ISAF SEA SURVIVAL
Course Aims/ Background
This brilliant 1 or 2 day course was developed following the report into the 1998 Sydney Hobart Race, where tragically 6 lives were lost. The aim is to provide the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge to react effectively when facing rough weather, emergency problems and abandonment at sea. In addition to yacht skippers and crews who have to meet the requirements of the ISAF Special Regulations G, the course is excellent for all seafarers.
The Offshore Special Regulations strongly recommend that all crew members should undertake personal survival training (OSR 6.01) at least once every 5 years (MoMu 1,2). To meet the current regulations at least 30% but no fewer than two members of a crew including the skipper shall have undertaken training within 5 years before the start of the race in both.
(MoMu 0) every member of the crew including the skipper shall have taken the training as in OSR 6.01 at least once every 5 years.
For the FASTNET RACE At least 30% of the crew including the Person in Charge must have completed training to Section 6 of the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations. Appendix G to the regulations provides a model training course. In the Two-Handed class both crewmembers must have received training.
In addition at least one member of the crew shall hold a current Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent (in accordance with OSR 6.05.2) and should be familiar with the management of medical emergencies that may occur at sea including Hypothermia, and radio communications operations for obtaining medical advice by radio.
Course Content:
- Day 1: ISAF Offshore Safety, Heavy Weather Sailing, Safety and First Aid
- Day 2: Sea Survival
Modular Course:
If you have previously attended a Sea Survival Course within the last 5 years, you have the option of just attending the ISAF Offshore Safety day. You must bring along your Sea Survival Certificate on the day to receive the ISAF Offshore Safety certificate. If you require a RYA First Aid course (certificate valid for 3 years) a separate 1 day courses is available.
Theory Sessions:
- Care and maintenance of safety equipment
- Liferafts types and emergency packs
- Storm sails
- Damage control and repair
- Heavy weather – crew routines, boat handling, drogues
- Man overboard prevention and recovery
- Giving assistance to other craft
- Hypothermia
- SAR organisation and methods
- Weather
- Fire precautions
Practical Sessions:
- Lifejackets
- Liferafts, operation and drills
- Communications
- Pyrotechnics
- EPIRBs
- Use of a fire extinguisher
Previous Experience:
No previous experience necessary.
Course Material:
RYA Sea Survival booklet and additional handouts.
Course Equipment:
All equipment is provided and we pride ourselves on the amount and quality of the demonstration equipment we use. This includes RFD Life Saving Equipment, DSC VHF radios, fire extinguishers, hand held flares and much more. You are strongly encouraged to bring along your own lifejacket and wet weather gear including footwear, for the practical swimming pool session. You will gain invaluable experience and confidence using your own clothing and equipment. Please ensure your kit is clean, and that all pockets are emptied of their contents.
The minimum requirement for the pool is a sweat top and bottoms or similar, and preferably a lifejacket. Overalls and a lifejacket are available on the day should they be required!
Please do not forget your towel, trunks and bag to put your wet gear in to on completion.
Certification:
On completion of the 2 day course you will receive the following:
- RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course Certificate
Times:
0850 for a 0900 start. Course will finish around 1715 on each day.
Course Location:
The course will be held at the Malta Sailing Academy moving to the National Pool at tal-Qroqq, for the practical pool session in the afternoon. Directions will be provided on the day. The venue may change subject to group and midweek bookings.
Flares Demonstration:
Subject to clearance from Transport Malta Authority , a hand held flare demonstration may be available.
Additional Information:
Light refreshments, tea and coffee are provided. Please bring your own packed lunch and additional refreshments as breaks will be short. There will be light refreshment and hot coffee and tea at no extra cost at school.
Course Instructors:
We use several instructors during the 2 day course, including racers, yachtmaster and actual helicopter pilots from the Misione Militare Italiana. These instructors have thousands of miles and many years experience between them. One of the instructors who discusses the heavy weather sailing is Michael Gauci with quite a few offshore races under his belt and Leon Schulz who was has a vast amount of experience.
Accomodation:
There is plenty of accommodation around the school, should you require to stay locally overnight. It is also possible for us to provide accomodation on our school boats at an extra cost.
Group bookings taken. Courses can be run anywhere subject to terms and conditions, call for details.
Course Dates:
15th, 16th October 2012
17th, 18th October 2012
5th November 2012
