IRB Driver Overview

Feeling comfortable as crew and wanting to take that next step to become a IRB Driver? Take a look below at what you can expect!

You've crewed the boat — now it's time to drive it. The Silver Medallion IRB Driver course is the natural next step for crew wanting to build their skills. You'll learn to read and negotiate surf, execute complex rescues, and lead your crew with confidence in conditions that count. Serious skills, serious fun.

IRB Drivers are still required to patrol on the beach and when not in the IRB, are patrolling Bronze Members on rotations. Drivers (and crew), will take turns in the IRB, ensuring everyone gets time and opportunity to keep their skills up once they have gained their qualification.

Entry Requirements
  1. Be at least 16 years of age to commence training
  2. Be at least 17 years of age on the date of final assessment
  3. Hold and be currently proficient in the following SLSA Awards:
    1. Bronze Medallion
    2. IRB Crew Certificate
Course Requirements

Prior to assessment, participants should complete:

  • Twelve (12) nominal hours of practical demonstration where the participant is actively performing tasks as a trainee IRB Driver;
    • With at least 50% of the nominal hours to be sea time;
    • Over at least 5 separate days;
    • In a variety of conditions.
Course Content

Understand the roles and responsibilities of an IRB Driver, including:

  • 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 Crew person in all their operational duties
  • Demonstrate an understanding of common IRB tasks and operating environments
  • Communicate effectively with crew person, patients, the public and external emergency service personnel in

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.
Annual Skills Maintenance

For this award to remain current, candidates must complete an annual skills maintenance