At SSSA Regattas there will be a Safety Boat Officer appointed by the Principal or the SSSA Committee. This person must be qualified to at least RYA Instructor and RYA Safety Boat standard. The Safety Officer will be responsible for crew allocations, and the co-ordination and stationing of safety boats.
The ratio of safety boats to sailing dinghies at SSSA Regattas and other SSSA organised activities shall be as stated in the SSSA Regatta Regulations. At other events organised by individual schools, it is strongly recommended that this policy be followed. This is 1:8 Inland and 1:6 in Tidal Waters.
SSSA sailing may only take place when there are sufficient safety boats manned and ready.
Adequate personal buoyancy must be worn by all safety boats crews, and all drivers must use kill-cords.
There should be an identified person in charge of each safety boat (the Skipper), even if all crew are qualified. All safety boat skippers must be over 18, fully familiar with all SSSA Safety Policy (see SSSA Health and Safety Policy Document) requirements, and qualified to at least RYA Safety Boat standard. Crew should be qualified to RYA Powerboat Level 2, and if qualified, may drive under the supervision of the Skipper.
The maximum number of people who may be carried is marked on each safety boat. These limits should never be exceeded. Passengers and "joy-rides" are not permitted in SSSA safety boats.
All hand-held VHF radios which may be used to co-ordinate rescue activities, must only be operated under the direct control of persons holding the appropriate VHF Radio Operator's Certificate. The Safety Boat Officer will allocate channels and call signs. Normal VHF good practice must be followed.
All skippers are responsible for checking that their boat has the following gear:
There must be no smoking in safety boats or within 4m of any fuel containers.
The Equipment Officer is responsible for the supply and mixing of all fuel at SSSA Regattas, and must ensure that adequate safety precautions are taken.
Last updated: 16 October, 2002