RESCUE 3 EUROPE · DEFRA MODULE 4 · BOAT OPERATOR

Rescue 3 Europe Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO)

For emergency services and rescue teams who carry out boat-based rescues in swiftwater and floods. Building on SRT, you learn to operate rescue boats safely in fast-moving rivers and flash flood conditions, from launch to casualty recovery.

Book or enquire Group booking enquiry Call 01823 214134

DEFRA Module 4

Five days (30 hours)

Powered and paddled boat handling

Trained on our own rescue boats

Awarding bodyRescue 3 Europe

DEFRAModule 4 – Water and Flood Rescue Boat Operator

Duration5 days (30 hours)

Price£1,095 + VAT per person (£1,314 inc VAT)

Group coursesRun at your venue or ours for groups of 6 or more, with 10% off per person for a full group of 8

PrerequisiteSwiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT)

Add-on routes4 days from RBO, ICC or RYA Powerboat Level 2; 3 days from FRBO

CertificateRescue 3 Europe Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator

Who it's for

Rescue boat crews

For fire and rescue, search and rescue, police and other rescue teams who will crew or helm rescue boats at swiftwater and flood incidents. The course is based on the Rescue 3 philosophy of self-protection and applying low to high-risk solutions.

Planning and theory

Running safe boat operations

The knowledge to plan, crew and run boat operations as a team.

Rescue 3 philosophy and water rescue training standards
Dynamic risk assessment, incident size-up and pre-planning
Floodwater dynamics and hazards
Boat, hull and drive types and rescue boat equipment
Pre- and post-trip checks
Navigation, route planning and communications
Crew roles and multiple boat operations
Hydraulic and weir considerations
Vehicles in water and working with helicopters
Medical and decontamination considerations

Training a team? We can run this course privately at your venue or ours.

Book or enquire Group booking enquiry

Practical

Boat handling and rescues

Hands-on training in moving water and flood environments.

Launching and recovery
Boat handling under power and with paddles
Towing, anchoring and securing
Wading with boats and tethered boat operations
Flips, rights and boat wraps
Team and personal recovery
Casualty pick-up, recovery and management
Boat-based conditional and tethered rescues
Boat-based stretcher management and transporting loads
Rescues from elevated positions
Search operations
Night and poor visibility operations

Routes in

Already a boat operator?

The full course is 5 days and requires Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT). If you already hold Rescue Boat Operator (RBO), the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an equivalent national course such as RYA Powerboat Level 2, a 4-day add-on route is available. If you hold Rescue 3 Flood Rescue Boat Operator (FRBO), the add-on is 3 days. Talk to us to confirm which route applies to you.

Command

Leading at incidents

For those who go on to manage and command water and flood incidents, Management of Water and Flood Incidents is the next step.

Management of Water and Flood Incidents →

Accreditation

Rescue 3 Europe Training Provider

Apex Medical & Rescue is an approved Rescue 3 Europe Training Provider. Our courses follow Rescue 3 Europe standards, and successful students receive a Rescue 3 Europe certificate. Find out more about Rescue 3 Europe and its courses at rescue3europe.com, or see our listing in the Rescue 3 Europe training provider directory.

View our Rescue 3 Europe listing →

Frequently asked questions

Can't see your question? Call 01823 214134 or email info@apex-mr.co.uk.

What are the entry requirements?

You need Rescue 3 Europe Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT). If you don't hold it yet, SRT is the place to start.

I already have a powerboat qualification. Do I need the full 5 days?

Not necessarily. With RBO, ICC or RYA Powerboat Level 2 you can take the 4-day add-on, and with FRBO the 3-day add-on. Talk to us about which route suits you.

What boats do you use?

Training uses Apex's own inflatable rescue boats and team equipment.

What equipment do I need?

We provide the specialist water rescue PPE: drysuit, thermal layer, buoyancy aid (PFD), helmet and gloves. You will need suitable clothing to wear under the drysuit, a change of clothes and a packed lunch. We will send joining instructions before the course.

Where are courses held?

Classroom sessions run at our Taunton training centre or at your premises. Practical water sessions use suitable river and flood venues in the South West, confirmed when you book.

Can you run a course for our organisation?

Yes. We run closed courses for fire and rescue services, search and rescue teams, local authorities, utilities and businesses. Contact us or call 01823 214134 for dates and a quote.