Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 1 of 27
TRAINING SECTION - OPERATING PROCEDURES
VERSION AMENDMENTS DATE APPROVED BY
01 Operating Procedures re-written 16.06.10 Training Committee
02 Lifejackets for non-swimmers to buoyancy aids, minor amendments
20.06.10 Training Committee
03 Amendments to document following review by H&S Officer and instructors
30.05.11 Training Committee
04 Revised Declaration of Acceptance List
Minor text amendments 1.5, 1.6, 2.3, 3.3, 7.7
20.06.16 Training Committee
05 Minor revisions & numbering 18.03.13 Training Committee
06 Addition of updated risk assessment, and minor revisions 17.03.14 Training Committee
07 Specific Power Boat risks added, and minor revisions Feb 2015 Training Committee
08 RYA Instructor Code of Conduct June 2016 Training Committee
09 Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures June 2016 Training Committee
10 Revised Declaration of Acceptance List
Updates and revisions following RYA Inspection. Minor text and numbering revisions. Rewritten Complaints Procedure and Essential Powerboat Equipment
July 2017
July 2017
Training Committee 10Aug17
This Document covers the following sections:- Section
DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE ........................................................................................................ 0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 1 RYA INSTRUCTOR CODE OF CONDUCT …………………………………………………………… ........ 2 ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................................................. 3 GENERAL SAFETY ................................................................................................................................ 4 SAILING OPERATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 5 POWERBOATING OPERATIONS .......................................................................................................... 6 CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT ........................................................................................ 7 PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IN CASE OF A SERIOUS INCIDENT OR INJURY ................................ 8 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE …………………………………………………………………………………9
Page Number Appendix 1 – RYA advice for dealing with witnesses and the press ..................................................... 13 Appendix 2 - Essential Powerboat Equipment ...................................................................................... 14 Appendix 3 – Child Protection ............................................................................................................... 17 Appendix 4 – Designated Training Areas .............................................................................................. 19 Appendix 5 – Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................. 20 Appendix 6 - Mission Statement ……………………………………………………………………………..27
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 2 of 27
DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE I declare to have read and understood the Procedures contained herein.
Name/Position Signature Date
Sue Sayle Training Secretary/ RYA Principal
Geoff Pavey Chief Dinghy Instructor SI/Welfare Officer
Colin McLean Chief Powerboat Instructor PBI/AI
Gerry Anderson PBI/DI
Steve Bark DI
Janice Beaumont DI
Mark Bromly
Dave Calkin SI
Emily Calkin DI
Trevor Exelby SI/Race Coach
Ian Gregory AI/PBI
Sean Gregory DI
Doug Latta DI
Paul Oakey DI/Race Coach
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 3 of 27
Ann Sewell
Andrew Shrimpton DI
Ray Suomi DI
Jenny Winfield SI/Racing Instructor
Heather Yeomans SI/ Cruising Instructor
Richard Corser AI
Ben Corser AI
Jacob Dennett AI
Charlie Houghton-Clarke AI
Blake Latta AI
Ella Macey AI
Nic Ross AI
Keiran Shrimpton AI
Cordelia Towers AI
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 4 of 27
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 5 of 27
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Portchester Sailing Club (PSC) is committed to providing good quality safe RYA
Training, and to the Health and Safety of all participants. The Club is also an RYA
Champion Club. The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the
procedures and processes under which PSC operates as a Recognised Training
Centre (RTC) and as guidance to all staff involved in the management of training.
1.2. Overall responsibility for RYA Training lies with the RYA Principal and Training
Secretary, together with the Executive Committee of Portchester Sailing Club.
1.3. Responsibility for RYA Training Sessions lies with the appropriate Chief Instructor
(Dinghy or Powerboat), who will designate other Senior Instructors and Instructors
to take responsibility for particular sessions and direct Assistant Instructors.
1.4. These Operating Procedures apply when advertised RYA Training is taking place
under the RTC Status of PSC. Other activities at PSC (racing, informal sailing etc)
may not be bound by these Operating Procedures. However, these Procedures are
published as standard practices to be adhered to as far as practicable for all sailing
activities at PSC.
