Safety Rules

A staged circumnavigation of the vast and varied Australian coastline should never be underestimated. There are hazards that should be appreciated and prepared for.

All yachts participating in the Around Australia Ocean Race and the Around Australia Ocean Rally are required to satisfy - Yachting Australia 2009 - 2013 Special Regulations - Part 1 For Racing Boats and Recommended for Cruising Boats. (This publication can be purchased on line at www.yachting.org.au/shop).

Also ISAF OFFSHORE SPECIAL REGULATIONS Extract for Race Category 1 Multihulls. January 2010 - December 2011.

The Around Australia Ocean Race and the Around Australia Ocean Rally are both Category 1 events.

A list of monohull yacht equipment covered under Category 1 can be seen here -Category 1 Equipment Audit

It Will Blow Up Rough - Be Prepared

All adult crew participating in the Around Australia Ocean Race and the Around Australia Ocean Rally , including exchange crew, regardles how long the leg sailed, or how many legs sailed are required to hold a current Yachting Australia Safety and Sea Survival Course (SSSC) Certificate, or approved equivalent – see below

 Safety at sea is the responsibility of every person on board a yacht. Every yacht should have a clearly visible safety regime and crews should practice safety programs at regular intervals, including the drill for man overboard recovery.

Safety is a frame of mind. A 'She'll be Right Mate' attitude in offshore yacht racing and cruising will inevitably result in a disaster at sea putting in jeopardy the lives of those aboard and the lives of those who are obliged to come to the rescue of a yacht in trouble.

The 'Huddle' body heat preservation exercise. Best to practice it in case of experiecing the real thing!

Yachting Australia Safety and Sea Survival Certificate Course information.

The course is designed to develop your knowledge and skills for offshore racing and cruising for crews of both sail and power yachts. It complies with the Racing Rules of Sailing Special Regulations 6.01 Training page 253, and meets the requirements for international recognition by ISAF. The course covers a variety of topics including safety procedures, flare demonstrations, wet drills and other safety equipment. Each participant will be assessed throughout the course and be required to complete a practical wet drill and pass a theory exam.

Course fees are usually around AU$380 per participant (including GST). We are working with approved safety course providers around Australia to provide 'Around Australia Ocean Race ' and 'Around Australia Ocean Rally' participants with a purpose made safety course at a reduced cost. For more information please contact info@sailaroundaustralia.com.au

Your Yacht Club or your Yachting Australia State organisation can provide you with a list of approved course providers.

Please do not leave your training requirements to the last moment!

Alternative courses of no lesser a standard that cover as a minimum the following topics may be accepted:

• Care and maintenance of safety equipment
• Liferafts
• Storm sails
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• damage control and repair
• heavy weather – crew routines, boat handling, drogues
• man overboard prevention and recovery
• giving assistance to other craft
• Hypothermia
• SAR systems
• Using communications equipment (VHF, GMDSS, satcoms, etc.)
• Weather forecasting
• Pyrotechnics – flares

Sources of Approved YASSSC equivalent providers. Overseas Race and Rally Participants can Click Here to find information on ISAF approved safety and sea survival courses.

On the left Bob Williams (68) with fellow participants of a YWA SSSC recently conducted at Hillarys Yacht Club in WA.

It is recommended that yacht owners and crews practice safety routines at regular intervals, including the drill for man overboard recovery. A ‘She’ll be Right Mate’ attitude in offshore yacht racing and cruising will inevitably result in a disaster and that cannot be tolerated here.

We share with our friends at the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria a strong dedication to safety – we draw your attention to the following ORCV programs which we think you will find of interest:

Melbourne Safety Sea Survival Courses

ORCV helps your ABC

ORCV Ripper Tour

For your sailing clothing requirements please go to our friends at Musto