How often do I have to renew my IRB Crew or IRB Driver award?
Rule- Australia
- Surf Life Saving Australia
- IRB Crew and Driver
- Ages 15+
- 2026/27
- Patrollers
- IRB drivers
- SLS NSW skills maintenance
Every year. The SLS NSW Awards & Qualifications Chart (April 2024) marks both the Inflatable Rescue Boat Crewperson (IRBC) and the Silver Medallion Inflatable Rescue Boat (SMIRB) Driver award as "Updated Annually", and SLS NSW Circular 3958 (2026/27) says all active lifesavers must complete annual skills maintenance to remain current in the awards they hold.
The 2026/27 skills maintenance requirements list proficiency in the Bronze Medallion as the prerequisite for IRB Crew, and proficiency in the Bronze Medallion and IRB Crew for the IRB Driver.
Updated 24 Oct 2026