1.5. All RYA Senior Instructors (SI), Instructors (Dinghy DI and Powerboat PBI), and
Assistant Instructors (AI) involved in RYA Training at PSC must read these
Operating Procedures at the start of each season and sign the Declaration of
Acceptance at the front of this document.
1.6. All SIs, DIs, PBIs and AIs share responsibility and duty of care to provide good
quality and safe RYA Training.
1.7. Training Operating Procedures and associated PSC Risk Assessments are
reviewed annually under the authority of the RYA Principal and the Training Section.
2. RYA INSTRUCTOR CODE OF CONDUCT
2.1. This document outlines the code of conduct under which all holders of RYA
instructor qualifications and RYA training appointments (hereafter referred to as
Instructors) are required to comply. The code of conduct is intended to make clear
to all participants, Instructors and RYA appointment holders the high standards to
which all are expected to conform. Instructors must:
If working with people under the age of 18, read and understand the Child
Protection Policy as detailed on the RYA website at www.rya.org.uk
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone
equally within the context of their sport.
Place the wellbeing and safety of the student above the development of
performance or delivery of training.
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 6 of 27
They should follow all guidelines laid down by the RYA with regards to
specific training or coaching programmes.
Hold appropriate insurance cover either individually or through the training
centre in which they are working.
Not develop inappropriate working relationships with students (especially
children). Relationships must be based on mutual trust and respect and not
exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Encourage and guide students to accept responsibility for their own
behaviour and performance.
Hold relevant up to date governing body qualifications as approved by the
RYA.
Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age,
maturity, experience and ability of the individual.
At the outset, clarify with students (and where appropriate their parents)
exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect.
Always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. courtesy of other
water users).
Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Not do or neglect to do anything which may bring the RYA into disrepute.
Act with integrity in all customer and business dealings pertaining to RYA
training.
Not teach or purport to provide RYA courses or RYA certification outside of
the framework of an RYA recognised training centre.
Notify the RYA immediately of any court imposed sanction that precludes the
instructor from contact with specific user groups (for example children and
vulnerable adults).
Not carry out RYA training, examining or coaching activities whilst under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
Failure to adhere to the RYA Instructor Code of Conduct may result in the suspension
or withdrawal of RYA qualifications or appointments.
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 7 of 27
3. ADMINISTRATION
3.1. The Principal is responsible for ensuring that adequate insurance has been
arranged by the Executive Committee of the Club to cover all training activities is in
full force and effect. All the club activities must be covered.
3.2. Booking forms are to include information about any pre-course requirements and
emergency contacts. If the Club is aware that a student has a medical condition,
they should seek further advice from the student.
3.3. Booking and Medical forms for on-going courses are kept in a locked filing cabinet
in the Training Room. Due to the sensitive nature of the information contained
within, these forms are to be kept secure at all times unless required for use. SIs
responsible on the day should familiarise themselves with the information prior to
the start of the training session.
3.4. The Club is to hold contact details and records of students for a minimum of 12
months.
3.5. The Club holds a record of the qualifications of all instructors, which shall be
reviewed regularly and kept up to date.
3.6. The Principal is responsible for ensuring that all Instructors hold qualifications of an
appropriate level, that they are in date and that they are supported by a valid First
Aid certificate, and RYA Powerboat 2 certificate. All details are recorded securely
on the Training File.
3.7. A record of near misses or incidents of concern during training sessions is kept by
the Principal. It is to be reviewed regularly under the responsibility of the Principal
and lessons learned recorded with actions taken to avoid recurrence.
3.8. A student feedback and complaints system is kept. The Principal/Chief Instructor
are to resolve any complaints as quickly as possible.
3.9. Permanent records of certificates issued are kept for verification purposes, including
names, dates and certificate numbers.
3.10. A Risk Assessment for all dinghy sailing and powerboat activities engaged in
training at PSC is reviewed annually and submitted to QHM.
4. GENERAL SAFETY
4.1. All SI, DI, PBI and responsible helpers shall be responsible for checking the
suitability of clothing and personal buoyancy of training participants.
