IRB Training

Requirements:

• Bronze Medallion;

Good to have:

• Surf awareness;
• Survival instincts in the water;

Outcome:

• IRB Driver is a Silver Medallion course;
• IRB Driver is a prerequisite to Jet Skis;

A note regarding injuries

There have been a few unfortunate instances regarding injuries during IRB training. All precautions are made to ensure a safe and fun environment although the surf can be unpredictable. Also, such tales of injuries and bravado are usually exaggerated (by the team themselves no less!) and grow at each telling.

We encourage all members of the club who have an interest in IRB driving and crewing to come experience it first hand. (Note: unless otherwise stated, all trainees are insured during IRB training by Work Cover)

Crew

Crew training session times will be posted shortly. In general, Crew training requires 1 day of theory to learn the maritime laws and several days of practical training to understand the handling of the boat and patient pickup skills in surf.

Driver

Driver training usually begins after the Patrol season, in the Autumn-Winter months. It is necessary for the Drivers (and Crew) to be exposed to bigger surf conditions that are more frequent then. The course runs on every weekend for ~3 months (usually longer) depending on surf conditions.

Examination

IRB Drivers exams are considered difficult. As IRBs are expected to operate in rough conditions, SLSC has a minimum surf size requirement of a 3ft break. (Note, there is no maximum surf size at which the exam cannot be conducted.)

Skills examined include:

• Handling the boat in surf responsibly and safely;
• Patients pickup;
• Solo driving;
• Engine rollover procedures;
• Signals and communications;

-- JohahnLeung - 03 Feb 2008