IRB Driver Award

Course Overview

The IRB Driver Award is designed to create competent IRB drivers. The qualification has a number of theoretical and practical components such driving in the surf, patient rescues and maritime regulations to prepare Surf Lifeguards for IRB use. This gives Surf Lifeguards the knowledge and skill required to respond in rescue situations utilising an IRB. It is compulsory for members to have the award to drive an IRB.

Course Information 

Prerequisites: 

  • Current member of a SLS club 
  • 16 years of age (Note: You MUST be 16 years of age before starting any IRB driver training)
  • Surf Lifeguard Award (refreshed) 
  • IRB Crewperson Module
  • Radio Communication Module 
  • Minimum 10 hours logged IRB driver training 

Duration: Variable depending on competence and instruction structure
Delivered by: Club instructors 
Who should complete it: Anyone interested in driving an IRB 
Candidate requirements: 

  • Attend training sessions with the club instructor 
  • Complete the IRB Driver Workbook 
  • Successfully complete all components of the examination 

Online Pre-learning: There are a series of optional IRB Driver online learning modules available. This suite of 9 modules are recommended to be completed before and/or during your practical training. 

This can be accessed via the member portal here: https://webportal.surflifesaving.org.nz/ and you can log in by following these steps: watch here. Once logged in, you can self-enrol by clicking on “Training Library”, then into the “Lifesaving – Powercraft” Course Category.

Exam components

  • Theory test 
  • IRB engine setup 
  • Engine reinstatement 
  • Single person rescue 
  • Multiple patient rescue 
  • Driving skills and techniques
  • Crewperson recovery and solo driving 
  • IRB engine closedown 

Topics covered

  1. IRB engine 
  2. Engine reinstatement 
  3. IRB engine set up 
  4. Maritime regulations 
  5. Driving skills and techniques 
  6. IRB engine closedown 
  7. Rescues 
  8. Operations 

Outcomes

At the completion of the qualification candidates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the knowledge and application of health & safety.
  2. Apply knowledge of Maritime NZ rules and regulations.
  3. Show and understand the procedures of IRB engine preparation.
  4. Understand fuel compliance and use PPE when following IRB refuelling procedures.
  5. Show and understand the procedures of an engine reinstatement.
  6. Understand and use correct prelaunch and launching procedures.
  7. Use and apply driving techniques and returning to shore procedures.
  8. Perform a crewperson recovery utilising solo driving technique.
  9. Perform a single patient pickup, and a multiple patient rescue.
  10. Provide patient care.
  11. Perform a patient lift and carry.
  12. Show and understand the procedures for IRB engine closedown.

Award currency: 12 months

To begin training for this qualification contact your club 

Online Resources

IRB Training Manual

This Manual includes topics and content to assist a candidate to gain either their IRB Crewperson Module or IRB Driver Award. The training manual should be kept as reference. Hard copies of this manual can be purchased from SLSNZ.
 
Online Download: IRB Training Manual (updated September 2024)

IRB Driver Candidate Workbook

This workbook has been created specifically for IRB Driver candidates. All candidates training towards their IRB drivers must complete this workbook. 

Online Download: IRB Driver Workbook WRITABLE (updated September 2024)