Safety at Sea Seminar Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between the two offerings on Saturday, March 17 at the Cruising Club of America Newport Bermuda Race Safety at Sea Seminar?
A: One is the ISAF Offshore Personal Survivor Refresher Course, and the other is the US SAILING Sanctioned Safety at Sea Seminar.
The ISAF Refresher Course curriculum is described in the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) book, Appendix G, Part D (page 122). It is designed to issue/reissue the ISAF Approved Offshore Personal Survival Course Certificate in 8 hours. Only those who have previously attended two SAS Seminars since 2002 and people with expired ISAF Certificates are eligible to take this course.
The US SAILING Safety Seminar follows an ISAF 8-hour curriculum of theoretical classroom training PLUS a 6-hour hands-on, in-water training seminar (on Sunday, March 18 ) that follows the ISAF curriculum. These courses are designed for less experienced and first time offshore sailors. They lead to the award of an "ISAF Approved Offshore Personal Survival Course" certificate, good for five years.
For more details see http://offshore.ussailing.org/SAS/Seminars.htm
Q: Who is allowed to register for this course?
A: The US SAILING Safety at Sea curriculum is intended for all sailors who sail near shore and offshore. It is not just for racing skippers. Almost 50% of safety seminar audiences consist of crew members or cruisers. We especially welcome crews making return deliveries. We strongly encourage skippers/captains/owners to include returning crews in their training plans.
Register for the safety seminar online.
Q: What is the safety seminar attendance requirement for racing boats?
A: There is a new rule. A minimum of 30% of all crew members shall have attended a US SAILING-sanctioned safety-at-sea seminar within five years of the start of the race. The captain and either the navigator or a watch captain must be included in the required 30%. In addition, two members of each crew must hold a First-Aid/CPR certificate. For Double-Handed Division yachts, both crewmembers must attend a seminar. See also Notice of Race FAQ.
Q: How do I register for the Hyatt Regency’s special room rate?
A: The Hyatt Regency offers a special hotel rate for safety seminar attendees who reserve no later than Feb. 14. Reserve online or call (888) 421-1442 and ask for the Cruising Club of America rate.
Q: Is there any special gear or clothing I should bring?
A: If you are taking the hands-on, in-water training, bring your foul weather gear including boots, plus your life jacket, safety harness, and tether, and a towel and dry clothes. (Some safety gear may be available.)
Q: How can I check my past safety seminar attendance?
A: The official records of SAS Seminar attendance are posted at http://offshore.ussailing.org/SAS/Seminars/SAS_Attendees.htm
Still have questions? Contact Safety@Bermudarace.com