4.2. Appropriate footwear shall be worn at all times when on the water.
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 8 of 27
4.3. All SIs, DIs, PBIs and responsible helpers shall be responsible for checking the
boats each time they are used. If any defects are found they shall be reported
directly to the Club Boats Officer ([email protected]). The Club Boats
Officer shall notify the Chief Instructor of repairs or other issues.
4.4. The Chief Officer is responsible for liaising with the Club Boats Officer to ensure
that repairs are carried out and that boats requiring maintenance are not used for
training.
4.5. Before going afloat each safety boat shall be equipped with all essential safety items, a list of which can be found at Appendix 2.
4.6. In the event of any collision, Club boats shall be checked as soon as possible, and
a report made, even if no damage has occurred (See 3.7)
4.7. Notices listing the first aiders are displayed in the Start Hut, each changing room,
and near the telephone in the club house lobby. All first aiders have a current
certificate of first aid training.
5. SAILING OPERATIONS
5.1. First Aid kits are to be carried in all safety boats and available in the start hut.
5.2. The RYA minimum guidelines for safety cover during RYA training courses are as
follows:
Up to 6 dinghies – 1 safety boat 6 – 15 dinghies – 2 safety boats More than 15 dinghies – 3 safety boats
5.3. The student/instructor ratios must not exceed those laid down in the syllabus for
each level of course, ie;
Crewed dinghies 3:1
Single handed dinghies 6:1 (applies only whilst the boats are used as single-handers)
One Instructor cannot be responsible for more than 9 students (eg 3 boats with 3
students in each boat or 4 boats with 2 students in each)
5.4. For dinghy courses, the SI will only use RYA Dinghy Instructors and club AI’s for on
the water instruction. Unqualified helpers may be used to drive the support boats,
providing they hold RYA Powerboat 2
5.5. Participants, helpers and instructors are required to wear appropriately sized
buoyancy aids (it is recommended that these should be minimum CE 50 Newton) –
these should be checked by an instructor before going afloat.
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 9 of 27
5.6. Any non-swimmers must notify the instructor of this and may be required to wear a
life jacket rather than a buoyancy aid.
5.7. The RIB, Jaffa and Tango shall each be fitted with a working kill cord, which must be
worn correctly at all times.
5.8. The SI in charge shall ensure that clearly defined sailing areas are known by all
participants, instructors and helpers. If an SI wishes to use a sailing area outside of
the designated training areas (Appendix4), the SI must produce a passage plan to
the new area and log it with the Chief Instructor
5.9. The signal for returning to shore is to be determined by the SI and communicated
as part of the briefing session to all participants and helpers.
5.10. The SI in charge shall brief Instructors on the use of masthead floatation should this
be deemed necessary according to the conditions, dinghies being used, and
competence of the sailors. The use of masthead floatation shall be in accordance
with PSC’s Club Boat Usage Policy (available on the website).
5.11. A working VHF radio, tuned to Channel 37, shall be carried in each safety boat and,
if practical, monitored by a responsible adult ashore.
5.12. The SI in charge is responsible for authorisation for on the water activities and shall
take into account the forecast weather and the actual conditions for the planned
duration of the session and all other policies stated in these Procedures.
5.13. All new students will be assessed to ensure their competency and the appropriate
level of supervision and tuition required. A student’s progress is monitored in the
appropriate RYA logbook and PSC register of training undertaken.
6. POWERBOATING OPERATIONS
6.1. First Aid kits are to be carried in all safety boats and are also available in the start
hut.
6.2. The RYA minimum guidelines for tuition during RYA training courses are as follows
Level 2 Powerboat Training: 1 instructor to 3 students Safety Boat Training: 1 instructor to 6 students (2 Boats)
6.3. All participants, helpers and instructors are required to wear appropriately sized
buoyancy aids (it is recommended that these should be minimum CE 50 Newton) –
these should be checked by an instructor before going afloat.
6.4. All non-swimmers must notify their instructor of this and may be required to wear a life jacket instead of a buoyancy aid.
