SAR Resources
Most agencies don’t buy a rescue boat out of the operating budget. They fund it.
Federal, state, rural-development and private foundation programs all support emergency response watercraft, but they don’t all work the same way. The right one depends on who you are and what water you run. A rural fire district and a county sheriff’s marine unit are looking at two different doors.
Different agency types have different primary routes. Find yours, then confirm the current cycle with the administering office before you build a request.
AFG
For most fire departments the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is the primary route. AFG funds fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, state fire training academies, and non-federal airport or port authority fire and EMS organizations, covering equipment, vehicles, training and protective gear. Applications go through FEMA GO. Confirm current eligible activities and the open window in the year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Marine units and dive teams commonly fund watercraft through Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs funding, DHS preparedness grants administered by the state homeland security office, and Operation Stonegarden where a border nexus applies. Watercraft under DHS preparedness grants are typically referenced under AEL 17WC-00-BOAT.
Nonaffiliated EMS organizations may be eligible under AFG. Many states also run EMS equipment grants through the state EMS office or department of health, and regional EMS boards frequently hold smaller equipment funds that are far less competitive than federal programs. Start with your state EMS office.
County and regional emergency management offices generally access the Emergency Management Performance Grant and the Homeland Security Grant Program through the state administrative agency. These are pass-through funds, so your state homeland security or emergency management office controls the sub-award process and the deadlines. Contact them first.
Federally recognized Tribes may access the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program directly rather than through a state. Rural municipalities, public bodies, community nonprofits and Tribes may also qualify under USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program, which funds essential community facilities and equipment in qualifying rural areas.
Seal Craft SAR watercraft are designed for public-safety and emergency-response applications consistent with applicable FEMA/DHS Authorized Equipment List categories, including AEL 17WC-00-BOAT. Grant eligibility varies by program, agency, mission and funding cycle. Agencies should confirm eligibility with their grant administrator or FEMA Preparedness Officer before purchase.
The FEMA Authorized Equipment List identifies approved equipment types allowed under FEMA preparedness grant programs. It does not list commercially available products, and it does not approve, endorse or certify individual manufacturers or brands.
Referencing an AEL category in your application describes the category of equipment you are requesting. It does not mean FEMA has approved a specific purchase.
Categories agencies commonly reference for rescue watercraft.
AEL Number
AEL Title
17WC-00-BOAT
Watercraft, CBRNE Prevention and Response
17WC-00-DBOT
Boat, Dive
17WC-00-WCMA
Modifications /Accessories, Watercraft
On 17WC-00-BOAT. FEMA’s description of this category is framed around homeland security prevention and response, with allowable uses including protection of ports, critical waterways, dams, reservoirs, rivers and large lakes. Some programs require that the waterway be identified as a critical asset to the state through a vulnerability assessment. If your mission is fire response, swift-water rescue or EMS, AFG is usually the better-fitting program. Your state administrative agency or FEMA Preparedness Officer can confirm which applies.
On 17WC-00-DBOT. Reference this category only for an appropriately configured dive-operations package, and only where the purchasing agency determines the configuration meets its dive mission requirements.
FEMA GO is FEMA’s grants management system for applying for, tracking and managing disaster and non-disaster grants. Eligibility and application procedures vary by individual grant program.
Before you apply. Federal grant applications submitted through Grants.gov require a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov and an active SAM.gov registration for your organization. Registration takes time, so start it early rather than in the week a notice closes. Your finance or clerk’s office may already have one on file.
Seal Craft can provide specifications, equipment descriptions, quotes and grant-justification language for your department. Tell us your agency, your mission and the platform you’re considering, and we’ll assemble a package you can attach to an application.
No cost, no obligations. We typically respond within 3-5 business days.
Federal programs aren’t the only route, and foundation grants often move faster with less paperwork. Review current eligibility, award ranges and deadlines directly with each program before applying.
Provides lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders and public-safety organizations. Applications are submitted by the department, and a written vendor quote is generally part of the request.
The First Responder Support program provides grants for critical equipment and training to first responder departments.
Local grants offer supplemental funding for eligible local organizations. Award amounts are smaller, which can make this a good fit for closing a gap on a larger purchase.
Work these in order. Steps 1, 3 and 4 are where we can supply documentation for your specific configuration.
Define mission and propulsion
Swift water, flood, open water, ice or mixed-surface response drives the platform choice.
Confirm program and AEL classification
Check with your grant administrator or state administrative agency before you write.
Get a current written configuration and quote
Reviewers want specifics, not estimates.
Follow your competitive procurement rules
Where a sole-source award is appropriate, document the justification.
Document cost reasonableness and mission need
Tie the request to demonstrated call volume and risk.
Retain specifications, quote, award and grant records
Keep them for the full required audit period.
Grant programs, award amounts, application periods and eligibility requirements change. Funding and equipment eligibility are determined by the applicable grant administrator and purchasing agency. Seal Craft does not guarantee grant eligibility, approval or funding, and does not provide grant-writing, legal or procurement advice. This page does not represent that FEMA, DHS or any other agency has endorsed or approved Seal Craft as a manufacturer, or approved any specific purchase. Pricing and configurations are subject to change. Agencies should obtain a current written quote and independently verify grant eligibility before purchase.
Tell us about your agency and mission. We’ll send specifications, a written quote and justification language you can attach to an application.
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