SUGGESTED ADDITIONS TO CURRENT IRB TRAINING MANUAL OR STAND ALONE MANUAL TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH EXISTING MANUAL UNTIL NEW MANUAL PRODUCED Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 1
Contents PAGE No. PREAMBLE 3 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GEMINI INFLATABLES GEMINI IRB 380 4 LAUNCHING 5 DRIVING 6 CREWING 7 RESCUE 11 SOLO DRIVING 13 August, 2003 Manual produced with the assistance of SLSA, SLSQ and SLSNSW. Photographs by G James IRB Supplied by Tweed Heads-Coolongatta SLSC Crew from Talubudgera SLSC and Pacific SLSC Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 2
PREAMBLE The operation of the Gemini 380 IRB is, to a large extent, covered by the existing IRB Training Manual. There will be a limited number of modifications required to cover the different characteristics which are summarized below. This material needs to be read in conjunction with the current IRB Training Manual. It is important the existing procedures with regard to training and familiarization are applied especially with regard to the inherent risks of using any IRB in the surf area. As with using all of the current IRBs it is important that members familiarize themselves with the Gemini IRB and its subtle differences prior to use. The photos are to assist with the training and have been mostly taken on the beach as this is where the initial training for most IRB techniques is usually commenced. Gemini IRB in action with on floor crewing position Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 3
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GEMINI INFLATABLES GEMINI IRB 380 The Gemini 380 IRB is a catamaran craft which differs from the conventional keeled IRB. It has different turning capabilities. The Gemini IRB rides the water flatter than the current IRBs. This is evident when punching waves which results in it coming landing softer. The Gemini IRB is stable allowing greater movement on the Gemini IRB without affecting the trim of the IRB and further does not require the crew to move to compensate the trim. This will allow the driver more flexibility when training and selecting crew for the Gemini IRB, as inexperienced crew won t jeopardize the Gemini IRB safety to the same extent as existing IRBs. The Gemini IRB turns without sliding, and can be turned relatively sharply. The Gemini IRB offers 2 crewing positions. In addition to the current crew position on the pontoon, it gives the option of sitting inside the IRB, securely on the floor. These are noted and illustrated later in this document. Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 4
LAUNCHING 1. The method for launching the Gemini IRB is by the four person lift. Two handles are placed at the rear of the pontoon one in the normal position and the second handle on the outside of the rear cone allowing for the members at the rear to lift with both hands. Crew utilizing the new carry handles on outside of pontoons to slide IRB into water. 2. All normal training methods can be adapted once the Gemini IRB is in the water. Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 5
DRIVING Driving the Gemini IRB is similar to driving the conventional keeled hull. To ensure its safe operation it is required to take note of the following differences: 1. The normal Diving position should be adapted as per the current IRB training manual. 2. Due to the fact that the Gemini IRB has the ability to turn relatively sharply it is necessary for the driver to communicate to the crew their intention to turn. Communication is essential when the crew is sitting on the pontoon. 3. The Gemini IRB does not require the driver to compensate for the boat sliding out when turning. It will drive in the direction it is pointed due to the catamaran hull. This should always be taken into account. 4. When proceeding out to sea, the Gemini IRB will ride flatter when punching through a broken, breaking or forming wave. Normal procedures should be followed when going out to sea. 5. When performing a rescue the Gemini IRB can be driven straight to the patient to secure them prior to the lift. Note that, as the Gemini IRB is a stable platform, the IRB will remain flat when the crewman comes to the driver s side of the IRB and will not heel. This stability allows both driver and crew to more effectively assist with the lift. 6. When proceeding back to shore and negotiating an unbroken, broken wave or whitewash, it is preferable not to back off the throttle but to retain the IRB under power. 7. When driving across the swell or broken waves the Gemini IRB will not slide or broach. It is preferable to retain the throttle on and to keep the power on as each of the Gemini IRB s cat hulls climbs over the white wash. 8. A general rule in driving the Gemini IRB is that it will power out of most situations, so throttle on rather than back off. This should be done in a controlled manner. Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 6
CREWING Normal Position 1. When crewing in the normal top of the pontoon position, take the normal position. Please note that the Gemini IRB has the ability to turn relatively sharply and crewpersons should be aware of this. The bow rope has been repositioned further towards the stern of the Gemini IRB and the footstraps have also been repositioned due to this modification. Normal Position - On pontoon showing new rope placement, crew hand and foot holds Because the Gemini IRB has a catamaran hull, the crewperson is not required to lean out and try and keep the IRB flat during wave negotiation. In fact the crewperson is encouraged to maintain the seated position and adhere to the normal procedures of crewing any IRB with the exception of moving about the IRB. Leaning in slightly when cornering is advised. It is not necessary to lean out or jump forward to keep the IRB flat and level. Floor Position The floor position is a new concept in Surf Life Saving IRB usage and for use only in the Gemini IRB. The crewperson is to enter the IRB, as usual, when commanded by the driver using one of the approved methods. Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 7
1. Once the Crewperson has pulled themselves into the IRB they take up the position on the floor (it is recommended that they familiarize themselves with this position on the beach before going to sea as in all IRB training). 2. They must sit parallel across the IRB with their feet in the foot straps provided pushing their lumber (lower back) into the pontoon as shown in the attached photos. Crew position on floor Aerial shot of crewing position The left hand is used to hold the bow line using of the handles provided. Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 8
Crew holding bow handle with left hand 4. The right hand should grip the pontoon handle. NB It is very important to stay parallel and look forward, it is strongly recommended not to sit in a twisted position or centrally on the floor. Crew holding pontoon handle with right hand, staying parallel, looking forward 5. Negotiating the surf. When going over or through the waves it is recommended to push with the feet whilst tensing up or flexing the whole of the legs and torso (body), also lift the buttocks several centimetres above the floor just before landing. Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 9
Crew getting into position for going over or through the waves, pushing with both legs, lumbar into pontoon and lifting off floor slightly 6. It is essential to stay and ride with the IRB rather than get thrown around. This is achieved best by sitting on the floor as this takes little effort. 7. When proceeding back to shore or across the whitewash the same principles should apply. Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 10
RESCUE 1. The driver must maintain normal procedures when approaching a person in distress. Do not allow for the IRB to move to the port (drivers side) when the crewperson moves to take their position for the rescue. The IRB will maintain its line on most occasions. 2. The crewperson must adhere to all normal procedures and position themselves on the port (drivers) side of the IRB from either the position 1 (Sitting on the pontoon) or position 2 (sitting on floor.) To get to the normal rescue position from the floor, the crewperson needs to remove their feet from the pontoon footstraps and stand up into the normal rescue position as noted above. As this is a new technique it is recommended that it be trained on shore as with all IRB methods prior to performing a rescue. Getting into position Method of preparing to rescue patient Getting into position Another method of preparing to rescue patient Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 11
3. All normal rescue procedures should follow. Rescue with driver seated, showing stability of IRB Rescue with driver sitting on pontoon assisting with patient s legs Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 12
SOLO DRIVING A solo driver may position themselves on the drivers pontoon. This allows better vision ahead, but if required the driver may need to assume the current IRB driver position on the floor. Solo driver position proceeding through surf Stability of Gemini IRB driving in break Solo driving return to shore Gemini 380 IRB Crewing Manual Page 13