All Oceanic Controllers are bound by the following policies. These policies are documented in the Administrative Letter of Agreement.
1. Controllers must be certified to log on and operate the Oceanic FSS position.
2. Certification shall consist of passing the Oakland Oceanic FSS OTS (over-the-shoulder) Exam and being listed on the crew roster page of this web site.
3. Per VATSIM policy, Oceanic Controllers must hold at least a C1 rating.
4. ******10/18/09: ITEM RESCINDED, VOICE ENDORSEMENTS NO LONGER APPLICABLE*******
5. All controllers of the FIR are "visiting controllers". Controllers may be from any ARTCC or FIR and do not need to become visiting controllers of any adjacent ARTCC.
6. The Facility Leader may rescind the oceanic certification of any controller that demonstrates that he is not complying with FIR procedures or policies.
7. The Facility Leader sets staffing plans during scheduled events.
8. Enforcement of FIR policies and procedures shall be carried out by VATSIM/VATUSA supervisors.
9. Controllers holding an Instructor rating and are oceanic-certified are authorized to act as Oceanic Instructors. In addition, they may volunteer to be listed on the Instructor/Mentor page, so that student/controllers can contact them for OTS sessions.
10. The FSS position may be split into sub sectors as outlined in the SOP. The current controller or shift supervisor shall not refuse a request to "sectorize" from a properly certified controller.
11. A controller wishing to "sectorize" shall check in with the current controller/shift supervisor as an OBS prior to logging in.
FIR Policies approved by Ian Elchitz, Western Region Director on 11/26/03
Updated 10/19/09 - By Andrew Podner