The course will emphasise the safe operation of rescue boats in a variety of water environments. It builds on RYA powerboat level 2 and water rescue technician skills and develops the ways that boats may be able to assist in water rescues.

The instructing staff are experienced boat operators and you will be using a range of equipment that you are likely to encounter as part of a rescue boat response in the UK.

The course has some classroom based learning but the majority of time is spent on the water developing practical skills in a variety of settings. Scenario based application of these skills occurs later in the course and includes time spent operating boats at night.

The classroom based sessions will provide working level knowledge of subjects useful for a boat operator. In addition you will be required to read material as part of your course.

The main water venue is the Menai Straits, usually operating between Port Dinorwic (Y Felinheli) and Menai Bridge. The water flows that will be experienced vary from being still or flat water to fast moving swift water environments. As a student you will be required to show a progress of knowledge, skills and their application throughout the course in a range of water conditions.

The following documents are considered as essential reading for successful completion of the course, and will be provided for you.

• Powered boat for rescue course manual
• RYA powerboat level 2 course notes
• Water rescue technician manual

You should review your organisation's documents that relate to working in water dominated environments. Documents that you may encounter include:

• Risk Assessments (generic, site or task specific)
• Safe Systems of Work or Method Statements
• Internal training guides or handbooks for working in water dominated environments
• Standard Operating Procedures

On the course you are going to become familiar with a range of equipment used for working at height. Each type of equipment has a manufacturer's instruction for use and it is good practice to read up on the equipment before using it.

There are numerous manufacturers' websites that contain information and you should visit them to improve your awareness of what equipment is available to use and its potential application.

Although you will be taught various skills on the course, some pre-course practice of simple skills to refresh your own capability will help you get the most out of the course. Water rescue technician and power boat skills to RYA powerboat level 2 are considered a fundamental skill level.

There are options on successful completion of this course to register it towards a Coventry University Diploma / Certificate in Specialist Rescue (subject to an additional assignment) or contribution towards other higher education awards.

Further information will be provided at commencement of the course.

To obtain a full module descriptor in advance visit the below website and navigate to: CU Portal » Module Information Directory » Business, Environment and Society » Geography, Environmental Science and Disaster Management » Get Modules.

Then click on 259GED for full diploma module information or 267GED for a Certificate module.

All course participants have to complete a medical form. This form should be with us ahead of the course.

The information you provide is treated confidentially.

You can download a blank medical form by clicking on the link below. You may have already had access to one via the Fire Service College. It should be returned when completed and signed by fax (01248 602435) or by post.

Any dietary requirements should be indicated on your medical form prior to the start of the course. If you have any other special requirements please contact us as early as possible.

The weather in North Wales is heavily influenced by the mountains and it can be wet, windy and cold when outside, so bring warm waterproof clothing with you.

For delegates from the Emergency Services, there is no requirement to bring service uniform with you.