6.5. The RIB, Jaffa and Tango shall each be fitted with a working kill cord, which must be
correctly worn (by the helmsman) at all times.
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 10 of 27
6.6. The Chief Powerboat Instructor shall brief all Instructors and participants on
operating areas and shall take into account the forecast weather and actual
conditions, the boats being used and the competence of the participants.
6.7. A working VHF radio, tuned to Channel 37, shall be carried and operated in each powerboat.
7. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT
7.1. As defined in the Children Act 1989, for the purposes of this policy, anyone under
the age of 18 should be considered as a child. The policy also applies to vulnerable
adults.
7.2. It is the policy of PSC to safeguard children and young people taking part in boating
from physical, sexual or emotional harm.
7.3. PSC will take all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures
and training, children participating in PSC activities do so in a safe environment.
PSC recognizes that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount and that all
children have a right to protection from abuse.
7.4. PSC actively seeks to:
Create a safe and welcoming environment, both on and off the water, where children can have fun and develop their skills and confidence.
Recognise that safeguarding children is the responsibility of everyone, not just those who work with children.
Ensure that its training and other events are run to the highest possible safety standards.
Be prepared to review its ways of working to incorporate best practice.
7.5. PSC will:
Treat all children with respect and celebrate their achievements.
Carefully select and train all volunteer Instructors and helpers.
Respond swiftly and appropriately to all complaints and concerns about poor practice or suspected or actual child abuse.
7.6. It is the responsibility of all Instructors and helpers to work towards creating this
environment.
7.7. If a situation occurs that you are unsure about, or a child reports something of
concern to you – pass it on immediately to the PSC Child Protection Officer.
Details of this person are displayed in the club.
7.8. Guidelines should be handed out to and read by each helper and volunteer. (Appendix 3)
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 11 of 27
8. PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IN CASE OF A SERIOUS INCIDENT OR INJURY
A serious incident is determined as one where there is serious injury to people or property and also an incident which has the potential to result in a serious injury.
8.1. In the event of injury administer immediate First Aid and bring the casualty ashore if
possible.
8.2. Contact the Emergency Services and the casualty’s next of kin.
8.3. If the First Aider considers that the emergency services are not required, the
casualty may be taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen
Alexandra Hospital, Cosham. This is about a 10/15 minute drive.
IF in doubt dial 999
8.4. Details of next of kin are held on the Training File. A telephone is located in the
Clubhouse lobby.
8.5. The Senior Instructor shall preserve any evidence from the scene of the incident
and exclude all personnel from the site until such time as the scene has been
examined by the appropriate authorities.
8.6. The Principal shall be informed immediately following a serious incident or when an
incident had the potential to develop into a serious incident.
8.7. The Senior Instructor in charge shall ensure that all witnesses make an immediate
statement or record of what they were doing, what they saw, what they said, and
what they heard.
8.8. The Senior Instructor in charge shall be responsible for monitoring the casualty's
progress and documenting the incident at an appropriate time.
8.9. The Principal shall immediately contact the Flag Officers and Trustees of the Club
and the Health and Safety Executive and the RYA as required.
8.10. Refer to and follow the RYA’s advice for dealing with witnesses and the press
(Appendix 1). Any statement from the Club shall be referred to the Flag Officers and
Trustees for approval prior to its release.
8.11. All accidents and incidents must be recorded in the Accident Book.
8.12. The Principal shall investigate each accident/incident and consider if further action
is required.
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 12 of 27
9. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
9.1. Any complaint received needs to be assessed to establish:
the complainant wishes it to be dealt with as a formal complaint
the complainant wishes it to be dealt with by informal resolution
9.2. All formal complaints MUST be dealt with under the Club Complaints procedure
by a sub-committee chaired by the Vice Commodore and members of the General
Committee.
9.3. Any complaint that needs to be resolved under a disciplinary procedure should
initially be dealt with as a formal complaint and sent to the Training Secretary. The
Club Complaints procedure (as above) will then be followed.
