Sailing - Activity

Student skills

Sailing should begin with an assessment of students’ current knowledge, skills and experience and an activity briefing given by the instructional staff.

Equipment

Equipment must be in a safe condition and suitable for the activity.

First aid kits

First aid kits appropriate to the location and level of training must be carried.

Personal flotation devices

In all waters, as a minimum, students must wear a securely fitted Australian Standard Type 2 personal flotation device as required by Marine Safety Victoria.

Staff must also wear a securely fitted Australian Standard Type 2 personal flotation device or equivalent when on the water.

Individuals in the rescue craft must wear an Australian Standard Type 2 PFD as a minimum.

Exemptions from the Marine Safety Victoria regulations for the wearing of PFD’s have been granted for certain situations. Exemption categories can be found at Yachting Victoria. 

Helmets

Helmets may be provided to students participating in a sailing activity at the discretion of the instructor after consideration of students’ sailing experience and skill level.

Helmets specifically designed for water activities must comply with the following safety characteristics of lightweight protective helmets:

• holes to allow for water drainage
• adjustable chin strap
• hard outer shell
• firm fit, either by use of an adjustable harness securely attached to the helmet or a fixed helmet in a range of sizes
• either foam padded or constructed with a suspension harness
• capacity to float.

Rescue craft

Rescue craft appropriate to the location and in good working condition must be readily available during any sailing activity for rescue and towing purposes.

Individuals in the rescue craft must wear an Australian Standard Type 1 personal flotation device.

Powered rescue craft must comply with the minimum safety equipment listed in the Marine Safety Victoria Victorian Boating Guide.

Sailing craft

Each boat’s rigging and equipment should be thoroughly checked before entering the water and must comply with the Yachting Australia standards for off-the-beach yachts. Each boat should include:

• a towing point
• a bailer (if not fitted with a self-bailing cockpit)
• sufficient hull buoyancy to float itself on an even keel when swamped and to support not less than 25 kg for each crew member (in the case of catamarans this figure applies to each hull)
• the facility to lower the mainsail with ease in both the upright and capsized position
• a mast that is completely sealed or drainable at its base.

 

Clothing

Clothing is the individual’s primary protection against severe and variable weather conditions.

Clothing lists need to be appropriate for the activity, the environment and the season.

To protect against sunburn use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen on all exposed parts of the body, applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Participants must dress in a manner that will not hinder flotation. For example, heavy boots or bulky clothing must not be worn, nor a waterproof jacket over the top of a personal flotation device.

Participants must wear footwear. Glasses should be secured in some way and no loose jewellery worn. Wearing rings is not advised unless they are taped.

A complete change of clothes should be available at the location.

Identification

Staff and students must be easily identifiable.

Staff must determine the most suitable system/s of identification, based on the assessment of the environment, students’ skills, the type of activities to be undertaken and the age and number of students.

Touring

All touring parties must have a full trip plan that includes contingency plans and strategies for dealing with delays. This plan must be left with the school contact person and the local authorities. Local authorities must have the name and contact details of the school contact person. Some local authorities may require indemnity forms and permits.

For open water touring, staff must be knowledgeable about the changeable nature of the water environment they will be visiting. Do not underestimate the amount of time that may be needed.

To determine whether students may participate in touring, consider:

• the physical fitness and skill level of each member of the group
• unpredictable delays such as capsizes and craft repair
• time for rest periods
• forecast and seasonal weather conditions including tides and current, wind and waves.

When planning sea or open water (see: Definitions) touring, the instructor needs to take into account the cumulative effects of tidal influence, winds and sea breezes, potential hazards and distance from shore. Sound judgment about weather conditions, high winds and lightning needs to be exercised if open crossings are planned.

All expedition parties must carry with them the appropriate safety and rescue equipment.

Ensure all essential dry equipment (food, clothing, sleeping gear, stoves, camping equipment, toilet gear, first aid kit, communication equipment, matches and repair kits) is evenly distributed amongst the craft and carefully stored.

In addition to equipment listed earlier in this document, a paddle should be included when touring in sailing craft.