Can I show sea time instead of doing the annual skills check?
Rule- Australia
- Surf Life Saving Australia
- IRB Crew and Driver
- Ages 15+
- 2026/27
- Patrollers
- IRB drivers
- SLS NSW skills maintenance
The SLSA IRB Course Review summary (June 2024) added an option to demonstrate sea time over the previous 12 months, plus a familiarisation and demonstration of any pre-season updates relevant to the award, in place of performing an annual skills maintenance check:
- IRB Crew: at least 3 hours of sea time.
- Silver Medallion IRB Driver: at least 5 hours of sea time.
That summary is a 2024 national document. For the 2026/27 season in NSW, Circular 3958 sets out the requirements actually in force (see the question on 2026/27 skills maintenance).
Added 24 Oct 2026