Depending on the planned operations, the crew configuration may involve:
- A single RWC Operator OR
- An RWC Operator and Crewperson.
As the person in charge of the vessel, the RWC Operator is responsible for the operation of the craft and safety of any Crewperson. The decision to utilise and then select a Crewperson is the Operator’s responsibility. The Operator must consider conditions, the area and planned patrol/operations, local SOPs, and Crewpersons experience.
To maintain safety when operating with a Crewperson it is important that the RWC Operator has constant communication with the Crewperson, either via verbal commands or hand signals. This may include the direction of the turn, or the need to brace for an oncoming wave.
Advantages of RWCs:
- Ideal for rescuing conscious individuals who can grab the rescue sled for quick return to shore.
- Key advantages include speed, manoeuvrability, and efficient operation by a single Operator in the surf zone.
Limitations of Adding a Crewperson:
- Reduces the craft’s power and agility.
- Raises safety and comfort concerns for the Crewperson in rough waters.
- Limits the Crewpersons ability to restrain themselves securely on the sled.
- Challenges during long or high-speed transits, depending on conditions.
- All RWC Operators and Crewperson that are involved with the particular response, training or RWC activity are to take part in a pre-operation briefing. This briefing is to be recorded in the RWC and/or Patrol Log or as part of the RWC Operational Risk Assessment.
Emergency Crewperson Briefing
In an emergency situation where you require someone to assist with a rescue, the RWC Operator should:
- Where possible, best practice is to use another qualified RWC Operator. Where this is not possible, ensure that you select the most appropriate person available (i.e. 18+ and holds advanced awards such as SMAR, IRB, SMPC etc.). A Crewperson must have a minimum of a Bronze Medallion.
- Conduct a risk assessment before you take a Bronze Medallion member on the sled/ RWC into an emergency situation.
- Ensure they are wearing appropriate clothing and have access to the necessary PPE (PFD, helmet and ideally a wetsuit).
- Provide an Emergency Crewperson briefing prior to departing the beach.
The briefing should include:
- The correct clothing and PPE that must be worn (PFD, helmet, and ideally a wetsuit).
- Conduct a safety briefing and the dangers of the craft.
- The Location of safety equipment.
- Hand signals and verbal commands that will be used.
- Emergency procedures.
- Awareness of the Powercraft Code of Conduct.
- Conduct a situation brief.
- Launching procedures including where to stand and where not to stand.
- Crewperson positioning and procedures.
- Rescue procedures and patient pick-ups.
- How to secure the patient on the rescue sled.
- The returning to shore procedures for the Crewperson and patient.
- The beaching procedure.
The Emergency Crewperson briefing should be recorded in the RWC Log and /or the Patrol Log or RWC Operational Risk Assessment where possible.
It is the Operator’s responsibility to ensure the safety of other people on the RWC. The RWC Operator should regularly check on the wellbeing of others on the craft. The Crewperson should be positioned on the RWC sled when negotiating the surf zone. If you are travelling beyond the surf zone, the RWC Operator may ask the Crewperson to position themselves behind the Operator on the seat.
When operating with a Crewperson on the sled, always ensure the Crewperson’s head is positioned off centre to reduce the risk of the Crewperson hitting their head on the back of the seat. The Operator should indicate the direction they intend to turn to the Crewperson prior to turning. It is critical to approach waves with appropriate speed and power to ensure the Crewperson does not become airborne.
Crewing the RWC as an RWC Operator
When operating as a Crewperson in surf conditions, care should be taken to ensure correct technique is used to minimize the risk of injury. The following points below should be used as a guide for the Crewperson in surf conditions:
- Be prepared to brace against forces from all directions by holding one handgrip at the top of the rescue sled and one along the side.
- Upon impact with large waves keep your head down as your body may slide forward causing your head to connect with the back of the RWC.
The Crewperson should attempt to anticipate the direction of each turn and lean into the turn where possible. They may have to adjust their handgrips to maintain a suitable position on the rescue sled throughout the turns.