The ‘Inland Waters Rescue Boat Operator’ course is ideal for companies and organisations providing rescue vessels, whose operators will be working in daylight hours, predominantly in ‘land-locked’ Counties in particular those with a high density of navigable waterways.

The IWRBO course is therefore pitched at the private commercial sector and non-government organisations, who are not required to comply with either the ‘Rescue Boat Code’ or the DEFRA modules 2, 3 or 4.

It provides credible training specific to the roles and responsibilities it covers, and it is delivered by trainers who are both DEFRA module 3 and module 4 experienced.

The course content and learning outcomes cover all the essential elements needed for the candidate to transition from RYA Level 2 into the minimum requirement for a rescue operator in non-tidal, daytime operations performing rescue operations from within the rescue craft.

It Is because of the limitations noted above that the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue (InSTR), the accrediting and awarding body, recommended that:

  1. The course clearly states that it does not comply with the minimum requirements of either the Rescue Boat Code or DEFRA module 4. (Not a ‘commercial’ requirement)
  2. For rescue teams looking to mobilise to regional or national flood incidents i.e. Lowland Search & Rescue it must be made clear that this course does not qualify as the make-up of a ‘typed team’, as stated in the DEFRA Flood Rescue Concept of Operations document, however this does not stop any organisation from providing assistance in such an incident.

Birmingham & Midland Marine Services developed the ‘Inland Waters Rescue Boat Operator’ qualification for boat operators providing safety cover for the civil engineering, construction, maintenance, utilities, rail and environmental sectors. The course does not cover tidal or estuarial waters.

The ‘IWRBO’ qualification sits at a higher level in terms of specialist rescue training than the RYA ‘Safety Boat’ qualification (which is designed for sailing clubs) and at a lower level than the DEFRA Module 4 ‘Powered Boat for Rescue Response’ or ‘Swiftwater & Flood Rescue Boat Operator’; predominantly designed for Emergency Services Water Rescue Professionals.

The IWRBO course provides a level of competency for safety & rescue boat operators and crews working in ‘inland’ open water environments such as canals, non-tidal rivers, reservoirs and lakes. This qualification would also be of benefit to Emergency Services Teams not requiring a DEFRA Module 4 qualification but having higher training requirements than a basic ‘leisure’ orientated course.

Building upon the RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification day-1 starts in the classroom, looks at the relevant aspects of the limitations, restrictions, procedures, processes, and etiquette of Category ‘A’ & ‘B’ Waters, based upon the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate syllabus and the guidance delivered during MCA Boat Masters Licence safety training.

Training venues change late morning to a private lake to run an RYA PB2 skills consolidation session prior to looking at various drills in a still-water environment

Day-2 starts with navigable waterways and lock-passages then moves onto moving water and ‘non-navigable’ (to commercial craft) waters at our river venue.

The course is not residential (accommodation locally) and involves multiple site locations.

river training
training on the water
training on the water
training on the water
training on the water
river training

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Physically fit for this type of work
  • Minimum RYA Powerboat Level 2 with a good degree of competency aboard ‘tiller steer’ inflatable craft
  • Hold a current ‘in-water’ DEFRA qualification (Mod 1 Annex ‘H’ or above)
  • Holders of either an MCA Boat Masters Licence or an RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate would benefit by being given more exposure to higher level scenarios than non-experienced users. For example, leading lock-flight passages.

COURSE DURATION

2-days

ASSESSMENT/QUALIFICATION

Assessments to take the form of a pre-course knowledge test (based on DEFRA Con-Ops and RYA PB2 syllabus), practical exercises, and a multi-choice set of questions on day-2.

CERTIFICATION

Certificates of attendance will be issued by Birmingham & Midland Marine Services Ltd and will be valid for 3 years from date of issue. Certification is accredited by the Institute of Search & Technical Rescue.

DELEGATE TO TUTOR RATIO

1:6:1 –

  • x1 Lead Instructor (experienced DEFRA Module 3 & 4)
  • x6 candidates across two vessels,
  • x1 Safety Manager, overseeing the 2nd vessel, medical, and safety considerations. (RYA Powerboat Level 2 Instructor and current or former DEFRA Module 3 Water Rescue Technician)
  • Both staff will hold advanced medical qualifications.

 

Full aquatic PPE is required for this course:

APPE is available from Birmingham & Midland Marine Services at £55.00 ex vat per day, per candidate. Please request this upon booking.

  • Surface drysuit
  • Water boots
  • Approved water helmet
  • Rescue buoyancy aid, (min 50N) – containing water knife, sling(s) and karabiner(s)
  • Throwbag / throwline (min 15m)
  • Lifejacket (min 150N, in service date with correct service markings – auto or manual).