Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Safety Harness & Lifejacket

in an offshore race A harness and lifejacket shall be worn when on deck:

a) Between the hours of sunset and sunrise
b) When alone on deck
c) When reefed
d) When the true wind speed is 25 knots or above
e) When the visibility is less than one nautical mile
STAY ABOARD - CLIP ON - See S.Regs 5.01.6

Man Overboard and Emergency Drill: Attention is drawn to the importance of regular MoB drill and to the value of well-established emergency routines and a sound command structure.

Search and Rescue Procedures: Attention is drawn to the "Annual Summary of Admiralty Notice to Mariners" 

Flares: White flares may be used at any time to draw attention to the presence of the yacht and may be valuable in a Man Overboard recovery. Red flares or orange smoke may be used in Man Overboard recovery. White parachute flares provide excellent general illumination.

Lookout: Particular attention is drawn to the importance of keeping a full and proper lookout, especially when low-cut sails are set.

Manoeuvrability of Ships: There is now greatly increased commercial traffic in waters around the United Kingdom. Some large single-screw ships cannot manoeuvre easily and owners are urged to bear this in mind at all times.

Use of Engine in emergency: The engine should be used promptly if needed in emergency. Report on the Declaration (see S.Regs 3.28).

Radar Reflectors: Care should be taken to display these correctly in the catch rain position at least 4m (13 feet) above the water (see S.Regs. 4.10).

Adequate Charts: Attention is drawn to the importance of adequate charts for likely harbours of refuge. (see S.Regs. 4.11)

For races further offshore than average, owners are recommended to consider carrying a drogue or drogue system.

Watertight Integrity: Strong well-fitting hatches and lockers with good quality seals which are kept clamped shut, are fundamental to the watertight integrity and seaworthiness of any vessel. (see S.Regs. 3.02. etc.).

Protection of Offshore Installations (eg Oil Rigs): (see Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners). Close approach by a yacht to an offshore installation (which may include unmarked submerged obstructions) can be extremely dangerous to the yacht and to the rig. Owners are advised always to assume the existence of a statutory safety zone extending to a distance of 500 metres around installations measured from their outer edges; and to keep outside it. Penalties include a fine or imprisonment or both.