ASTM F3194-16
(Guide)Standard Guide for Training for Personnel Operating Small Land Off Road Vehicles (ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement)
Standard Guide for Training for Personnel Operating Small Land Off Road Vehicles (ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide establishes the minimum training criteria for ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel.
4.2 At no time will this standard supersede any established protocols of international, national, federal, state, tribal, local, or regional governments.
4.3 Every person who is identified as an ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individual shall have met the requirements of this guide.
4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that an ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individual is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of an agency or organization.
4.4.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the requirements and qualifications for its team member ratings.
4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding additional requirements for its own members.
4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to make mission-critical decisions.
4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel.
4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program.
4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training individuals to be ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel. Likewise, this guide may be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements in this guide.
4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence.
4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel to perform safely and effectively.
4.11 ATV-ROHV Ops E...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training requirements, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for personnel who operate ATVs or ROHVs as part of their duties.
1.2 This guide applies only to ATVs and ROHVs as defined below.
1.3 An ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.
1.4 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and effectively on ATVs or ROHVs.
1.5 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals operate on the surface of the land only, including urban or disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost supporting infrastructure.
1.6 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for SAR personnel to operate ATVs or ROHVs while in partially or fully collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in a mountain or alpine environment.
1.7 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993.
1.7.1 Further training may be required before ATV-ROHV OPS Endorsed personnel may participate on a particular Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending on local needs, regulations, or policies of the authority having jurisdiction.
1.8 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to perform search or rescue. No training in land search, patient evacuation, rope use, or other rescue skills is included in this guide.
1.8.1 Basic search skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2209.
1.8.2 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2751.
1.9 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to operate in leadership positions.
1.10 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel mu...
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2016
- Technical Committee
- F32 - Search and Rescue
- Drafting Committee
- F32.03 - Personnel, Training and Education
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2009
- Refers
ASTM F1993-99(2005) - Standard Classification of Human Search and Rescue Resources (Withdrawn 2014) - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-1999
- Refers
ASTM F1773-97 - Standard Terminology Relating to Climbing and Mountaineering Equipment and Practices - Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1997
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2016
Overview
ASTM F3194-16: Standard Guide for Training for Personnel Operating Small Land Off Road Vehicles (ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement) sets forth the minimum training criteria for individuals tasked with operating small land off-road vehicles such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROHVs) in professional capacities. Developed by ASTM International, this guide supports organizations and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) in designing and evaluating training programs for ATV/ROHV operators engaged in various field activities, particularly in emergency response, law enforcement, disaster response, or support operations.
This guide ensures that operators meet baseline competencies in equipment use, personal safety, and field operations. It is not a standalone training program but provides the essential outline for developing, auditing, and maintaining effective operator training content, in alignment with local, state, and federal regulations.
Key Topics
- Minimum Training Criteria: Defines the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe operation of ATVs and ROHVs, including both classroom-based and field instruction.
- Scope of Applicability: Applies to personnel whose duties require the operation of ATVs or ROHVs on land, including work in urban, rural, and disaster-impacted areas.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Outlines the required PPE, such as helmets complying with ASTM F3103 or Snell M2015 standards, safety goggles, gloves, and over-the-calf protective gear.
- Vehicle Requirements: Mandates that vehicles must be certified as compliant with standards such as ANSI SVIA 1-2010, ANSI/ROHVA-1-2011, or ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2012, and be sized appropriately for the operator.
- Skill Verification: Specifies the need for documented proficiency in inspection, basic repairs, passenger management, loading/unloading, and self-sufficiency in remote environments.
- Supervision and Authority: Clarifies that the AHJ determines additional training requirements beyond the guide and enforces that endorsed individuals operate under qualified supervision.
Applications
ASTM F3194-16 is extensively used by organizations engaged in land-based emergency operations, including:
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Agencies: Helps prepare personnel who use ATVs or ROHVs in support or logistics roles during rescue operations.
- Law Enforcement and Fire Services: Provides structured criteria for non-leadership personnel required to operate off-road vehicles on duty.
- Disaster Response Teams: Supports operators in disaster-affected areas, ensuring vehicle and personal readiness in isolated or infrastructure-compromised locations.
- Municipalities and Utility Companies: Guides field crews operating ATVs/ROHVs in routine or emergency infrastructure maintenance.
This guide assists safety officers, training coordinators, and field supervisors in establishing an objective baseline for ATV/ROHV operator endorsement programs and verifying the comprehensiveness of internal training or evaluation documents.
