AWARD SUMMARY
The aim of this course is to provide participants with advanced skills and knowledge to effectively operate and manage a Rescue Water Craft (RWC) in rescue operations.
UNIT/S OF COMPETENCY
- PUAEQU001 Prepare, maintain and test response equipment
- PUASAR016 Operate and maintain a personal watercraft for rescue operations
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must meet ALL of the following conditions:
- be at least 17 years of age to commence training
- be at least 18 years of age on the date of final assessment
- hold and be proficient in SLSA Bronze Medallion
RPL AND CREDIT TRANSFER
Candidates who believe they already possess some or all of the skills and knowledge of this award, or who have received one or more of the related units of competency, may wish to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer. These candidates should consult their Training Officer or State Centre for more information.
WHO CAN TRAIN?
- Training Officer RWC/ WA Training Officer (RWC); or
- Facilitator Rescue Water Craft (currently endorsed as per state/territory requirements)
LEARNING RESOURCES
- RWC Manual – 1st Edition
- SLSA RWC Assessment Portfolio
- SLSA RWC Delivery and Assessment Guide
- State/Territory Standard Operating Procedures
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of an RWC Operator, including:
- List the duties of an RWC Operator and obligations as the vessel master
- Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory maritime safety and exemption requirements
- List the safety considerations and key risks when operating an RWC
- Communicate effectively with the Crewperson (if applicable), patient, the public and external emergency service personnel in the normal performance of duties.
- Prepare and maintain an RWC
- Perform pre-operational checks and preventative maintenance of the RWC and sled
- Perform post-operational maintenance of the RWC and sled
- Complete organisational documentation as required, including reporting major equipment wear or damage or personal injury
- Operate an RWC
- Identify the components of an RWC
- Launch an RWC safely and efficiently
- List key risks when operating in the surf environment
- Safely and efficiently negotiate the surf environment while operating an RWC
- Perform emergency procedures
- Perform rescues
- Perform conscious and unconscious patient pick-ups with and without a Crewperson
- Perform complex rescue operations
- Liaise effectively with external emergency services as required.
- Introduction to Search and Rescue techniques
- Understand search and rescue techniques and search patterns
- Demonstrate search and rescue techniques in a patrol environment
- Perform an RWC Emergency Crew Briefing
- List requirements of an RWC Crewperson
- Understand limitations of RWC Crewperson
- Demonstrate RWC Crewperson Briefing
ELECTIVE MODULES
- Advanced Search and Rescue Techniques for Powercraft (IRB/RWC)
- Contribute to preparation activities for search and rescue operations for powercraft
- Working as a part of a multi-vessel SAR and supporting in water SAR teams
- Perform complex patient rescue, including search and rescue of a missing person in a Powercraft
- Understand flood water environments and impacts on powercraft
- Demonstrate recovery and stand down procedures
Note: The module above requires the redemonstration of the learning outcomes of an IRB or RWC operator in the context of the optional module subject matter.
WHO CAN ASSESS?
- Assessor Rescue Water Craft (RWC)/ WA Assessor (RWC); or
- Facilitator Rescue Water Craft (currently endorsed as per state/territory requirements)
TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT
Prior to assessment, participants should complete:
- Twenty (20) nominal hours of practical demonstration where the participant is actively performing tasks as a trainee RWC operator;
- With at least 50% of the nominal hours to be sea time;
- Over at least 5 separate days;
- In a variety of conditions.
Assessment is through demonstration, presentation and application of all elements of competency in the workplace. Participants will be required to complete activities that may include role-plays, oral and written questioning, practical demonstrations and performing scenarios.
SKILLS MAINTENANCE
For this award to remain current candidates must complete at least one of the two following:
- perform an annual skills maintenance check
OR - demonstrate at least fifteen (15) nominal hours of sea time over the previous 12 months; and
- where the necessary skills have been demonstrated, and an Assessor Rescue Water Craft (RWC)/ Endorsed Assessor – RWC determines competency; and
- undertake a familiarisation and demonstration of any pre-season updates relevant to the award.