International Life Saving Federation

A Rescue Boat Driver is a person able to master Rescue Boat operations.

The following are the minimum competencies recommended by the International Life Saving Federation for a Rescue Boat Driver.

ILS recognises that many of its Member Federations have standards, which exceed these minimums, based on the circumstances presented in their own countries.

ILS encourages the highest possible standards in lifesaving, and merely provides the following as recommended minimum competencies.

Prerequisites

Prior to undertaking this assessment, participants are to:

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the date of the assessment, or the minimum age at which a License to drive a boat can be issued.
• Hold a current ILS International Surf Lifeguard or ILS International Inland-Open Water Lifeguard Certificate.
• Have no limiting disabilities
• Produce a log of practical experience
• Hold a current ILS International Rescue Boat Crew Certificate.
• Both ILS International Rescue Boat Crew and Driver Certificates may be taken at the same time.
• Have satisfied the relevant local boating laws, regulations or licence requirements

For successful recognition for the ILS International Rescue Boat Driver Certificate the candidate must be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas.

Learning Outcome 1: Shore based training. Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the rescue boat.

Assessment Criteria:

Communication

Demonstrate knowledge and use of two-way radio.

Navigation

Demonstrate knowledge of the navigation rules and regulations of the waterway in which the boat will normally be used.

Motor

Demonstrate knowledge of the boat’s motor, its construction, components, associated equipment and maintenance needs.

Safety

Demonstrate knowledge of the safety requirements when operating a motor.

Dry Land Demonstration

Demonstrate dry land simulated driving.

Weather and Local Conditions

Demonstrate knowledge of local weather and prevailing conditions in the normal operating area for the rescue boat.

Record Keeping

Demonstrate knowledge of incident reporting systems.

Demonstrate knowledge in the use of log books.

Learning Outcome 2: Water based training. Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the rescue boat in water conditions.

Assessment Criteria:

Launching, Manoeuvring and Recovery

Demonstrate competence in all aspects of the driver’s responsibilities in the launching, manoeuvring and recovery of the rescue boat.

Towing

Demonstrate the correct towing technique for a disabled rescue boat and other disabled craft.

Motor Ignition, Running and Stopping

Demonstrate competence in starting the motor, running the motor, stopping the motor and diagnosing starting difficulties.

Rescue

Demonstrate the driver’s role whilst performing the following rescues, during which the crew must demonstrate an ability to recover a patient, weighing approximately 70kg (11stone or 154 pound), into the boat from the water.

1. Conscious casualty
2. Unconscious casualty
3. Injured casualty
4. Two (2) conscious casualties

Care of Casualty

Demonstrate care of the casualty in the rescue boat.

Casualty Carry

Demonstrate the driver’s role in casualty transportation from the rescue boat to shore and safety.

Emergency Procedures

Demonstrate the ability to cope with the following emergency situations.

1. Crew overboard
2. Engine failure in operational conditions
3. Simulated puncture of pontoon (inflatable rubber boat)
4. Roll-over procedure for craft; simulated roll-over to be carried out without motor attached to boat

Learning Outcome 3: General Operation. Demonstrate the general operation of the rescue boat in normal operating conditions.

Assessment Criteria

Buoys and Anchors

Demonstrate (where available) the accurate laying, adjustment and recovery of buoys and anchors.

Radios

Demonstrate the knowledge of the use of radios including their basic maintenance

Learning Outcome 4 - Maintenance Considerations. Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of stowage and maintenance of the motor.

Assessment Criteria

Stowage (storage) of Equipment

Demonstrate knowledge of the driver’s responsibilities towards the cleaning and stowage (storage) of the motor after use.

Maintenance

Demonstrate knowledge of the driver’s responsibilities towards the routine maintenance of the motor.

Assessment Strategy

These learning outcomes are best assessed using the following common assessment methods:

1. Observation
2. Oral questioning
3. Written examination (short answer or multiple choice)
4. Simulated rescue scenario

Only accredited instructors or trainers holding a current and valid certificate in the specific environment of Offshore or Inshore operation are authorised to teach and examine the ILS Rescue Boat Driver Certificate.

Range of Variables

There are a number of variables that will affect the performance and the assessment of the learning outcomes associated with the ILS International Rescue Boat Driver Certificate. ILS members applying for achievement of the MINIMUM Standard should specify the use of such variables in their documentation.

Rescue Boat

Type of Rescue Boat, whether Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB), or other type of boat

Conditions

Water conditions in which the rescue craft are normally used such as surf or inland waterways.

Dress

Candidates may be required to wear their recognised uniform during the assessment.

Candidates

Candidates will have experience and seeking service or currently employed as a lifesaver/lifeguard.

Resources

ILS member organisations will list and identify the use of theoretical resources available.