Related Standards
The value of ASTM F3194-16 is maximized when used in conjunction with these related standards:
- ASTM F1773: Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering, Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
- ASTM F1993: Classification System of Human Search and Rescue Resources
- ASTM F2209: Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member (for basic search skills)
- ASTM F2751: Guide for Training of a Land Search and Rescue Team Member (for basic rescue skills)
- ASTM F3068: Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book (PTB)
- ASTM F3103: Specification for Testing Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Helmets
- ANSI SVIA 1-2010: Standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles
- ANSI/ROHVA-1-2011: Standard for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles
ASTM F3194-16 establishes a foundation for developing robust, compliant training for safe and effective off-road vehicle operations across varied organizational settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F3194-16 is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Training for Personnel Operating Small Land Off Road Vehicles (ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide establishes the minimum training criteria for ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel. 4.2 At no time will this standard supersede any established protocols of international, national, federal, state, tribal, local, or regional governments. 4.3 Every person who is identified as an ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individual shall have met the requirements of this guide. 4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that an ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individual is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of an agency or organization. 4.4.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the requirements and qualifications for its team member ratings. 4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding additional requirements for its own members. 4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to make mission-critical decisions. 4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel. 4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program. 4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training individuals to be ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel. Likewise, this guide may be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements in this guide. 4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence. 4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel to perform safely and effectively. 4.11 ATV-ROHV Ops E... SCOPE 1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training requirements, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for personnel who operate ATVs or ROHVs as part of their duties. 1.2 This guide applies only to ATVs and ROHVs as defined below. 1.3 An ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide. 1.4 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and effectively on ATVs or ROHVs. 1.5 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals operate on the surface of the land only, including urban or disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost supporting infrastructure. 1.6 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for SAR personnel to operate ATVs or ROHVs while in partially or fully collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in a mountain or alpine environment. 1.7 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993. 1.7.1 Further training may be required before ATV-ROHV OPS Endorsed personnel may participate on a particular Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending on local needs, regulations, or policies of the authority having jurisdiction. 1.8 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to perform search or rescue. No training in land search, patient evacuation, rope use, or other rescue skills is included in this guide. 1.8.1 Basic search skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2209. 1.8.2 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2751. 1.9 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to operate in leadership positions. 1.10 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel mu...
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide establishes the minimum training criteria for ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel. 4.2 At no time will this standard supersede any established protocols of international, national, federal, state, tribal, local, or regional governments. 4.3 Every person who is identified as an ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individual shall have met the requirements of this guide. 4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that an ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individual is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of an agency or organization. 4.4.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the requirements and qualifications for its team member ratings. 4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding additional requirements for its own members. 4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to make mission-critical decisions. 4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel. 4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program. 4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training individuals to be ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel. Likewise, this guide may be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements in this guide. 4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence. 4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel to perform safely and effectively. 4.11 ATV-ROHV Ops E... SCOPE 1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training requirements, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for personnel who operate ATVs or ROHVs as part of their duties. 1.2 This guide applies only to ATVs and ROHVs as defined below. 1.3 An ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide. 1.4 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and effectively on ATVs or ROHVs. 1.5 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals operate on the surface of the land only, including urban or disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost supporting infrastructure. 1.6 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for SAR personnel to operate ATVs or ROHVs while in partially or fully collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in a mountain or alpine environment. 1.7 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993. 1.7.1 Further training may be required before ATV-ROHV OPS Endorsed personnel may participate on a particular Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending on local needs, regulations, or policies of the authority having jurisdiction. 1.8 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to perform search or rescue. No training in land search, patient evacuation, rope use, or other rescue skills is included in this guide. 1.8.1 Basic search skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2209. 1.8.2 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2751. 1.9 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to operate in leadership positions. 1.10 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel mu...
ASTM F3194-16 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 03.100.30 - Management of human resources; 13.200 - Accident and disaster control. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F3194-16 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F1993-24, ASTM F2890-17(2024), ASTM F3103-14(2019), ASTM F1773-09(2015), ASTM F3103-14, ASTM F2890-12, ASTM F2209-10, ASTM F1773-09, ASTM F2751-09, ASTM F1993-99(2005), ASTM F1773-97(2004), ASTM F2209-03, ASTM F1993-99, ASTM F1773-97, ASTM F3193-16. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F3194-16 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3194 − 16
Standard Guide for
Training for Personnel Operating Small Land Off Road
Vehicles (ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3194; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.8.2 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide
F2751.
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training
requirements, including general and field knowledge, skills, 1.9 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to
and abilities, for personnel who operate ATVs or ROHVs as operate in leadership positions.
part of their duties.
1.10 ATV-ROHVOps Endorsed personnel must work under
1.2 This guide applies only toATVs and ROHVs as defined qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate by the Authority
below. Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.3 AnATV-ROHVOps Endorsement alone is not sufficient
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals may, under
qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and
2. Referenced Documents
effectively on ATVs or ROHVs.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.5 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals operate on the
F1773 Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering,
surface of the land only, including urban or disaster areas that
Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
may be isolated or have lost supporting infrastructure.
