Safety Boat Procedures

• As prescribed by Hardway Sailing Club Sailing Committee and to be used in conjunction with the current RYA Safety Boat Handbook.
• The committee aim to have all Safety Boat Crew CRB checked, as children may be involved.
• Further certificated RYA qualifications are encouraged, in particular: Safety Boat and First Aid.

Mandatory Requirements

• No passengers are allowed in the Safety Boat.
• Two fit and competent crew, wearing buoyancy aids and prepared to enter the water. Crew SHOULD be CRB checked and recommended to hold a current RYA First Aid certificate.
• Coxwain must hold RYA National Powerboat level 2 certificate.
• Crew must be capable of taking over as coxswain, should the need arise. The Coxswain is responsible for ensuring this.
• A Kill Cord must always be used.

Coxswain’s Preparation

Timing: Allow one hour before the event starts, unless familiar with the preparation.

RO’s Briefing: Receive Race Officer’s instructions and collect marine VHF radio and test.

Log Safety Boat Out and check equipment onto foldaway trolley for ease of transportation.

Equipment:

• Fuel
• Anchor & warp
• Towing lines Paddles
• Plastic boathook
• Baler
• Sealed plastic drum containing:
  • A copy of current Safety Boat Procedures
  • 1st Aid box
  • Serrated knife
  • Whistle
  • Flare
  • Mediwrap
  • Mask
  • Racing mark if required by the Race Officer, and laid prior to start sequence.

Safety Boat: Bring allocated Safety Boat alongside HSC pontoon using club tender if necessary.

Event Priorities

• Safety of People
  • Cut engine when dealing with people in the water.
  • If a person is too heavy to lift out, summon assistance or secure alongside Safety Boat, and carefully tow into the shore.
  • Count the fleet frequently.
  • Search for missing craft.
• Safety of Craft
  • Abandon craft when people are at risk.
  • Secure craft for later retrieval.
  • Retrieve craft with or without help from its crew.
• Communication:
  • The Race Officer is responsible for the race events and should be kept informed of Safety Boat activities. Other events e.g. Training, will have an Instructor in charge. Distress – Ch 16. KHM – Ch 11. HSC Control – Ch P4 or M2

Post Event

• Safety Boat: Return to mooring. Clip on painter and double secure using a slack line as backup.
• Equipment: Ensure all equipment returns carefully to its correct stowage.
• Log In: Log Usage of Safety Boat and any defects, faults and used items.
• Debrief/discharge: Race Officer debriefs and/or discharges the Safety Boat Crew.