The IRB Driver Award (Silver Medallion) course is run for Members through the local Surf Clubs.

The aim of this course is to help you develop skills and knowledge to safely and effectively drive an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB)

You will also develop knowledge and skills to enable you to demonstrate competence in the nationally recognised unit(s) of competency:
• PUAEQU001B Prepare, maintain and test response equipment
• PUASAR010B Undertake rescue operation in a small power craft

These units form a part of the nationally recognised PUA31304 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue)
 

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

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 an 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 casualty 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-operational maintenance of the IRB motor
• Perform motor re-start procedure after immersion in the surf
 

Prerequisites

To enter the IRB Driver Award (Silver Medallion) course you MUST have met the following course pre-requisites:
• Minimum of 16 years of age to commence training
• Minimum of 17 years of age on the date of final assessment
• Hold and be currently proficient in the SLSA awards shown in the table below
• Have met the Marine Licensing requirements in your state
• Already achieved the units of competency shown below:

Surf Life Saving Pre-requisite Awards

Bronze Medallion
IRB Crew Certificate
 

Pre-requisite units of competency

PUACOM001C Communicate in the workplace 

PUAEME001B Provide emergency care

PUAOPE002B Operate communication systems and equipment 

Enrolment

Contact your Club Administration to enrol in the next available course