Launch and Recovery

LAUNCH AND RECOVERY

In this section you will understand and apply the techniques to prepare and launch an IRB as well as know what is required from both the coxwain and crew person during launch and recovery.
Preparing for Launch
Before getting the IRB to the water and launching the boat a number of checks are required to ensure the boat and motor are ready. The coxwain and crew person also need to ensure that they are correctly attired for going out in the boat.

Crew Preperation
The key to a good patrol in an IRB is being safe and wearing the correct clothing. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential part of surf life saving. The following is a list of equipment that is applicable to IRB users: but please note, it is not intended to be an exhaustive list, because of the variation and nature of the IRB use in Wales:
  • Personal Floatation Device (PFD) - Compulsory
  • VHF Radio - Compulsory
  • Wetsuit.
  • Wetsuit boots.
  • Wetsuit gloves.
  • Swimming fins.
  • Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
  • Waterproof protection jackets (to cut wind chill).
  • Fleece Hat.
  • A high visibility vest may also be worn to improve identification and recognition.
IRB Preperation
It is the crews responsibility to ensure the IRB is operationally fit for purpose including correct inflation and ancillary equipment is available. Boat inflation pressures are:

Manufacturer                 Sponsons             Hull
Achilles                               3.5 psi               4.0 psi
Arancia                               3.5 psi               4.1 psi
Zodiac Milpro                    4.0 psi               5.0 psi

The following safety equipment are required for operation and must be carried at all times:
  • VHF Radio
  • A knife (stainless steel with a blunt end carried in a shealth).
  • A correctly secured pair of paddles.
  • A correctly secured rescue tube.
  • A pea less whistle, secured to the boat.
  • A correctly secured tow rope.
In addition the following optional equipment is recommended:
  • Collapsible pocket resuscitation mask and pair of latex gloves.
  • Neck collar.
  • Accessories bag.
  • Pair of swim fins.
  • Thermal blanket.
  • Inflation pump.
  • Waterproof tool kit containing: Spark plug spanner, Screwdrivers (Flat blade and Phillips head), Pair of pliers, Pair of multi-grips, Ring spanners – 8mm, 10mm and 13mm, Two split pins and two spark plugs (BP7HS-10, in waterproof container).
Getting the Motor Ready
Ensure motor is placed on the transom securely using safe lifting procedures.

When fitting a motor:
  • Lift motor using bent legs and keeping back straight, resting bottom of propeller guard on the floor when raising motor.
  • Lift motor with hands located on steering bracket handle and cavitation plate or propeller guard ring and place on transom.
  • Tighten transom clamps.
  • Clip safety cable to transom.
Ensure the Motor Ready Checks flowchart as over leaf is adhered to prior to starting the motor.
Motor Ready Checks
Motor Start Procedure
  1. Fit Motor Flushing Adaptor, Flush Muffs or place motor in a test tank - Remember with Motor Flushing Adaptor or Flush Muffs - Water on, Engine on, Engine off, Water off.
  2. Ensure gear lever is in neutral.
  3. Check kill switch in RUN position.
  4. Prime motor fuel bulb until firm.
  5. Pull, pull cord slowly to compress cylinders.
  6. Pull cord to fire motor.
  7. Push in choke when motor fires.
  8. Check motor runs and idles correctly.
  9. Look for ‘tell-tale’ flowing strongly.
  10. Ensure Stop switch is working with ‘kill-cord’ fitted correctly.
  11. Run the motor for 3-5 minutes checking cooling and for any potential faults.
Transporting the IRB to the Water
Transporting the IRB to the Water
Transporting the IRB from clubhouse to the shore can be done manually or by using a suitable vehicle. If manually handling see below.

Transporting the IRB on the Road
If the IRB has to go on a public road to get to the water it is important that it is securely fastened to a trailer and adheres to all the legal obligations with respect to the Highway Code.

