The use of the IRB during patrol will be at the direction and request of the patrol captain. When the IRB is in the water the IRB Driver is responsible for its safe operation. It is compulsory for the IRB Driver and IRB Crewperson to wear an approved SLSA red and yellow quartered cap on their head and tied under their chin and an approved personal flotation device (PFD). A long sleeve yellow rash shirt or patrol shirt is recommended when the IRB is on the water. If a board-brimmed hat or peaked cap is worn in the IRB it must be worn over the top of the approved SLSA red and yellow quartered cap.
The driver should:
- Check and complete the IRB log
- Advise the patrol captain that the IRB is ready for patrol
- Check surf conditions, rips, channels, location of swimmers
- Check the tide timetable for the day
- Decide the best place to launch the IRB
- Conduct a briefing and debriefing with the IRB Crewperson
When the IRB is left on the beach during patrol, it should always be left with the bow facing up the beach so that the IRB is in a natural draining position. It is also important to have the IRB sitting next to the flagged area ready to respond to rescue situations.
IRBs are a high-profile piece of rescue equipment that is highly visible and can be scrutinised by members of the public. It is important to ensure that the IRB is operated in a safe and exemplary manner. The Patrol Captain is responsible for monitoring and promoting compliance with the Powercraft Code of Conduct amongst IRB Drivers and IRB Crewpersons. All complaints by the public need to be taken seriously and reported as required.
