Silver Medallion IRB Driver

PUAEQU001B Prepare, maintain and test response equipment

PUASAR014A Operate and maintain a small powercraft and motor for rescue operations

Housekeeping

Course Timings & Breaks

Facilities Phones/ Pagers Exits Assembly Point

Course Overview

• Session times and locations

• Types of training– Theory– Dry practical– Wet practical

• Trainers

• Why become an IRB Driver?

Resources

• Powercraft Manual 7th Ed• Learner Guide• Personal Protective Equipment

Course Outcomes

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

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of an IRB Driver

• Drive an IRB

• Perform rescues in an IRB as a Driver

Assessment Activities• Task 1 – Log of training hours

• Task 2 – Written questioning

• Task 3 – Observation– Pre-and post-operational checks– IRB Capsize procedure– Motor re-start procedure

• Task 4 – Observation• Rescues

Safety!• Safety is the primary consideration in all IRB

operations, poor driving can be the cause of injuries to the Driver, Crewperson and public

• The IRB is a high profile and expensive piece of equipment

• Be aware of your own limitations and those of your Crew

• Always follow the Powercraft Code of Conduct

What is the Role of an IRB Driver?

• The IRB Driver is responsible for overall operation of IRB and is responsible for the boat and crew and to the community and organisation

• An IRB Driver must always comply with the Powercaft Code of Conduct

Leading the IRB crewperson

• The Driver supervises the Crewperson in the pre and post operational maintenance of the IRB hull

• The Driver gives directions to the Crewperson while in the IRB

• The Driver needs to have good communication skills to give clear instructions and to listen to the Crew who will help identify hazards.

IRB Equipment and Storage Areas

• Types of IRB used in our service

• SLSA approved outboard motors and propellers

• Safety issues in the IRB area e.g.• Manual handling• Safe storage of fuel• Reporting damaged equipment• Accident/incident reporting

Crewperson Pre-operational Duties

• Inflating the hull to correct pressure• Assisting the driver with fuelling• Assisting the driver to place the motor onto the

transom• Ensuring that foot straps and handles are secure• Checking ancillary equipment• Completing log books• Reporting damaged equipment• Warming -up

Driver Pre-operational Duties

• Checking logbooks and preparing the motor

• Supervise and assist the Crewperson in the set-up and checks of the IRB hull

• Assembly of the fuel cell and motor onto the hull

• Set-up of radio communication equipment

Risk Assessment • Before every practical training session in the water a risk

assessment should be conducted to determine if it safe to operate an IRB today. it should consider:

• Surf and weather conditions• The tide• Space available for training• Location of launch and landing site• Seaweed or other debris in the water• Number of trainers and candidates• Skill level of the candidates

Post-operational Procedures

• Hose-down the IRB with fresh water• Inspect the IRB for damage and record in the log

book when not possible to repair• Run the motor down for 3-5 minutes• Hose the motor with fresh water• While the motor is still running disconnect the

fuel line and allow excess fuel to be used• Refill the fuel cell• Perform any necessary maintenance