The High Water Vehicle (HWV) Awareness Course is designed to provide emergency responders, fire service personnel, incident commanders, and emergency management professionals with a foundational understanding of High Water Vehicle deployment and operations during flooding and high-water emergencies. This program focuses on vehicle capabilities and limitations, hydrology and water dynamics, personal protective equipment (PPE), pre-deployment planning, HWV fundamentals, operating considerations in floodwater environments, rescue operations, personnel safety, and passenger and payload management. Emphasis is placed on hazard recognition, risk assessment, operational decision-making, and safe practices when utilizing High Water Vehicles during emergency response.

The course consists of classroom instruction followed by an instructor-led review of the agency's High Water Vehicle and associated equipment. This vehicle familiarization provides participants with an opportunity to examine vehicle-specific features, equipment, capabilities, limitations, and important safety considerations.

This is an awareness-level course intended to develop operational knowledge and situational awareness.  No hands-on driving, vehicle operation, or practical vehicle maneuvering is included.