Do I need a boat licence to be an IRB Driver?
Rule- Australia
- Surf Life Saving Australia
- IRB Crew and Driver
- Ages 15+
- 2026/27
- Patrollers
- IRB drivers
- SLS NSW skills maintenance
It depends on the state. Surf Life Saving South Australia lists "Hold a current SA boat licence" as a requirement for the Silver Medallion IRB Driver award, in addition to holding a SLSA Bronze Medallion and an IRB Crew award, and being at least 17 years old. SLS NSW's Awards & Qualifications Chart (April 2024) lists no licence for the IRB Driver award: its entry requirements are proficiency in the Bronze Medallion/Cert II PSAR and the IRB Crewperson Certificate. The licence rules for other states are not covered here.
Added 24 Oct 2026