That is:
  • Ensure a lighting board is fitted correctly to the boat/trailer and is functioning correctly with the vehicle including the correct registration plate.
  • Strap stern or mid-section of the boat to the trailer.
  • Prevent the motor from turning by strapping the motor leg or steering bracket to a fixed point on the IRB itself or trailer.
  • Check the trailer bearings for wear by feeling for movement or listening for a ‘grinding’ noise. Should the bearings be suspected as faulty they must be replaced immediately.
  • Ensure all tyre pressures are correct.
Knots
If you are moving the IRB around its good to know knots that can help secure the IRB simply and effectively.
Manual Handling of the IRB

Manual handling can be described as lowering, lifting, pulling, pushing, holding, restraining, carrying, throwing or handling.

75% of injuries caused by manual lifting could be prevented.

Surf Life Saving IRB duties involve the lifting and carrying of equipment and rescued people. If you lift a heavy object carelessly you can end up pulling muscles or even worse, suffer long-term damage to your back or upper limbs.

It’s vital when lifting and moving the IRB that you know how to do it properly.

In surf life saving, objects such as a fully laden IRB, outboard motor and IRB floorboards are particularly heavy and awkward. They will require careful handling and moving.

You may also injure others around you and  damage equipment if you do not handle and move the IRB, motor or ancillary equipment safely and correctly.

Note: Each person has a different capacity to lift or otherwise manually handle equipment. Manual handling capacity is influenced by training, general health and fitness, age, load characteristics and the environment in which the manual handling takes place. The number, experience and abilities of others assisting in the task, will also influence manual handling safety and effectiveness

SLSA Wales recommends a minimum of four people are to be used when lifting an IRB and a minimum of two people when lifting an IRB motor.

How to Lift Heavy Objects Safely:

  1. Make sure you are standing correctly in position to lift the IRB.
  2. Know where you are taking the IRB before you begin.
  3. Position your feet evenly (shoulder width apart).
  4. Keep your back straight and stand up tall.
  5. Tighten your stomach muscles.
  6. Squat to the floor by bending your knees - DO NOT move your upper body.
  7. Take hold of the handles firmly with your hand.
  8. Distribute the weight evenly - make sure you are not unbalanced. On the command, Ready-Brace-Lift!
  9. Keeping the IRB close to your body, begin to stand up by straightening your legs (This will use your leg muscles and shouldn’t put strain on other areas).
  10. Stand up slowly. Do not move quickly or jerk when doing this.
  11. You can now walk with the IRB (but be careful not to twist your body unnecessarily). Take small steps if possible.
  12. On the command, Ready-Brace-Lower!
  13. When placing the item down, bend your legs.
  14. Remember to keep your back straight as you bend down again.
Launching the IRB
The IRB is taken down to the shore and launched by carrying it into the water. The four person lift is better for the boat as it is not dragged over the sand. If this is not possible a two person crew can use a lift and drag technique. Ensuring that the IRB is not far from the water, the motor is in the tilt position and is not dragging on the floor.
The Four Person Lift
The Two Person Drag
Recovering the IRB
When returning to shore, the coxswain informs the beach patrol team and beach users by signalling.

The crewperson and coxswain should be vigilant and keep lookout for hazards such as rocks, buoys or swimmers in the water.  The coxswain should follow a wave to know that there is plenty of water and space to negotiate the boat and can see clearly over the wave for hazards.

When the IRB is close to the shore the coxswain should give the reasonable amount of throttle to ‘beach’ the IRB in a safe manner.

The coxswain should then switch the motor off, tilt the motor and place motor into neutral.

The coxswain and crewperson should then drag the IRB above the waterline and place in drain position.

The IRB should then be lifted onto trailer (four person lift) and transported safely to the clubhouse for post operation checks.
Post Launch and Recovery Motor and Boat Checks

After use, there are post operational actions required  to prolong the condition of your IRB and motor. These should be carried out every time the IRB is used.

The motor post operation checks can be completed whilst the motor is on the IRB or on a motor rack. The hull checks can only be completed without the motor being attached to the IRB.
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