The RYA has reviewed its policy for lifejackets and buoyancy aids. The policy is now:
“Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid unless it is safe to take it off.”
As Principals of RYA training centres and instructors working at those centres, this change in policy should affect you very little. The safety record at RYA centres is excellent, so it is unlikely that you will need to change your procedures.
At an RYA recognised training centre, the supervising instructor will continue to make the decision based on experience, the RYA training centre guidance notes and relevant instructor handbooks.
Dinghy sailors, beginner windsurfers, users of open powerboats, personal watercraft and yacht tenders should wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, as appropriate, at all times.
On board a sailing yacht or motor cruiser, the skipper or instructor should decide, taking into account the weather conditions and experience of the crew. Crew are not expected to wear personal flotation when securely moored or when below deck. There will also be many occasions underway when the risk of entering the water is low, and an experienced skipper may decide that lifejackets are not required.
|
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
RYA & Lifejackets
Edit
Reply
Quote
