Small Boat Section Practice Rules >
During the season we plan to run a number of small boat outings for club members. These will feature fast RIBS, Power Boats and semi displacement (enclosed) craft.
It has been found so far that the greatest potential for a poor day out is lack of event information. The briefing list below is attached as an aide memoire for verbal or mail-shot prior to the day’s outing.
As this is under the banner of the Royal Fowey Yacht Club we have to be seen to adhere to a certain level of best practice and, while within their boundary, be aware of the Fowey Harbour Commission bye laws. The following is a plain language version of the full Risk Assessment that has been written up in the clubs sailing rules.
The Royal Fowey Yacht Club or the organisers of these trips accepts no liability for personal injury or damage or loss of craft.
Basic Recommendations for a safe day on the water: -
1. Planing Craft
All of the above apply with the exception of: -
At least one craft should be equipped with the following:
It has been found so far that the greatest potential for a poor day out is lack of event information. The briefing list below is attached as an aide memoire for verbal or mail-shot prior to the day’s outing.
As this is under the banner of the Royal Fowey Yacht Club we have to be seen to adhere to a certain level of best practice and, while within their boundary, be aware of the Fowey Harbour Commission bye laws. The following is a plain language version of the full Risk Assessment that has been written up in the clubs sailing rules.
The Royal Fowey Yacht Club or the organisers of these trips accepts no liability for personal injury or damage or loss of craft.
Basic Recommendations for a safe day on the water: -
1. Planing Craft
- Each skipper is responsible for the seaworthiness of his craft and the safety and wellbeing of his crew. This includes the basic craft accessories of Life Jackets / Buoyancy Aids, Anchor, Paddles and Lines etc. If you do not have a crew we will endeavour to pair you up with someone who will be able to assist on the passage.
- Life Jackets or Buoyancy Aids should be worn at all times.Kill cords where fitted must be worn.
- Alcohol should be kept to a level that you would be happy to drive your car with.
- Enough fuel should be carried to fulfil your return journey plus a safe margin in reserve.
All of the above apply with the exception of: -
- Life Jackets or Buoyancy Aids should be available for all crew. Whilst some feel it is not essential to be worn at all times in an enclosed craft, if the crew are required for above deck or fore deck activities it is strongly advised that a Life Jacket or Buoyancy aid be worn.
At least one craft should be equipped with the following:
- Radio, First aid kit, Tow rope and coastal flare pack if offshore.
- In addition a means to navigate to ensure a safe passage would be a benefit. i.e Compass, Chart plotter, Echo Sounder/Fish Finder.
- 4. Briefing Document (E-mail or Verbal)
- Time and Place of meeting or assembly and passage plan to including inclement weather plan “B”.
- Tide times and sea state expected.
- Organising Boat and skipper plus Boats and skippers that are participating.
- Radio frequency for offshore passages.
- Coast Guard – Dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard if assistance is required
- If in the Fowey River, harbour bye laws i.e. Speed limit and close manoeuvring in confined or restricted channels. Any obvious areas of danger for example rocky outcrops or sand bars or restricted anchoring areas.
- Housekeeping: - Phone numbers for Pasty or Fish & Chip pre orders.
