SAFETY

Members are directly responsible for their own actions and they alone must decide whether to stay ashore or go out on the water.
Members must comply with the Club’s rules as to minimum insurance cover.

The Club’s General Committee has adopted the following safety principles. Members are expected to observe these at all times.

1. Advice on safety in the harbour is provided by the Brancaster Fairways Committee (BFC) to the National Trust’s Managing Agent who is responsible for the overall safety policy in the harbour. The Club endorses this advice and the directions for safe use of the harbour referred to below.

2.Directions for safe use of the harbour are set out in the BFC Safety Policy and in a leaflet entitled “General Directions”, both of which are available from the National Trust Barn opposite the Sailing Club, The Garage (E.F. Snelling & Son), and the BSSC Steward. A copy is attached to the Club’s notice board.

3. The Club emphasises the following points of safety.

a) The safety of people is the first priority at all times.

Everyone has an obligation to provide assistance to any- one in danger.

b) The safety and security of property is of secondary impor-
tance.

All other matters are subordinate to these two priorities [3a & 3b]

c) The safety of a boat and her management are the sole responsibility of the person in charge of that boat.

d) The Club strongly recommends that all persons should wear an approved buoyancy aid while on the water. It will enforce the Sailing Instruction that competitors not wearing such aids while racing will be disqualified. Alternative penalties will not apply in this instance.

e) All regular radio users should complete a proper training course and obtain a licence. Good radio practice should be observed at all times. In an emergency situation, any person is allowed and should use any available means of communication. VHF Channel 16 (and DSC Channel 70) is the emergency channel. Channel M1/37 is the operational channel for the Harbour Master and the BSSC safety boats.

f) The Club will normally operate one or more safety boats for the benefit of boats racing when racing is advertised in the Club Handbook. A limited number of drivers are authorised

to operate these boats by arrangement with the Bosun. However, the Club cannot guarantee that these boats will be available on any particular occasion and members particularly parents of young sailors should ensure that the safety boat cover which they expect will be available.

g) Any collision, accident or potentially dangerous situation must be reported to the Harbour Master. Forms for this are available at the Club House.

Members are also referred to Club Rule 7c printed at the back of the Handbook.

Formal Disclaimer

Members are entirely responsible for their own safety, whether afloat or ashore, and nothing reduces this responsibility. It is for members to decide whether their boat is fit to sail in the conditions in which it will find itself. By launching or going to sea members confirm the boat is fit for those conditions and they are competent to sail or compete in them. Nothing done by the Club can reduce the responsibility of the members, nor will it make the Club responsible for any loss, damage, death or personal injury, however it may have occurred. The Club encompasses everyone helping to run an event. The provision of safety boats does not relieve members of their responsibilities.