Managing risks in coastal

environments

1

Level 2 Certificate

Level 2 Certificate

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Pre session checksBefore you go out always assess the

following;

• Weather Forecast• Tide• Water Conditions – Wind and Sea State• Participants• Plan Route - Navigation• Equipment• Communications

Level 2 Certificate

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Weather forecastAlways assess current weather conditions and get an up to date weather forecast:

• Harbour master• Phone/ mobile phone• Navtex• HM Coastguard Broadcasts - VHF: The initial call is on CH16 then broadcasted on either channel 10 or ch7• Radio - Radio 4 LW/FM: BBC Radio 4 broadcast the shipping forecast four times a day at the following times: 0048, 0535, 1201, 1754 Internet - www.weather.org.uk,

www.bbc.co.uk/weather, www.metcheck.co.uk,

Level 2 Certificate

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Tides

The rise and fall of the tide, the direction and the rate of flow of the tidal stream will affect progress.

The decision as to duration and direction of the training session should take these factors into account.

Assessing conditions - wind

Level 2 Certificate

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Ripples but without foam crests2Light air1

Moderate rather long waves, many white horses, some spray

19Fresh breeze5

Large wavelets, some crests break, some white horses

9Gentle breeze3

Air filled with foam and spray, sea white, visibility extremely badHurricane12

Exceptionally high waves, hiding small ships, sea covered with foam, crests blown into froth, visibility poor60Severe storm11

Very high waves, overhanging crests, dense blowing foam, heavy tumbling sea appears white, visibility poor52Storm10

High waves, dense foam streaks in wind, wave-crests topple and roll over, spray reduces visibility44Strong gale 9

Fairly high and long waves, crests breaking into spindrift, blowing foam in prominent streaks

37Gale8

Sea heaped up, streaks of foam blowing with the wind

30Near gale7

Some large waves, extensive white foam crests, some spray

24Strong breeze6

Small waves, frequent white horses13Moderate breeze4

Small wavelets. Crests do not break5Light breeze2

Sea like a mirror 0Calm0

Description of seaSpeedWind Description

Force

Level 2 Certificate

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Risk assessment and risk management

Level 2 Certificate

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Assessing conditions – wind & tide

The first leg should go into the wind and return with wind and tide.

Direction of the course for training will depend on wind and tide conditions. Wind and tide together give a flatter sea. Wind against tide creates a"short" confused sea. The stronger the wind and tide, the rougher the sea.

Level 2 Certificate

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Assessing rowersAlways match the participants to the conditions,

by assessingthe following;

• Ability level• Experience• Age• Fitness level• Type of boat being used, e.g. level of stability• Any injuries/illnesses

Level 2 Certificate

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Making your assessmentUsing the forecast and tide tables provided by your tutor, discuss in your groups how each of the areas below would impact on the planned session;

• Wet or dry• Cloud cover• Temperature• Visibility• Wind speed• Wind direction• Sea State• State of tide• Time of forecast• Ability/experience of the rowers

Level 2 Certificate

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NavigationEnsure the planned session route takes into account the forecast, tide, conditions and is appropriate for the participants ability levels

Ensure the cox is familiar with; Rules of the Road – Prevention of Collision Buoyage - Knowledge of the IALA Buoyage rules (Area A) and what buoys mean Sound Signals Shapes and Lights

Level 2 Certificate

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Equipment

• Check all equipment for wear and/or damage prior to every outing

• Check the boat has the correct safety equipment on board

• Where a launch is used check that it is in good working order and has the correct equipment on board

Level 2 Certificate

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Communication

Always, always , always;

• Make sure someone ashore knows your plans• Inform the coastguard of your plan.• Who you are• How many• Where you are going• When you are due back• Always take a VHF and/or mobile phone with you in a waterproof case• Always have a shore contact• Consider getting your boats registered under the CG66 scheme

Level 2 Certificate

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Recap – pre session checksBefore you go out always assess the

following;

• Weather Forecast• Tide• Water Conditions – Wind and Sea State• Participants• Plan Route - Navigation• Equipment• Communications

Level 2 Certificate

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Further information

• RNLI Interactive Sea Safety Guide• Level 2 Risk assessment and risk management guide• RowSafe Guidance• HSE leaflet; five steps to risk assessment• British Standard 8800