IRB Crew
This course aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to crew an Inflatable Rescue Boat in surf rescue operations effectively.
Prerequisites:
Minimum 15 years of age (on the day of final assessment)
Financial member of the Surf Life Saving Club
Proficient in Bronze Medallion
Patrolled for at least 1 season
Completed your required patrol hours (pro-rata at the time of course dates), so 8/16 hours by 31st December or 12/16 hours by 31st March.
Free for NCSLSC members
Course Dates:
IRB Crew #1: 18-26 July 2026 (07:00am-12:00pm)
All four sessions must be attended. Limited course places (by approval only).
Saturday 18 July 2026
Sunday 19 July 2026
Saturday 25 July 2026
Sunday 26 July 2026 (exam day)
You will also be required to complete the online training
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Course length is estimated at about 20 hours (dependent on group size and prior knowledge/abilities). This is typically split over two weekends with Saturday and Sunday training sessions.
There may also be a weeknight first session to provide an introduction to the course.
Prelearning
SLSA eLearning modules (approx 4 hours) this should be started prior to the first course day unless you are a late registration.
What to Bring
Wetsuit
Towel and dry clothes
Food & Drink
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Crew an IRB:
Identify the components of an IRB and ancillary equipment
Contribute to the safe and efficient launching of an IRB
Demonstrate safe crewing positions while negotiating the surf
Perform emergency procedures
Observation, hazards and risks are identified and clearly communicated to the driver
Perform conscious and unconscious casualty pick-ups
Perform complex rescues including swimming rescues, sailboarder and kite surfer rescues.
Maintain an IRB:
Perform pre-operational checks and preventative maintenance of the IRB hull
Perform post-operational maintenance of the IRB hull
Report major wear or damage according to organisation procedures
Assessment
Assessment is through demonstration, presentation and application of all elements of competency in the work-place. Participants will be required to complete activities that may include oral and written questioning, practical demonstrations and performing scenarios.
Proficiency
Mandatory annual proficiency for this award takes place between Oct-Dec. The award is only current until 31st December each year.
You must maintain a current Bronze Medallion award.
Please see our SMC page for more details on how you fulfil your proficiency requirement.