9.4. In line with employment law, training instructors need to be alert to the fact that
breaches of Club Rules and breaches of the RYA Code of Conduct can be dealt
with in two distinct ways:
By way of immediate words of advice.
By informing the Instructor involved, at the time of the occurrence, that they
are going to be reported for the breach
All Training Instructors should be made aware of this procedure and it is also
recommended that the RYA Code of Conduct be discussed and circulated
regularly.
9.5. A report will be dealt with as a formal complaint and sent to the Training Secretary.
The Club Secretary will then proceed to deal with the matter under the Club
Complaints procedure (as above).
9.6. When immediate words of advice are given, the Chief/Senior Instructor must inform
the Training Secretary.
Upon receipt of 3 incidents where immediate words of advice are given, in
respect of one individual, then the individual should be sent a written
warning.
All Senior Instructors should be made aware of the situation and any
subsequent incident should then be dealt with by bringing the fact to the
attention of the Member involved and telling them that they are going to be
reported.
The report should then be dealt with as a formal complaint and sent to the
Training Secretary (as 1.5 above).
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 13 of 27
9.7. Matters dealt with by informal resolution, should first be investigated by the Chief
Instructor and the individual involved should be given the opportunity to explain their
behaviour/actions.
9.8. Matters dealt with by informal resolution can only be resolved with three options:
no further action
words of advice
written advice.
9.9. In the training environment the performance of Instructors needs to be monitored by
the Chief Instructor. Dated records must be kept of any complaints and their
resolutions recorded with action taken.
APPENDICES Follow
Training Section Operating Procedures v10 Page 14 of 27
Appendix 1 – RYA advice for dealing with witnesses and the press
Your first priority is, of course, the safety of participants and instructors. However, once ashore you need a strategy to deal with the authorities and the press.
Get a statement from competent witnesses
Remove the instructor and key witnesses from the Club to somewhere you can talk to them away from the press
Produce a written statement for the press, such as: "Portchester Sailing Club regrets to announce the death of a crew member who fell overboard at night from a training yacht. (State when and where) Our deepest sympathy to the relatives etc. A full statement will be issued at 2pm tomorrow” (give yourself time to collate the information)
Don't hold a press conference, but decide who will speak to the press
Don't allow well meaning but ill informed staff to make public comments
Try to keep a record of whom you have spoken to, who has contacted you etc
Inform RYA Training (023 8060 4180) who can assist with compiling your statement to the press
If the rescue services have been involved the press will have probably obtained some information from them
If there has been a fatality the police will contact the Club and inform the next of kin. Do not publicise the name of the casualty until you know this has been done, even if the press appear to know who it is
If necessary, inform the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) within 24 hours. You can do this by phoning 023 8039 5500. They will inform you within 28 days whether they intend to investigate
Keep any relevant equipment such as lifejackets, logbooks etc When dealing with any major incident, it helps if:
your paperwork is up to date with information such as contact numbers for the next of kin.
Your boats and instructors comply with your own safety policy and the RYA’s conditions of recognition.
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Appendix 2 - Essential Powerboat Equipment when used for Training All training
A Paddles or oars (or alternate means of propulsion)
B Bucket or bailer
C Towline
D Throwline
E Tool kit
F Survival bag or TPA (thermo protective aid)
G Waterproof first aid kit containing (minimum) 2 large wound dressings, 2 medium wound
dressings and triangular bandages
H Anchor and chain or warp
I Distress flares (2 orange smoke, 2 pinpoint red, or 2 day/night flares) (coastal RTCs)
J Sharp knife, preferably serrated
K Spare kill cord (except heavy displacement craft)
L 1 Fire extinguisher 5A/34B serviced annually, in line with manufacturers' recommendations,
discharge test @ 5yr +
M VHF fixed or handheld
N Radio emergency procedure card
O Efficient fog sound signal
P Laminated charts, (in date) or map of operating area (inland)
Powerboat Level 1 and 2
Q Tide tables (coastal) PB2
R Compass (coastal), fixed or handheld PB2
Safety Boat
S Chartplotter or GPS, fixed or handheld SB
T Bridle secured to suitable strong points SB
U Sufficient modern dinghies and windsurfers available for use SB
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ENGINES AND SAFETY SYSTEMS
A Engines serviced regularly and in good order
B Outboards securely mounted
C Throttle/gear changing mechanisms positive and reliable
D Outboard engines must not slip out of gear or start in gear
E Outboard engines must be capable of being locked down and raised
F Fuel tanks must be securely fastened to boat
G Spare petrol containers clearly marked and readily jettisoned
SAFETY SYSTEMS
A Kill switches fully functioning • Kill cords used at all times • Effective kill cord for student and
instructor if teaching 8-11 year olds
B All equipment suitably secured/stowed
C Steering mechanism free, easy to use
TRAILER/LAUNCH TROLLEYS
A Serviceable condition
B Winch strap fully operational
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Appendix 3 – Child Protection Good Practice Guidelines
Avoid spending any significant amount of time working with children in isolation.
