§ 158. Firefighting training. 1. For the purpose of this section, the term fire fighter shall mean a member of a fire department whose duties include fire service as defined in paragraph d of subdivision eleven of section three hundred two of the retirement and social security law. 2. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided by this article, the state fire administrator may promulgate rules and regulations with respect to:

(a) The approval, or revocation thereof, of fire training programs for fire fighters;

(b) Minimum courses of study, attendance requirements, and equipment and facilities to be required for approved fire training programs for fire fighters;

(c) Minimum qualifications for instructors for approved fire training programs for fire fighters;

(d) The requirements of minimum basic training which fire fighters appointed to probationary terms shall complete before being eligible for permanent appointment, and the time within which such basic training must be completed following such appointment to a probationary term;

(e) The requirements of minimum basic training which fire fighters not appointed for probationary terms but appointed on other than a permanent basis shall complete in order to be eligible for continued employment or permanent appointment, and the time within which such basic training must be completed following such appointment on a non-permanent basis;

(f) The requirements for in-service training programs designed to assist fire fighters in maintaining skills and being informed of technological advances;

(g) Categories or classifications of advanced in-service training programs and minimum courses of study and attendance requirements with respect to such categories or classifications;

(h) Exemptions from particular provisions of this article in the case of any county, city, town, village or fire district, if in the opinion of the state fire administrator the standards of fire training established and maintained by such county, city, town, village or fire district are equal to or higher than those established pursuant to this article; or revocation in whole or in part of such exemption, if in his or her opinion the standards of fire training established and maintained by such county, city, town, village or fire district are lower than those established pursuant to this article; and

(i) Education, health and physical fitness requirements for eligibility of persons for provisional or permanent appointment in the competitive class of the civil service as fire fighters as it deems necessary and proper for the efficient performance of such duties; 3. In furtherance of his or her functions, powers and duties as set forth in this section, the state fire administrator may:

(a) Recommend studies, surveys and reports to be made by the state fire administrator regarding the carrying out of the objectives and purposes of this section;

(b) Visit and inspect any fire training programs approved by the state fire administrator or for which application for such approval has been made; and

(c) Recommend standards for promotion to supervisory positions. 4. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided by this section, the state fire administrator shall:

(a) Approve fire training programs for fire fighters and issue certificates of approval to such programs, and revoke such approval or certificate;

(b) Certify, as qualified, instructors for approved fire training programs for fire fighters and issue appropriate certificates to such instructors;

(c) Certify fire fighters who have satisfactorily completed basic training programs and in-service training programs, and issue appropriate certificates to such fire fighters and revoke such certificates;

(d) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the establishment, operation, effectiveness and approval of fire training programs;

(e) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the completion or partial completion of training programs by video or computer to the maximum extent practicable; and

(f) Consult with and cooperate with the state university of New York and private universities, colleges and institutes in the state for the development of specialized courses of study for fire fighters in fire science and fire administration.