Purpose
To outline Services NSW licensing requirements for Surf Life Saving Powercraft such as Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and Rescue Water Craft (RWCs).
Policy
All personnel operating a Surf Life Saving IRB/RWC must be qualified, endorsed, and proficient to operate the vessel under Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) and State regulations/ requirements.
Holding a SLS RWC Operator Certificate allows for RWC operation within lifesaving operations only (on approved lifesaving RWCs). The SLS RWC Operator Certificate does not cover the use of Personal Water Craft (PWC) for non-lifesaving activities, a separate Services NSW boating licence and PWC license must be obtained from Services NSW.
Procedure
RWC Licencing Procedure
The following procedure applies to a member’s Service NSW licencing:
- Member must meet SLSNSW and Branch prerequisites prior to commencing RWC training (see Support Operations Member Application Form);
- Application must be approved by SLSNSW and Branch prior to commencement;
- Member completes the RWC pre-course workbook to obtain gratis surf licence;
- Member undertakes Part 1 of RWC training (Navigation, preparing for boat operations) under supervision of a State RWC facilitator or State IRB Assessor;
- Member must maintain their signed workbook as proof of completion of Part 1;
- Member undertakes section 2 and additional training under supervision of an endorsed Branch RWC trainer and/or State RWC facilitator;
- Member completes RWC assessment under the supervision of State RWC facilitator;
- Candidate applies to become a Member of Branch Support Operations Services;
- Member commences active patrolling only after both RWC and Support Operations Services approvals are granted.
Annual Renewal/Proficiency
Members must complete their RWC proficiency annually.
SLS has a duty of care to all its’ members.
RWC’s operate in a high-risk environment and usually operate in isolation. Due to the heightened risk members are encouraged to complete their RWC and Bronze proficiency as early as possible. Specific Branch SOPs may have specific additional requirements.
Service NSW Licencing
All drivers and operators of SLSNSW craft (for strictly SLSNSW activities) shall hold* a SLSNSW Licence for the craft to which they are operating. The licence will indicate the relevant vessel:
- RWC – Rescue Water Craft
- IRB – Silver Medallion IRB Driver
- ORB – Offshore Rescue Boat Driver/Skipper
- JRB – Jet Rescue Boat Driver/Skipper
*Trainee drivers must have the minimum qualification signed off by an assessor on an Assessment Summary Form and be under the direct supervision of someone who holds a licence.
SLSNSW RWC and IRB award holders are not required to obtain additional Services NSW boating/PWC licences due to the components of such being included with the SLS training/assessment structure. This process is endorsed and is an exemption granted by Services NSW. This exemption applies to lifesaving activities only i.e. personal boating activities or activities are not deemed as lifesaving operations (patrolling, emergency response, training).
Members may already hold the general boating licence and PWC licence through Services NSW (be licenced for personal use). This however, does not negate the need to complete Part One of RWC training within
the SLSA RWC course. Additionally, a current Services NSW issued Boat or PWC licence does not negate the need to complete annual SLS powercraft proficiency.
SLSNSW will not issue the SLSNSW Licences as it is no longer a requirement for these licences to be held. However, should an incident occur, proof of required training and proficiency is required to be produced within 48 hours.
It is highly important that accurate and timely updating of proficiencies and training course outcomes is maintained by clubs and branches.
Reference
SLSNSW Support Operations Member Appointment Procedure (Support Operations Membership application needs to be completed, endorsed by Branch and returned to SLSNSW.)