(a) The decision to proceed to sea is ultimately the responsibility of the driver and crewperson.
(b) After entering the IRB the driver and crewperson must maintain their “normal position” as described below. This must be done in a safe manner with three secure points of contact maintained at all times.
(c) The normal driver position is defined as either foot in the foot strap, left hand holding the driver pontoon handle, right hand holding motor throttle grip, and seated on the pontoon.
(d) The normal crewperson position is the left foot in the foot strap, left hand holding the bow rope or handle, right hand holding the inner pontoon (boarding) handle or lifeline rope, and seated on the pontoon.
(e) The normal patient position is defined as positioned inside the IRB and holding onto the pontoon lifeline rope with at least one hand. The patient must not be seated on the floor or pontoon of the IRB.
Note: While not a disqualification point, patients are not encouraged to sit on the floor of the IRB.
(f) The only exceptions to these normal positions are detailed below and must be done so in a safe manner whilst maintaining three secure points of contact at all times.
(i) The crewperson and/or driver may leave their normal position to drag the IRB over a sand bar if the motor is electrically dead, or in the neutral position if left running.
(ii) The crewperson may rise from the seated position to absorb the impact of negotiating a wave or swell.
(iii) The crewperson may move into the locked-in crewing position (as described in the current edition of the SLSA Powercraft Training Manual) when heading to sea and when necessary including, but not limited to, punching a wave.
Note: For crew guidance the locked-in position as described in the Training Manual as one that allows the crew to streamline their body position with the craft in order to stay in better contact with the vessel through maneuverers. This position is regarded as more secure position for crewing and can be used at any time the crew feels it necessary. It is ideally used when negotiating unbroken waves that are about to drop onto the IRB e.g., punching a wave.
- To achieve the locked-in position the crew’s left hand grips the bow rope or handle and tensions it tightly behind the hip and slightly downward over their buttocks. The left hand can grip the right-hand pontoon handle (if possible) or lifeline rope. The most important part of the locked-in position is to keep the bow rope tensioned (which assists provides control). To maintain tension the crew should roll their hip towards the transom. To assume the locked in position.
- The left foot should be in crew’s foot strap. The leg should be slightly bent but not locked straight. When hitting the wave push forward with the left leg.
- The right knee/leg is placed in a bent position under the spray dodger. The right foot should be placed flat, pushed on the opposite side of the pontoon above the fuel cell and under the spray dodger.
- The bow rope is held with the right hand grasping one of the four knots approximately 200mm from the bow rope D-Ring.
- The left hand should hold the bow rope or handle.
- The head should be in an upright position and facing forwards (not sideways) looking directly at the oncoming surf. The spine should remain aligned at all times.
- The right elbow is tucked closely to the chest and the right shoulder can be placed on the spray dodger. It is recommended to avoid leaning on the elbow.
- If the boat leaves the water surface, maintain the locked in position to minimise impact on the body.
Note: The intention of this detailed explanation is not to apply specific judging points but to provide clarity to crews to operate safely as dictated by conditions.
(iv) The crewperson may move their weight for turning or negotiating shallow water.
(v) The crewperson may move their weight and adjust their securing points for buoy turns.
(vi) The crewperson may leave their normal position for all patient pickups.
(vii) The driver may leave their normal position for the rescue tube pick-up.
(viii) The crewperson does not necessarily need to be seated in an upright position in the IRB when grounding or beaching at the finish of a race but must be seated and maintain three points of contact.
(ix) A momentary shift from the respective normal position of the driver, crew or patient(s) provided that the team member does not otherwise become dislodged from their correct position.
(g) The driver and crewperson must maintain control of the IRB at all times during the competition to ensure it moves in a safe and controlled manner.
(h) The leading IRB, whilst proceeding to and from the buoys, shall, in the normal course, have right-of-way and the trailing IRB must take evasive action by turning or giving way to prevent collision.
Note 1: If at any time the leading boat’s driver considers that there is a risk of collision with the trailing boat, then the leading craft should take all measures necessary to avoid a collision, but in terms of competition adjudication the trailing IRB remains responsible for giving way to the leading craft.
Note 2: The standard avoidance measure, when on a direct collision course, is to steer right and pass safely to the port (left) side.