IRB Driver
The Silver Medallion IRB Driver provides participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively drive and manage an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) in surf rescue operations.
Powercraft roles are physically demanding and require you to have a sound understanding of the aquatic environment and to be able to read the prevailing conditions. Please inform us if you have any conditions including physical injuries.
Prerequisites:
Minimum 17 years of age (on the day of final assessment)
Financial member of North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club
Completed 2+ years of patrolling experience
At least 16+ hours patrolling as an IRB Crew
(can be over multiple seasons)
Proficient in Bronze Medallion and IRB Crew awards
Must hold a WA Recreational Skippers Ticket
Free for NCSLSC members
Course Dates:
2025 Course: You must attend all dates:
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August
Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August
Saturday 6th September
Sunday 7th September (Assessment)
Most sessions will start at 7am and run for approximately 4-5 hours. Some times may vary due to changes to location and weather conditions.
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Course length is estimated at about 20-30 hours (dependent on group size and prior knowledge/abilities).
It is a large commitment running over 5-6 weekends + occasional weeknight maintenance sessions. You must maintain >90% attendance.
This includes practical sessions and the assessment.
Prelearning
SLSA eLearning modules this should be started prior to the first course day unless you are a late registration.
WA Recreational Skippers Ticket (subsidised courses can be arranged with SLSWA after enrollment)
What to Bring
Theory sessions - motor maintenance. For this session you will need clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Beach sessions - We will provide PFD and helmets as required. For these sessions we recommend you wear gear appropriate for the conditions and aquatic activity (wetsuit, thermal rashie, windproof spray, sunscreen, secure hat).
Keep fuelled BYO snacks and water
Learning outcomes
Understand the roles and responsibilities of an IRB Driver, including:
List the duties of an IRB Driver
List the safety considerations when operating an IRB
Provide direction to an IRB Crewperson in all their operational duties
Communicate effectively with Crewperson, the public and patients in the normal performance of duties
Drive an IRB
Identify the components of an IRB motor
Launch an IRB safely and efficiently
List motor hazards in the surf
Safely and efficiently negotiate the surf while driving an IRB
Perform emergency procedures
Perform rescues in an IRB as a Driver
Perform conscious and unconscious patient pick-ups
Perform complex rescue operations including swimming rescues, sailboarder and kite surfer rescues
Contribute to search and rescue operations; liaising effectively with other emergency response services as required
Prepare and maintain an IRB motor
Perform pre-operational checks and preventative maintenance of the IRB motor
Perform post-operations maintenance of the IRB motor
Perform motor re-start procedure after submersion in the surf
Report major wear and damage according to organisational 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 role-plays, oral and written questioning, practical demonstrations and performing scenarios.
Proficiency
Powercraft award holders may need to demonstrate skills in a skills maintenance check (which may include online eLearning) or may be deemed as proficient via demonstration of competency during normal operational activities.
All members must demonstrate proficiency in the prerequisite awards associated with these awards as follows:
Proficient Bronze Medallion
Proficient IRB Crew
Hold a current WA Skippers Ticket
Additionally, if you are using the Club ATV you must have completed your ATV Induction.