SA Member Course Details

SLS MEMBERS ONLY – Silver Medallion IRB Driver_MAeL

Introduction:

The aim of this course is to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively drive and manage an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) in rescue operations.

Requirements:

SLS Club members who meet the prerequisites:

  • be at least 16 years of age to commence training
  • be at least 17 years of age on the date of final assessment
  • hold and be currently proficient in the following SLSA Awards:
    • Bronze Medallion
    • IRB Crew Certificate
  • hold a Service SA-issued Boat Licence 
  • completion of the ‘Entry Requirement Confirmation’ form verifying a minimum of eight (8) operational hours as a qualified crewperson or similar experience

Learning Outcomes:

  • PUAEQU001 – Prepare, maintain and test response equipment
  • PUASAR014 – Operate and maintain a small power craft and motor for rescue operations

Learning Methods:

This course has been designed to be delivered using a blended learning approach. This means that participants will learn using a variety of methods including face-to-face learning and self-paced learning (completed in the participant’s own time within timeframes set by trainers).

Course components

eLearning sessions

The eLearning modules are completed in the participant’s own time prior to the face-to-face sessions. The eLearning should be accessed at least two (2) weeks prior to the first face-to-face session, as it outlines what is expected of the participant to complete the course, including the pre-course eLearning work required.

Members can access the eLearning online via the SLS Members Area eLearning platform or SLS Learning app using their SLS Members Area login details.

Face-to-face sessions

The face-to-face sessions require members to attend training in person. These are broken down into dry and water-based sessions.

Dry sessions

During this time Trainers/ Facilitators will build on the participants’ eLearning, introduce new topics and guide participants through practical training

Water-based sessions

Candidates will practice all skills in low surf (1m or less) and demonstrate competence before practising them in more varied and challenging surf conditions. Candidates must be competent in driving, trimming and capsize procedures before moving on to rescues and patient pick-ups.

The face-to-face sessions should be delivered over at least five (5) separate days in a variety of conditions. Prior to assessment candidates should complete a minimum of twelve (12) nominal hours of practical demonstration, where the participant is actively performing tasks as a trainee IRB Driver. At least 50% of the nominal hours should be sea time driving an IRB.

Assessment

Participants will be assessed individually and in group activities. Participants need to display competency in all assessable elements to successfully complete the unit package PUAEQU001B – Prepare, maintain and test response equipment & PUASAR014A – Operate and maintain a small power craft and motor for rescue operations.
 
Assessment is conducted using the following methods:
  • Assessment Task 1 – Log of Training Hours
  • Assessment Task 2 – Theory Questions
  • Assessment Task 3 – Entry Requirement Confirmation
  • Assessment Task 4 – Third Party Report
  • Assessment Task 5 – Observations
  • Assessment Task 6 – Scenario
  • Assessment Task 7 – Risk Assessment  
Support for Diverse Learning, Disabilities and Reasonable Adjustments – Surf Life Saving SA is committed to providing inclusive and supportive learning environments for all participants. We recognise that individuals may have diverse learning styles, language backgrounds, literacy or numeracy needs, or other support requirements. We encourage students who may require reasonable adjustments to contact us prior to registering for a course so we can discuss and implement appropriate support strategies to ensure access to the training.

Program Benefits:

Content:

  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of an IRB Driver
  • List the duties of an IRB Driver and obligations as the vessel master
  • Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory maritime safety requirements and exemption requirements
  • List the safety considerations and key risks when operating an IRB
  • Provide direction to an IRB Crewperson in all their operational duties
  • Demonstrate an understanding of common IRB tasks and operating environments
  • Communicate effectively with crewperson, patients, the public and external emergency service personnel in the performance of duties.
  • Drive an IRB
  • Identify the components of an IRB motor
  • Launch an IRB safely and efficiently
  • List key risks when operating in the surf environment
  • Safely and efficiently negotiate the surf environment while driving an IRB
  • Perform emergency procedures
  • Demonstrate the safe deployment of a single buoy, line and anchor arrangement
  • Perform rescues in an IRB as a Driver
  • Perform conscious and unconscious patient pick-ups
  • Perform complex rescue operations
  • Liaise effectively with external emergency services as required
  • Prepare and maintain an IRB motor
  • Perform pre-operational checks and preventative maintenance of the IRB motor
  • Perform post-operational maintenance of the IRB motor
  • Perform motor re-start procedure after immersion in the surf
  • Complete organisational documentation as required, including reporting of major equipment wear or damage or personal injury
  • Introduction to Search and Rescue techniques
  • Understand search and rescue techniques and search patterns
  • Demonstrate search and rescue techniques in a patrol environment
  • Advanced Search and Rescue Techniques for Powercraft (IRB/RWC) (Elective)
  • Buoy and Can Laying (IRB) (Elective)
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Upcoming Courses

There are currently no openings available for this course.