At ISAR3, we are frequently asked about "Defra courses" by organisations involved in water-related operations. While our Rescue 3 courses for emergency responders and rescue teams are fully Defra-compliant, we understand that a "Defra course" isn’t always the best fit for many industries. Specifically, for personnel from the Environment Agency (EA), SEPA, NRW, construction workers, or road and bridge maintenance staff, there are other water safety training options that might be more suitable to their specific needs.
As a Rescue 3 training provider, ISAR3 delivers a broad range of water safety and rescue courses that cater to various sectors, from emergency responders to industries working near or in water. To help you choose the right training, we’ve simplified the course selection process to ensure that you receive the most relevant and effective training for your operational needs.
Key courses include:
It's important to note that there is no official “Defra course.” Defra is not an accrediting body for water rescue training. Instead, Defra provides guidelines that courses can be “Defra-compliant.” At ISAR3, we are proud to be a Rescue 3-accredited training provider. Our Rescue 3 courses not only meet Defra compliance standards but are also overseen by Rescue 3 Europe, which is the official accrediting body. This ensures the highest level of safety, best practices, and expert training in line with the specific needs of your organisation.
When you take a “Defra-compliant” Rescue 3 course through ISAR3, you can rest assured that Rescue 3 Europe is overseeing all aspects of the course, from instructor qualifications to student assessments and ongoing monitoring. For industries that don’t need flood rescue training, we recommend exploring our Safe Working Near Water (SWNW) or Safe Working In Water (SWIW) courses, which are tailored to meet the specific risks and operational demands of your work environment.
The Flood Rescue Concept of Operations (ConOp) sets the standards for flood rescue teams in England, focusing on their minimum training and equipment requirements. While this framework is crucial for those directly involved in flood rescue operations, it is not designed for industries like construction or environmental monitoring, which may operate near water but are not involved in flood response.
For non-flood-related operations, ISAR3 recommends our specialised industry courses, such as Safe Working Near Water (SWNW) and Safe Working In Water (SWIW), which are far more relevant and applicable to the operational requirements of industry professionals.
For those working near water—such as raft guides, construction teams, or environmental monitoring personnel—training focused on flood response might not be appropriate. Instead, these professionals should focus on courses that emphasise water safety, self-rescue techniques, and safe working practices specific to their industries. Our Safe Working Near Water (SWNW) and Safe Working In Water (SWIW) courses are designed to address these needs.
Flood rescue training, which often involves heavy equipment and complex rescue strategies, is not necessary for professionals working in water-adjacent environments. Instead, they benefit from practical water safety skills that enable them to work safely in their specific environments, without the extensive flood rescue training that flood rescue teams might require.
At ISAR3, we are a Rescue 3-accredited training provider, meaning all our courses are held to the highest international standards of safety, effectiveness, and best practices. Rescue 3 Europe accredits all of our water safety and rescue training, ensuring you receive training that is not only compliant but also comprehensive and highly relevant to your needs.
With over 150 training providers and 1,250 instructors throughout Europe, Rescue 3 Europe oversees a broad network that ensures every course we deliver is tailored to the operational realities of our clients. This means that whether you’re in construction, environmental monitoring, or working in other sectors near water, you can trust ISAR3 to deliver expert training that fits your needs.
At ISAR3, we offer a wide range of Rescue 3 courses that go beyond just flood rescue training. Our courses, such as Safe Working Near Water (SWNW) and Safe Working InWater (SWIW), are specifically designed to address the needs of industries working near or in water. Whether you're working in construction, environmental protection, or infrastructure, ISAR3 ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective water safety training for your field.
We understand that choosing the right training can be difficult, but with our expertise and Rescue 3 Europe's global standards, we are confident that we can guide you to the course that is best suited for your organisation. Contact us today to find out how ISAR3 can help you improve safety and performance in your water-related operations.