements help maintain proficiency and support operational readiness.
What is Currency?
Currency refers to the ongoing demonstration of proficiency in specific course disciplines after initial training. To maintain a current status, discipline-specific currency requirements must be completed and submitted annually through the National Readiness Database (NRD).
Courses Requiring Currency
Currency requirements currently apply to the following NASBLA disciplines:
- Boat Crew Member (BCM)
- Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR)
- Tactical Operator’s Course (TOC)
- Pursuit & STOP Course (PAS)
How is Currency Maintained and Submitted?
Currency is maintained through the completion of discipline-specific requirements and submitted through the reporting function within the National Readiness Database (NRD), the BOAT Program's system of record for training, certifications, and operational readiness.
Currency submissions must be validated by an agency training officer, supervisor, department head, or other command authority. Once approved, personnel records are updated within the NRD, providing visibility of responder qualifications and currency status. Authorized users, including the U.S. Coast Guard, may utilize the NRD to support readiness awareness, resource planning, and incident response.
Agency Training Administrators requiring access to the NRD reporting portal may request credentials by contacting NASBLA’s BOAT Program Director.
Students are responsible for ensuring their currency requirements are completed and submitted on time.
National Readiness Database (NRD) Overview
Why Currency Matters
Maritime public safety agencies face increasing operational demands, evolving mission requirements, and a growing reliance on interagency response. Initial training alone does not guarantee long-term proficiency. Skills degrade over time, procedures evolve, and operational environments change.
Maintaining currency helps preserve perishable skills, reinforce standardized practices, and ensure responders remain prepared when called upon. Currency supports:
- Operational readiness
- Responder safety
- Interoperability across agencies
- Confidence in qualifications during incident response
Additional Information
To obtain the most up-to-date currency requirements or for more information, please contact:
Director, BOAT Program