SLS MEMBERS ONLY – IRB Crew_MAeL
Introduction:
The aim of this course is to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively crew an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) in rescue operations.
Requirements:
SLS Club members who meet the prerequisites:
- Financial and active member
- Minimum of 15 years of age on the date of final assessment
- Hold and be proficient in Bronze Medallion
Learning Outcomes:
- PUASAR015 – Crew a Small Powercraft in a rescue operation
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).
Members can access the eLearning online via the SLS Members Area eLearning platform or SLS Learning app using their SLS Members Area login details.
The face-to-face sessions should be delivered over at least three (3) separate days in a variety of conditions. Prior to assessment candidates should complete a minimum of eight (8) nominal hours of practical demonstration, where the participant is actively performing tasks as a trainee IRB Crewperson.
Assessment is conducted using the following methods:
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 before the first face-to-face session, this 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 crewing, trimming and capsize procedures before moving on to rescues and patient pick-ups.The face-to-face sessions should be delivered over at least three (3) separate days in a variety of conditions. Prior to assessment candidates should complete a minimum of eight (8) nominal hours of practical demonstration, where the participant is actively performing tasks as a trainee IRB Crewperson.
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 PUASAR015 accreditation.Assessment is conducted using the following methods:
- Assessment Task 1 – Log of Training Hours
- Assessment Task 2 – Theory Questions
- Assessment Task 3 – Third Party Report
- Assessment Task 4 – Observations
- Assessment Task 5 – Scenario
- Assessment Task 6 – 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 Crewperson
- List the duties of an IRB Crewperson and obligations as a vessel crew
- Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory maritime safety requirements and exemption requirements relevant to vessel crew
- Demonstrate an understanding of common IRB tasks and operating environments
- List the safety considerations and key risks when crewing an IRB
- Communicate effectively with IRB Driver, patients, and external emergency service personnel in the performance of duties.
- Prepare the components of an IRB and auxiliary equipment
- Contribute to the safe and efficient launching of an IRB
- Demonstrate safe crewing positions while negotiating the surf
- Identify key risks in the operating environment and clearly communicate them to the driver
- Perform rescues, including conscious and unconscious patient pick-ups
- Perform emergency procedures
- Assist with the safe deployment of a single buoy, line and anchor arrangement
- Prepare and maintain an IRB
- Perform pre-operational checks and preventative maintenance of the IRB hull and auxiliary equipment
- Perform post-operational maintenance of the IRB hull and auxiliary equipment
- Complete organisational documentation as required, including reporting major equipment wear or damage or personal injury
- 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)
Upcoming Courses
| Name | Date | Time | Location | Available Spaces | Cost | Single Enrol |
| SEMAPHORE SLS MEMBERS ONLY – IRB Crew | 26/12/2025 – 26/01/2026 | 08:30 am – 04:30 pm | Semaphore SLSC | 3 | $0.00 | |
| CHRISTIES BEACH SLS MEMBERS ONLY – IRB Crew | Dates Held By Chief Instructor | 08:30 am – 04:30 pm | Christies Beach SLSC | 5 | $0.00 |