Purpose
To outline guidelines and procedures for low light emergency response operations.
Policy
Any low light operations shall be delivered by pre-identified, trained and resourced Branch Groups (or Branch endorsed clubs).
Procedure
Introduction
Surf Life Saving personnel and assets may be tasked to perform search/rescue operations during low light conditions. This Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) sets out to offer guidelines and procedures to be followed when responding to emergency response operations during low light conditions. Low light conditions are considered to be the period leading up to and shortly after sunset.
On water Night Operations are to only be conducted in surf conditions in the lead up to sunset and up to 1 hour (60 minutes) following sunset.
Low-light/Night IRB operations can be conducted on enclosed (flat water) at any time, following an appropriate risk assessment, approval granted from the on-call State Duty Officer and sufficient navigation/safety equipment requirements are available.
Land Procedure
Land based searches between sunset and sunrise (night operations) are to be conducted under the instruction and direction of the appropriate combat agency i.e. NSW Police, provided that it is safe to do so, and that Lifesaving Services have the correct safety and protective equipment for the given task.
Water Procedure
Roads and Maritime Service Regulations
- Powered vessels of less than seven meters in length shall exhibit a white light visible all round and separate port/starboard sidelights.
- Navigation lights should be positioned so they are not obscured by the vessels superstructure or interfered with by deck lights.
- Do not travel at excessive speeds.
- Type 2 PFD must be worn by Driver and Crew at all times.
SLS Operational Requirements
The following must be adhered to:
1. Endorsement for IRB Night Operations
Any Club/Service in New South Wales can participate in ‘Low-Light Operations’ if the following is adhered to:
- Club/Service is Branch and SLSNSW endorsed for low light operations.
- Proposed members complete ‘Support Operations Member Application Form’ and are endorsed by Branch and SLSNSW before commencing training.
- The Club/Service holds the minimum required equipment.
- Appropriate member/s are available and trained in ‘Low-Light Operations.’
Member/s are saved in SurfGuard under a Branch Low-Light Operations Group. E.g. SNB – Low-Light Operations Group.