BSAC Talk - Sea Safety Guide
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SAFETY TALK - MAY 2007
SEA SAFETY GUIDE
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5 simple steps to safety at sea
Every year the voluntary crews of the RNLI respond to around 8,000 incidents and whilst only a small proportion of these involve divers (93 from the 2006 Incident Report) and the trend of RNLI involvement appears for divers to be downward we would all like to see further reductions, particularly in what might be called “near misses”.
The RNLI has developed a comprehensive ‘Sea Safety Guide’ now in the form of a booklet, complete with interactive CD-ROM, and an Interactive Website, all available free to promote safety at sea.
Part of this resource includes ‘5 Safety Tips you can count on’, which are the fundamental safety messages. They are…
It may seem obvious, but sometimes the anticipation of a good dive makes you forget basic precautions.
 Safe, and happy, diving!For more information visit http://www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety
Peter Chennell
Sea Safety Manager, RNLI
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SAFETY AT SEA
Whilst the Annual Diving Incident Report for 2006 noted a continuing downward trend in the number of boat breakdowns and surface incidents during the 2006 reporting year and perhaps explains the downward trend in RNLI involvement (increasing use of helicopters for DCI incidents being a further explanation) it is a trend we all would wish to continue? In attempting to address any such trend ensuring that all who go to sea are as well informed and trained as possible a variety of resources and training are available but the ‘Sea Safety Guide’ developed by the RNLI is an excellent resource and best of all it is ‘free’ and very user friendly.
Information
In addition to the booklet that contains key safety messages, the Interactive CD-ROM has the opportunity to select your own specific area of interest ranging from sailing, powerboating, jetski’s and of course diving. Some of the many pages of information are relevant to all but there is also some specialist advice within specific areas.
Training
The resources are not intended as a substitute for formal training in seamanship however they provide a valuable starting point especially in mastering basic skills and should be considered a first point of reference for anyone just starting to go to sea with their club and especially for crew members. In particular the advice of safety equipment should prove essential reading for anyone going out in a club RIB.
Quizzes
The interactive CD-ROM and website links mean that any learning can be consolidated by working through the variety of quizzes and tests built into the system. The buoyage, lights and collision regulations versions are particularly entertaining and imaginative, especially the way you can adjust the level of fog.
Resources
The information booklet itself is a useful resource that clubs and boat owners should consider carrying aboard their boats (in a suitable protective bag) as it serves as a simple reference guide for many situations afloat. Clearly the CD-ROM and the internet are not as useful whilst afloat (for most users of open boats) but pack does include an A5 sheet of stickers, which include radio (VHF & DSC) procedure cards and labels for Flares, First Aid Kits and Lifejackets.
To find out more and order a Guide visit http://www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety
Think SAFE - Dive SAFE
Any suggestions for further items for inclusion would be welcome and can be made to divesafe@bsac.com
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Page last modified: 31st Jan 2008 - 15:21:09