Water & Flood Rescue Boat Operator
Goal
To train technicians to identify their limitations and safely and effectively use powered boats and associated equipment in inland waters and flooding, by day or night, in a wide range of water conditions.
Target group
To train technicians to identify their limitations and safely and effectively use powered boats and associated equipment in inland waters and flooding, by day or night, in a wide range of water conditions.
Highlights
Emphasises dynamic risk assessments and real-time decision-making.
Comprehensive hands-on training with powered boats in diverse water conditions.
This certification is aligned with DEFRA Con-Ops and NFCC Rescue Boat Code Mod 4 standards.
Description
This 4-day course trains emergency service personnel and organizations involved in water rescue response with the use of powered craft. Delegates learn to identify the rescue limitations and effectively use powered boats and associated equipment in inland waters and flooding, by day or night, in various water conditions.
This 4-day predominantly practical course trains technicians to identify rescue limitations and safely and effectively use powered boats and associated equipment for rescue in inland waters and flood environments. The course covers dynamic risk assessments, boat management during launch, recovery and transit, manoeuvres in restricted spaces, manoeuvring in fast-moving and complicated waters, person overboard and casualty recovery, mass evacuation and casualty management drills, disabled craft drills, search techniques, the impact of hydrological features on boat operation, rescue PPE and equipment usage, and combining boat handling skills with water rescue systems and shore-based support. This course includes a night search session which in the summer months will run until 1am.
Compliance
DEFRA Con-Ops 2019 Mod 4 NFCC Rescue Boat Code Mod 4 (provided RYA PBL2 held)
Previous knowledge
In-date (within 3 years) Mod 3 compliant award (preferably Outreach Rescue’s Water Rescue Technician Mod 3) and RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate with experience in helming powerboats.
Requirements
Age 18+. Delegates must be fit for this physically demanding course requiring the ability to swim in water PPE.
Progression
Reassessment is recommended every 2 years by means of attending a 3-day recertification course. If delivered at Outreach Rescue this course satisfies Module ‘Specialist Rescue 2 (5085EXQ)’ for the Diploma in Specialist Rescue and is worth 30 credits.
Theoretical elements
- Classroom sessions cover dynamic risk assessments, boat management, manoeuvring, flood hydrology, search techniques, and rescue PPE and equipment usage.
- A course manual is issued.
- A short written exam paper confirms learning.
Practical elements
- Practical sessions include boat handling during launch, recovery and transit, restricted space manoeuvring, swift water manoeuvres, drills for person overboard and casualty recovery, mass evacuation, casualty management, disabled craft drills, and combining boat handling skills with water rescue systems and shore-based support.
- Specialist equipment is provided. Delegates can use their own PPE, subject to inspection by trainers.
- Continuous assessment is conducted throughout the course to confirm learning.