Do not take children alone in a car, however short the journey.
Do not take children to your home as part of any PSC activity.
Where any of these are unavoidable, ensure that they only occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge or the child’s parents.
Design training programmes that are within the ability of the individual child. You should never:
Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games.
Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form.
Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged, or use such language yourself when with children.
Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.
Fail to respond to an allegation made by a child; always act.
Do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves.
It may sometimes be necessary to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are very young or disabled. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of both the child (where possible) and their parents or carers. In an emergency situation which requires this type of help, parents should be fully informed. On such situations, it is important to ensure that any adult present is sensitive to the child and undertakes personal care tasks with the utmost discretion.
Parental responsibility and Club liability Although PSC has a duty of care to it members and, in particular, to young people who cannot take full responsibility for their own safety, parents must be responsible for their children’s welfare and behaviour, or designate another adult to take that responsibility, outside club-organised activities. Changing Rooms and Showers It is preferable for adults to stay away from the changing rooms while there are children there. However, bullying etc. can be an issue here, and a balance should be struck depending on the situation. In general, it is better if one adult is not alone. If it is essential, in an emergency situation, for a male to enter a female changing area or vice versa, it is advised that they are accompanied by another adult of the opposite gender.
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Photography
All parents and guardians are required to sign a form giving their consent to photographic images being taken and used before any training can be undertaken.
Any photographer or member of the press or television attending an event should wear identification at all times and should be fully briefed in advance on the Club’s expectations regarding his or her behaviour.
Do not allow a photographer to have unsupervised access to young people at the event or to arrange photo sessions outside the event.
Consent should also be obtained for the use of video images as a coaching aid. Any other use by a coach will be regarded as a breach of the RYA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Care must be taken in the storage of and access to images. When publishing images, make sure they are appropriate and that you do not include any information that might enable someone to contact the child.
It is preferable to use a general shot showing participants on the water, or a group shot of the prize winners, without identifying them by name.
If you are recognising the achievement of an individual sailor and wish to publish their name with their photo, DO NOT publish any other information (e.g., where they live, name of school, other hobbies and interests) that would enable someone to contact, befriend or start to ‘groom’ the child.
Ensure that the young people pictured are suitably dressed, to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.
Most sailing takes place in areas that are open to the public and it is therefore not possible to control all photography, but any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or about the inappropriate use of images, should be reported to the Club’s Child Protection/Welfare officer and treated in the same way as any other child protection concern. Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for the photography.
The use of cameras, or ‘phone cameras, in changing rooms should not be permitted in any circumstances. Such use by young people should be regarded as a form of bullying.
If a situation occurs that you are unsure about, or a child reports something concerning to you – please pass it on immediately to the Child Protection Officer. Details of this person are displayed in the club.
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If operating outside of these designated sailing areas, the SI must produce a passage plan for the new location and log it with the Chief instructor
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Portchester Sailing Club
Risk assessment Training Activities Oct 2014
Instructors - PSC trained staff
Students – members & their children
The Club provides opportunities for young people to learn to sail in a safe and friendly environment. Students are expected to be confident in the water ie can swim a minimum of 50 metres in light clothing. Buoyancy aids will be provided, but students can use their own once inspected by the Senior Instructor.
