Safety Boat Training
We are running free Safety Boat training for TSC members in Bristol docks over the weekend of 20 and 21 April 2024, in parallel to the sail training course.
Is it for you?
Our aspiration is that all TSC safety boat helms and crew are safety boat 'qualified' to conduct race safety duties, but we are not there yet. In the meantime, we are encouraging as many members as possible to do the safety boat course. If you are one of the following, then we strongly suggest that you sign up:
- Any PB2 Helm who has not completed the training or an RYA safety boat course;
- Any crew who wishes to volunteer for RIB duties;
- Any Safety Boat helm or crew who have completed a course but would like a refresher.
Why?
It's great for the club as you will be able to be more effective doing your duties, and it's great for you, as the confidence you will get will make your safety boat duties more rewarding and fun. Or more specifically:
- To raise your skills and the professionalism of the club;
- To provide reassurance to sailors / racers when you are rescuing them;
- To dust off the cobwebs and have a bit of fun;
- It's free
When?
We are running 4 courses over the weekend of 20 and 21 April, morning sessions start at 0900 and afternoon sessions at 1330. The sessions last 4 hours. Please click here for details / to sign up, or go through the calendar on the website.
Where?
The course is run at AllAboardWatersports in Bristol Docks, which is next door to the Cottage Inn pub which will no doubt be open at lunchtime.
What?
A compressed version of the RYA Safety Boat syllabus. It is not a full RYA qualification (although our instructors are qualified to deliver this), and is bespoke to TSC.
The course involves a short session of theory followed by a practical for both helms and crews. It focuses on the skills that both helms and crews need to deliver safety support to TSC races, including:
- Close-in boat handling;
- Approaching a casualty in the water or on a capsized vessel;
- Righting all types of dinghy that you are likely to experience at TSC;
- Towing;
- Recovering a casualty.
What do I need to bring?
- Dressed as you would for a RIB duty, so prepared to get wet / immersed if necessary (there is a changing room, but no shower);
- Buoyancy aid / lifejacket;
- Enthusiasm, fitness and a sense of humour.
And finally ..
To run the course we will need volunteers to:
- Act as a casualty for any or all of the sessions. The only skills that you need are to be able to sail a dinghy in the harbour and capsize at will.
- Drive the RIBs from TSC to Bristol docks down the Severn and up the Avon (and vice versa) before and after the course (exact times to be determined by the tides). RIB helm (PB2) and crew (no quals) required - a great opportunity to see the Avon and the Clifton Suspension bridge from a different perspective and for some open water practice. Last year we had a magical run North after the Sunday session.
Anyone interested, please drop Alex an email on: Alexander.Hutton@icloud.com.
So don't hesitate, click here to sign up and give it a go. Or email Alexander.Hutton@icloud.com, if you have any questions.
Last updated 15:20 on 8 March 2024