(a) On-the-job training. Except as provided in §955.14(c) for reexamination, each applicant for the issuance of an OSM blaster certificate who does not qualify as a blaster or the equivalent shall:

(1) Have received on-the-job training, including practical field experience in blasting operations, from a blaster or the equivalent for 2 out of the 3 years preceding the submission of his or her application; and

(2) Have obtained from the blaster or the equivalent, the relevant employer, or other knowledgable source, satisfactory evidence of having received on-the-job training in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Training course. Except as provided in §955.14(c) for reexamination, each applicant for the issuance or reissuance of an OSM blaster certificate shall:

(1) Within 2 years prior to submitting an application, have completed a training course as follows:

(i) For certificate issuance the course shall cover the technical aspects of blasting operations and State and Federal laws governing the storage, transportation and use of explosives, including the topics specified in §850.13(b) of this chapter; or

(ii) For certificate reissuance the course shall cover any significant changes that have occurred in the topics specified in §850.13(b) of this chapter since the applicant last completed a course that was accepted by OSM for the issuance or reissuance of an OSM blaster certificate. If OSM determines that no siginficant changes have occurred, OSM may waive this requirement; and

(2) Have obtained from the training provider satisfactory evidence that he or she has completed training in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(c) Availability. OSM shall ensure that courses are available as provided in §850.13(b) of this chapter to train persons subject to this part who are responsible for the use of explosives in surface coal mining operations.