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Activity Nature of Risk Persons at Risk What risks exist Precautions taken Risk Level Any additional
Measures required
1.1 Dinghy Sailing
Course arrival
Around club house,
car park & dinghy
park
Students Unfamiliar site, cars
arriving and parking.
All site hazards, and
facilities explained at
opening session, tour
of site undertaken
Low
1.2 Personal injury Students Movement of heavy
items of kit including
fuel tanks, spars etc
Use of trolleys for
heavy items.
Low/medium
1.3 Shore based drills
Instruction (SBD)
On shore in
compound and
surrounding area
Students slipping off
boat when
clambering aboard
during practice
sessions
Injury to limbs etc
from falling off
propped up boat
Instructor to closely
supervise and ensure
boat is very securely
propped up on tyres.
low Instructors to assist
students on and off boats
as required.
1.4 SBD Students Injury in moving
boats
Verbal guidance and
face to face
instruction
Medium
1.5 SBD Students and
instructors
Dangers of slipping
on wet and weed
covered slipway
Verbal warning at
briefing ,combined
with close
supervision as boats
are manoeuvred
High Pre-course advice to
leaders
1.6 Launch and
Recovery
Students Injury caused by
boats and slipping on
wet weed and
uneven surface
Warnings in
briefing and
instruction on
reversing boats into
water.
High
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1.7 Before going afloat Assessment of sailing
conditions
Senior Instructor to
undertake
assessment of
suitability of weather
conditions for current
group
Low NB Criteria to be used
Wind……………
Waves…………..
Temperature………
2.1 Dinghies afloat Actual launch and
recovery
Students Crush type injuries
caused by being
caught between
boats on launching or
hit by swinging boom.
Instructor - close
supervision to ensure
each launch has
plenty of room.
Medium
2.2 sailing Leaving shore
From slipway to
training area
Students Collision with moored
boats and craft using
channel to and from
Port Solent etc
One safety boat ‘on
station’ between
channel and
launching boats
advising of traffic.
Others supporting
‘fleet’.
medium If necessary tow boats to
training area
2.3 sailing Collision while afloat Students Possible injury to
hands & fingers catch
between boats, to
limbs head etc by
being ‘thrown about
boat due to collision.
Collision risks
extensively covered
in briefing, i.e. no
fingers /hands over
gunwale. Group
control and tasks set
to minimise risk.
low
2.4 sailing Training Area Students Boats extending to
wide area resulting in
difficult safety cover
Well defined sailing
area. Possibly
marked with buoys,
and modified should
circumstances
change.
Low Sailing area to be clearly
outlined in briefing and
communication signals
clearly understood by all
participants.
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2.5 sailing Afloat unexpected
gybe resulting in
being struck by boom
Students Potential head injury
due to boom hitting
crew member
Briefing to
cover potential risk
and well defined
tasks to minimise
involuntary gybe.
Medium
2.6 sailing Afloat Capsize Students Serious injury due to
being struck/caught
in rigging sails. Crew
swim/float away from
boat. Panic.
Capsize drill to be
fully covered in
briefing. Sails reefed
to reduce power for
novices. Safety boat
crews on constant
watch for capsize.
Medium
2.7 sailing Entrapment Students Drowning unseen
under vessel.
Causes 30% ropes
tangled around the
body or limbs, 30%
caught on other
control lines/straps,
30% some part of
trapeze harness;
Prevent inversion by
use of masthead
floats. Right boat as
rapidly as possible;
Low
2.8 sailing Afloat
Hypothermia
Students Change in
conditions. Following
capsize. Lack of
food. Prolonged
exposure.
Instructors to ensure
adequate clothing is
taken and spare
clothing carried in
safety boats.
Sessions tailored to
meet groups ability.
Safety boats to carry
spare food and hot
Low/medium
(subject to change)
To be covered in
instructor/safety boat
crew briefing to ensure
early recognition and
swift action.
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drink plus survival
bag.
2.9 sailing Afloat
Sunstroke
Students Heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke/sunburn.
