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 the Surf Life Saving Club
Have 2 years of patrolling experience
Proficient in Bronze Medallion and IRB Crew awards
WA Recreational Skippers Ticket (subsidised courses can be arranged with SLSWA after enrollment)

Fees:

Free for NCSLSC members

Course Dates:

TBC - we aim to run one IRB Driver course every 1-2 years, usually in the Winter with bigger swell - express your interest below.

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.

IRB Driver