Advanced Lifesaver Award

Course Aim

The primary aim is to examine lifesaving proficiency specifically applicable to divers in realistic open water conditions. The examination also covers first aid for injuries likely to be encountered in diving and diving-related activities.

An optional, secondary aim is to provide a framework for additional or refresher training for those who require it, to the level necessary to gain the Advanced Lifesaver Award.

Course Overview

The examination comprises four sections:

• Throwing exercise
• Controlled buoyant rescue from depth
• Surface rescue
• First Aid exercise and theory test

Throughout the examination the techniques employed will be based on those described in ‘Safety and Rescue for Divers’. Candidates will be expected to be familiar with any changes to the recommendations subsequent to the latest printing of this manual.

Emphasis will be placed on immediacy and improvisation. As a guide, rescue breaths should be given at a rate of 10 breaths/min when in shallow water or in the boat. When static in the water a rate of 10 breaths/min should be used as a guide and a sequence of two breaths every 15 seconds when stowing. The overriding requirement is, however, EFFECTIVENESS rather than a rigid observance of the timing. A proper seal over the subject’s mouth or nose, as appropriate, is expected.

During the rescue the rescuer must demonstrate the appropriate sense of urgency compatible with the EFFECTIVE execution of the rescue. The examiner will position himself/herself wherever necessary to best observe the performance of the candidate throughout all sections, without obstructing or otherwise impeding the candidate’s actions.

In summary, the rescuer should give 10 rescue breaths once the casualty is made buoyant, followed by 2 rescue breaths every 15 seconds whilst towing, followed by one more minute of Rescue Breaths once the casualty is supported beside the boat or brought into shallow water prior to de-kitting.

Additional training prior to taking the examination is optional. This Instructor Manual includes recommendations designed to cater for the possible training needs of students who wish to take the Award.

Three areas are covered:

• First aid: some aspects are not covered in the BSAC Diver Training Programme.
• Rescue skills: although the skills are the same as those required for Lifesaver, the CBL starts deeper; the surface tow is longer; and there are throws from and recoveries into a boat. Some candidates may need additional practice.
• Mock Exam: many students will welcome a mock exam as a confidence-booster and a chance to refresh their skills before the examination.

Duration

The exact duration of the examination is dependent upon the number of candidates and the candidate/examiner ratio. The maximum duration is one day.
The duration of any prior training depends on what is required. The recommended SDCs are one day each.

Qualifications Awarded

Holders of the Advanced Lifesaver Award have demonstrated their proficiency in lifesaving and first aid specifically applicable to divers in realistic open water conditions.

• Examination/Assessment
• All sections of the Examination must be completed successfully.
• Presentation and Qualification Record Book Certificates,

Course Registration

Advanced Lifesaver Award courses and examinations must be arranged through HQ. Consult the BSAC website or HQ for current details and associated booking, declaration and report forms.

Instructor Requirements

Instructor/Examiner Qualifications
Instruction must be supervised by a BSAC Open Water Instructor or above who holds the Advanced Lifesaver Award. The instructors teaching the course must confirm that within the year preceding the course and examination, they have demonstrated to another BSAC Open Water Instructor or above their personal competence in all the skills taught in the course to the standards defined in this Instructor Manual. The final examination may be conducted by an instructor who has taught the candidates, although another instructor is preferable if possible.

Student:Instructor ratio

The examination is conducted in groups of three - rescuer, subject and boathandler/shore party/bystander - each group with one examiner. Candidates may take each role in rotation as necessary.

Student:instructor ratios for training should be in line with the guidance in the relevant parts of the

Diver Training Programme referred to below (no limit for lectures; maximum 6:1 for pool sessions).

Venue Facilities

The examination requires access to open water with a depth of 20m; a clear surface distance of 100m terminating in a shelving shore; and appropriate boat launching facilities if necessary.
A dry area for the conduct of the theory part of the examination is also required.

The following equipment must be provided by the organiser:

• An inflatable boat
• Throwing lines and buoyant aids suitable for throwing a distance of 10m
• Training manikins
• O2 kits and first aid kits as are likely to be found at a dive site / on a boat.

Administration

When a group has been examined for the Advanced Lifesaver Award, the course organiser should complete the Advanced Lifesaver Award Examination Report form. Candidates are required to return to HQ forms declaring that they have been instructed and examined in all the components of the course and final examination in the course documentation.

HQ will issue the appropriate certificates and badges when the Instructor and Student Declaration forms been received.