Safety name change

The RYA have changed the name of their safety course to comply with ISAF regulations

In response to the importance laid on the safety syllabus which satisfies ISAF Special regulation 6.01 – Training, the RYA has announced a change of name to the RYA/ISAF Offshore Racing Crew Approved Course For Personal Survival. Effective from January 2006, the course will change to RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course.

Developed in response to ISAF safety regulations that require crews competing in offshore races to have a proportion of crew members trained in survival techniques, the RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course fulfils the safety training requirement for sailors participating in ISAF Category 0-1 and 2 offshore sailing events.

The two day course covers the RYA Basic Sea Survival Course, extending to include items such as; handling heavy weather, damage control and repair, storm sails, care and maintenance of safety equipment and weather forecasting.

Simon Jinks, RYA Chief Cruising Instructor said: “Any offshore sailor needs to be equipped to deal with the variety of emergencies that can occur at sea. Although the course is designed for racing sailors competing in offshore sailing events - such as the Fastnet - any offshore sailor will benefit from the safety survival techniques taught on this course.”

For further details please contact Simon Jinks, RYA Chief Cruising Instructor.