Sweep Accreditation

Welcome to the Dragon Boating WA Inc. (DBWA) sweeping webpage.

Dragon boat activity approved by DBWA requires each dragon boat to have a Sweep.  Dragon Boat Sweeps must obtain AusDBF Sweep Accreditation before sweeping unsupervised.

To become a fully accredited sweep with the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF), it is essential to follow the regulations set out in the AusDBF National Sweep Accreditation Scheme (ANSAS). The scheme outlines a structured pathway for accreditation, which includes completing prerequisite eLearning modules, practical on-water assessments, and adhering to re-accreditation processes every three years.

Please note the additional requirements below for WA  in conjunction with AusDBF regulations.

Sweeps are responsible for crew safety and therefore need to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations for navigating waterways. The Recreational Skippers Ticket Workbook provides information relevant to safe navigation. If the skipper's ticket workbook is unavailable or out of date, please check the Department of Transport website for the latest version – these will be discussed during induction.

As sweeps progress through each level of accreditation they will receive a certificate from AusDBF via RevSport.

Accreditation Journey

Aspiring sweeps can embark on the formal path to accreditation by following the AusDBF National Sweep Accreditation Scheme (ANSAS).

Sweep Accreditation is handled at a National level however DBWA has appointed several Sweep Coordinators - whose aim is to enhance the safety and the proficiency of WA Sweeps and support clubs to train their sweeps to a high skill level.

Sweep Coordinators as of January 2023.

To become a Sweep in WA, in addition to the AusDBF requirements the following additional process must occur:

Pre-Level 1

As Per AusDBF regulations.

Level 1 – Novice

All online training and requirements are as Per AusDBF regulations. 

However, in addition, members must attend a Sweep Induction Course (approx. 3 hr course) once a maximum of 10 hours of pre-training with their club has been completed. These are currently being held once a year in October, with dates and venues to be confirmed closer to the time. Additional sessions are available when sufficient numbers are achieved.

Members must obtain (and then retain) their first Aid Certificate HLTAID011 and Working With Children (WWC) card before attending this Dragon Boating WA Inc. (DBWA) induction training course. However, the annual CPR course is not required for this certification.

During the course, members will be trained on water in:

 Australian Standard calls – Crew instruction and boat control

•     Balancing – Methods and Reasons
•     Steering – Push/Pull, Twist
•     Manoeuvring – Utilising different sections of the boat

There will also be a theory component in which your Sweep Coordinator will discuss

•     Safety examples and how to avoid them
•     Boat types/brands
•   Race Start types
•    Expectations of training before L2 assessment

A Certificate will be emailed by AusDBF on completion, which must be shown to your Club before you are eligible to continue on water training past your initial 10 hours of pre-level 1 training and retained by the members.

**Fill in your sweep logbook every time you are on the water**

If you have completed < 20 hours of sweeping in all conditions post L1 certification, and are able to mark off all the requirements in the L2 Checklist, you are then eligible to be assessed as L2, contact a Sweep Assessor (listed below) to arrange this.

 Sweep Assessors as of January 2024

Level 2 - 5

As Per AusDBF regulations.