Covered in shore
briefing and
instructors to ensure
every member has
applied sun block and
has a drink
available. Hats and
glasses to be worn in
strong sun.
Weather dependant To be covered in advice
to leaders
2.10 sailing Afloat
Additional assistance
due to multiple
problems
Students Need to call for
additional/specialist
help due to safety
boat problems or
serious
injury/incident.
All safety craft to
carry VHF radio.
Senior instructor to
additionally have
mobile phone.
Low
2.11 sailing Afloat
Towing
Students Injury caused by
falling out of towed
vessel.
Warnings given
before commencing
manoeuvre
Low
2.12 sailing Afloat
Man overboard
Students Student struck by
sailing vessel
attempting recovery
of MOB.
Manoeuvre not to be
attempted by novice
helms. Safety boat to
supervise and
recover mob.
medium
2.13 sailing Afloat
Man overboard
(safety craft)
Instructors Struck by safety craft. ‘kill cord’ to be worn
at all times.
low
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2.14 sailing Afloat
Returning to base
Students Crew jumping out too
soon into deep
muddy water.
Covered in briefing
on correct approach
depending on state of
tide and wind.
Medium
2.15 sailing Returning to slipway Students Moored cruisers and
other craft using
channel. If weather
and student
experience permits,
boats to sail back to
base, but taking into
account moored
boats and any other
craft using the
channel.
Close safety boat
escort between boats
and moored or
moving craft. Safety
boat to take control
should need arise.
If necessary drop sails
etc and tow boats to
slipway.
3 Specialised and
occasional Risk
Participants with
specific disabilities or
illness.
This will be
dependent on the
nature of individual
problems.
Sailing plan to
include all individuals
needs.
Ensure students have
and carry any necessary
medication such as
inhalers.
4.1 Power Boat Man over board. Any participant. Risk of drowning or
hypothermia. Buoyancy aids worn at all times. Crews recovered via safety procedures for MOD drill for PB2. People recovered transferred to shore immediately.
Low
4.2 Power Boat Injury as a result of Any participant Cuts, sprains First aid kit Low See incident process
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collision or other accident.
bruising, breaks, blow to the head, rope burns.
available. First aid trained Instructors.
4.2 Power Boat Gear failure and damage to boat.
Any participant Disablement, sinking, or loss of manoeuvrability Inability to return to shore injury, hypothermia, drowning/ death caused by immersion and submersion.
Ensure all kit is onboard as in procedures, eg radio paddles.
See incident process
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Appendix 6 - Mission Statement: Working closely with all sections of the Club to promote sailing activities, from training beginners to ‘get afloat’ through to improvers to ‘go sailing’ and coaching to ‘start racing’. Providing training and support for all age groups and skill levels to encourage participation in recreational sailing as well as racing and retain an active sailing membership. The Training Section
The Training Section of Portchester Sailing Club aims to provide training opportunities for all boating sections of the Club. The Club is a recognised
RYA Training Centre and a Champion Club and we are therefore governed by the rules set out by the RYA. The Club is also a recognised OnBoard
Centre with the aim of introducing sailing to the wider community and our local school children specifically. The RYA Principal is ably supported by a
volunteer team of RYA qualified instructors, assistants and helpers. All training courses provided by the Section are dependent on demand from the
membership and as such the programme may change from one year to the next.
Shore based courses are run from October to April and water based courses from April to October. In addition to providing a wide range of RYA courses
(both on and off the water), the Training Section is committed to provide training to our members to enable them to make the most of the Club sailing
facilities on offer. This includes a programme of winter evening ‘training’ events and talks as well as working closely with the Sailing Section of the Club
to encourage participation in Club racing and recreational sailing. Full details of our courses can be found on the Club’s website and on the Training
Notice Board. Please also check Club emails from the Googlegroup service for up to date information on forthcoming courses and late notices.
To express interest in a course or to book a place, please contact the Section by email at [email protected]. For any other queries relating
to training e.g. if you would like to volunteer to join the Training Team, have queries on our in-house instructor programme, propose a course or simply
want to know more about training at PSC, please contact the Training Secretary at [email protected].