Radio Operator and Observers

Dates

Updated 2 Nov 2026.

How to get it

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare

   Do the eLearning in the Surf Life Saving Hub (SLS Hub). Radio Operator: 2 short modules, 21 minutes. Observers: 7 modules and an online theory test.

   • How to find your eLearning in the SLS Hub
2. 2

   Step 2: Do the course

   Radio Operator: a face-to-face session with radios. Observers: show your trainer every signal, and talk through our beach and how we set up patrol.

3. 3

   Step 3: Assessment

   Observers: the online theory test, plus every signal. Radio Operator: assessed by a Bronze trainer, about 1 hour.

4. 4

   Step 4: Keep it current

   Each season: a Radio Operator skills session before 31 December, and an Observers test that includes the signals.

   Book your Skills Maintenance Check (SMC) on Learn

   If you miss your SMC

   In short: if you’re an Active Member and miss 31 December, your membership is put on hold for a month, then it ends. Until you do your SMC you can’t patrol.

   If you are an Active Member and are not proficient by 31 December, your membership is automatically suspended for 1 month (from 31 December, or from a later date if the Chair of Education has granted you an extension). If you are still not proficient at the end of that month, your membership automatically ends (By-law 11.3). To ask for an exemption or more time, write to the Chair of Education by 31 December (By-law 11.4). Under SLSWA rules you also cannot patrol, operate rescue craft or compete until you are proficient.

   Long Service Members must requalify each season (By-law 6.2.4(f)). Under SLSWA rules you can’t patrol until you do.