See what SWBA Specialist courses are publicly scheduled.
Instructor: Eirik Holen, Rope Rescue Norway
According to the NFPA, a firefighter is four times more likely to lose their life in a water rescue than in structural firefighting.
Swiftwater Breathing Apparatus (SWBA®) are adapted Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems, for use in flood and swiftwater environments as surface-level respiratory protection to prevent asphyxiation from water. generally on-demand to undertake short critical tasks such as swimming through dangerous water or improve survival if trapped. This revolutionary cutting-edge program is now being delivered worldwide. We are the exclusive global training agency for type-approved SWBA for HEED3 and Tiger Performance.
Specialist Course (4 hours): For those seeking practical certification in SWBA® being delivered on the second day (either morning or afternoon – to be advised) by instructor candidates under the supervision of an instructor trainer. Students must hold swiftwater technician and recreational diver certification. A short 90 minute online learning module is included.
For courses delivered directly by PSI Global. For other providers, please contact them for FAQs or other queries.
What are the pre-requisites to attend the Specialist Course?
Specialist course students must have Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and SSI/PADI Scuba Diver (ISO Supervised Diver) certifications.
Is a dive medical required?
You will be required to complete the standard dive medical screening questionnaire. If you have any contra-indications, you will need to get a medical clearance at your own cost. Please ensure you review this form well in advanced to ensure you are fit and ready to attend the course.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring full swiftwater technician PPE including Wetsuit/Drysuit, PFD, helmet etc. You must also bring a suitable low volume dive mask that fits easily to and while wearing your helmet. We will have SWBA to use during the course. Please also bring your own food, snacks and water.
What if I am still working on completing the pre-requisites?
You can purchase a ticket, however we will not issue a refund because you have not met pre-requisites or fail medical clearance to enter the course.
What are the physical/swimming requirements?
You need to be fit and confident to swim 50m in less than 60 seconds AND be comfortable swimming in Grade 3/Class III flow.
Is there an pre-course learning?
Yes, there is a mandatory 90 minute online learning module, including an examination you must pass. Once you are confirmed on the course, you will be issued a coupon to access the online learning.
I am a kayaker or raft guide, can I attend?
Yes! You must however have a river rescue and SCUBA certification.
What are the course timings?
Please set aside from 8am to 5pm. We will advise precise timing within two weeks of the course commencement as part of joining instructions.
Can I purchase a type-approved SWBA device to take away from the course?
Generally no, however you can now buy these devices directly from suppliers.
If that person meets the pre-requisites then yes, subject to prior approval. If you have already completed the online learning, the replacement will need to pay an additional fee ($95) for their online learning.
