DEFRA & NFCC Mod 3
Course length
40 hours (5 days)
Instructor
2:7
Period of validity
3 years
Certification
Digital Outreach Rescue certificate of achievement; recorded in Outreach Rescue Database.
Venue
Llanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales LL57 3HY (Available at other locations upon request)
Water Rescue Technician
Goal
To equip emergency responders with the skills needed to safely conduct water rescues in complex moving water conditions.
Target group
Emergency service personnel and organisations involved in water response at the DEFRA Mod 3 technician level.
Highlights
DEFRA and NFCC-compliant advanced water rescue training.
Includes practical training in Class 2 water movement and rope rigging.
Focus on comprehensive skill development from water scene management to rescue techniques.
Description
Advanced training for emergency responders in water rescue, covering techniques for safely working in moving water environments, compliant with DEFRA and NFCC Rescue Boat Code Module 3 standards.
This 5-day Water Rescue Technician DEFRA Mod 3 course provides comprehensive training for emergency service personnel who may need to conduct advanced water rescues. Participants will learn critical skills including water scene management, dynamic risk assessment, and swift-water swimming manoeuvres. The course also covers search techniques, rigging rope systems, casualty management, and basic boat handling. Spanning five days, this immersive training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice, ensuring readiness to respond effectively in water-related emergencies. All necessary equipment and PPE are included, with an option for attendees to use their own serviceable gear.
Compliance
DEFRA Mod 3, NFCC Rescue Boat Code Mod 3
Previous knowledge
No pre-requisites required
Requirements
Age 18+. Participants must be fit for this physically demanding course requiring the ability to swim in class 2 water in PPE.
Progression
Eligible for Water Instructor Training, Advanced Water Technician, DEFRA Mod 4 and 5, NFCC RBC Mod 4, and Defra Team Commander. Also satisfies Specialist Rescue 1 (5084EXQ) for the Diploma in Specialist Rescue (30 credits).
Theoretical elements
– Water rescue scene management
– Risk assessment in dynamic environments
– Hazard identification and rescue implications
– Incident role application
– PPE selection and use
Practical elements
– Swimming and manoeuvring in Class 2 moving water
– Quick-release drills
– Basic boat handling with paddle and rope systems
– Rope rigging for water rescues
– Shallow water movement techniques
– Casualty management specific to water rescue