F1993 Classification System of Human Search and Rescue
1.6 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training
Resources
requirements for SAR personnel to operate ATVs or ROHVs
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
while in partially or fully collapsed structures, in- or on-water,
F2751 Guide for Training of a Land Search and Rescue
in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and
Team Member
tunnels), or in a mountain or alpine environment.
F2890 Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue
Personnel
1.7 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel
F3068 Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book
trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993.
(PTB)
1.7.1 Further training may be required before ATV-ROHV
F3103 Specification for Testing Off-Road Motorcycle and
OPS Endorsed personnel may participate on a particular
ATV Helmets
Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending on local needs,
regulations, or policies of the authority having jurisdiction.
1.8 Personnel trained only to this guide are not qualified to
perform search or rescue. No training in land search, patient
2.2 Other Documents:
evacuation, rope use, or other rescue skills is included in this
ANSI SVIA 1-2010: American National Standard for Four
guide.
Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles—Equipment, Configuration,
1.8.1 Basic search skills and knowledge are found in Guide
and Performance Requirements
F2209.
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel, contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Training and Education. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved June 1, 2016. Published July 2016. DOI: 10.1520/ the ASTM website.
F3194-16. http://www.svia.org/Programs/Standard.aspx
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3194 − 16
ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2012: American National Standard for 4.3 Every person who is identified as an ATV-ROHV Ops
Multipurpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles Endorsed individual shall have met the requirements of this
ANSI/ROHVA-1-2011: Recreational Off-Highway Ve- guide.
hicles
4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards,
Snell Memorial Foundation: 2015 Standard For Protective
it does not imply that anATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individual
Headgear For Use with Motorcycles and Other Motorized
is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed mem-
Vehicles
ber of an agency or organization.
State laws pertaining to operation of ATVs
4.4.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the require-
ments and qualifications for its team member ratings.
3. Terminology
4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding
3.1 Definitions:
additional requirements for its own members.
3.1.1 all terrain vehicle (ATV), n—a motorized off-highway
4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does
vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure tires, having a
not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to
seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and handlebars
make mission-critical decisions.
for steering control. ATVs are subdivided into two types as
designated by the manufacturer. 4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an
outline of the topics required for training or evaluating ATV-
3.1.1.1 ATV, Type I, n—an ATV intended by the manufac-
ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel.
turer for use by a single operator and no passenger.
4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for
3.1.1.2 ATV, Type II, n—an ATV intended by the manufac-
training or evaluating ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel
turerforusebyanoperatorandapassenger,andequippedwith
and may be used to assist in the development of a training
a designated seating position behind the operator.
document or program.
3.1.2 authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), n—(1) the
4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to
organization, agency, or other entity which is using this guide;
determine if its content includes the topics necessary for
(2) the organization, agency, or other entity to which a person
training individuals to be ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed person-
being trained, tested, or evaluated belongs, if the instructor,
nel. Likewise, this guide may be used to evaluate an existing
evaluator, or tester is not a member of the same organization.
training program to see if it meets the requirements in this
3.1.3 qualified supervisor, n—an individual with demon-
guide.
strated knowledge or competence in a task, to whom the AHJ
has granted the authority to observe and oversee an individual 4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the
performing that task. following sections are not in any particular order and do not
represent a training sequence.
3.1.4 recreational off-highway vehicle (ROHV), n—a motor-
ized off-highway vehicle (also ROV, UTV or “Side-by-Side”)
4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with
designed to travel on four or more tires:
other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, and
(1) A steering wheel for steering control; abilities needed for ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel to
(2) Non-straddle seating;
perform safely and effectively.
(3) Maximum speed capability greater than 30 MPH (48
4.11 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel shall document
km/h);
training by completion of a position task book, compliant with
(4) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) no greater than
ASTM F3068, or by field demonstration under qualified
3,750 lb (1700 kg);
supervision.
(5) Less than 2030 mm (80 in) in overall width, exclusive
4.11.1 Where proficiency in a skill or ability must be
of accessories;
demonstrated, unless stated otherwise it shall be demonstrated
(6) Engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc
for initial qualification, and as often as required by the AHJ.
(61ci).
4.11.2 Proficiency shall be demonstrated to a qualified
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, see
observer as defined by the AHJ.
Terminology F1773, Guides F1993, F2209, and F2751.
5. Operator’s Equipment
4. Significance and Use
5.1 ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed individuals shall wear the
4.1 This guide establishes the minimum training criteria for
following personal protective equipment (PPE) while operat-
ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsed personnel.
ing a
...
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