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 at least once every 5 years. To meet the current regulations at least 20% (MoMu Cat 2) or 30% (MoMu 0,1) of a crew including the skipper shall have undertaken training within 5 years before
the start of the race. For the FASTNET RACE at least two people on each yacht should have completed a First Aid Course, and at least 30% of the crew should receive Training or Instruction in the use of Liferafts. In the case of Two Handed entries both crew members must complete first aid and liferaft training.

COURSE CONTENT
Day 1: ISAF Offshore Safety; heavy weather sailing, safety and first aid.
Day 2: Sea survival.
Optional Day 3: RYA First Aid Course if required.

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) separate 1 day courses are available, or for 3 or more people we will run a course as part of the RYA ISAF modular package and have 3 days consecutive training to suit you.

Theoretical 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 are provided.

COURSE EQUIPMENT
All equipment is provided and we pride ourselves on the amount and quality of the demonstration equipment we use. This includes Viking 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
RYA Sea Survival Certificate

TIMINGS
0850 for a 0900 start. Course will finish around 1715 on each day.

COURSE LOCATION
The course will be held at the Marine Skills Centre moving to Canford School, Wimborne, 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 Portland Coast Guard, 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 and there are no shops/cafes near by.

COURSE INSTRUCTORS
We use several instructors during the 2 day course, including racers and yachtmaster instructors who have thousands of miles and many years experience between them. One of the instructors who discusses the heavy weather sailing is Mary who was in the Fastnet race in '79 and has a vast amount of experience.

ACCOMMODATION
There is plenty of accommodation in Poole should you require to stay locally overnight. To find something to suit your budget, please click here Poole

Click here for PHSS RYA Course fee info

Click here for PHSS RYA Course Dates & News Info

Click here for PHSS Course Booking Form

Group bookings taken, courses can be run anywhere subject to terms and conditions, call for details.