Personal Survival Training
also known as Safety at Sea, Sea Survival

Introduction:

Sailors around the world take offshore personal survival training to prepare themselves and their boats.  Offshore personal survival training courses are offered for sailors in many countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States.  Some sailing event organizers recommend or require offshore personal survival training for participating crews.  World Sailing specifies offshore personal survival training requirements in section 6 of the Offshore Special Regulations, and outlines a model course in Appendix G of those regulations. 

Event-Specific Training Recommendations and Requirements

Nationally and internationally, most World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations category 0-1-2 ocean races require some or all crew to hold an in-date certificate from a 2 day, World Sailing Approved training course.  

In British Columbia, the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race and the Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race require some crew members to hold current Offshore Personal Survival Course (2 day) certificates, and the Southern Straits Yacht Race, Swiftsure International Yacht Race, and Patos Island Race require or recommend personal survival training (such as half day or 1 day Safety at Sea Seminars, or a 2 day Offshore Personal Survival Course). 

Check your event Notice of Race, well in advance, for event-specific training requirements and recommendations.  

Courses available in BC
(click on the course name for more information and registration)

The Coastal Personal Survival Course is a 1 day course for experienced sailors who are participating in coastal and offshore races and passages, typically Offshore Special Regulations categories 3-4.  The course includes classroom and practical sessions.  Topics covered include personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency communications & signals, search & rescue, weather, heavy weather & storm sails, damage control & fire, hypothermia & cold water immersion.  The course is Sail Canada Approved.  Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Coastal Personal Survival Course certificate, valid for five years. 

The Offshore Personal Survival Course is a 2 day course for experienced sailors who are participating in offshore and oceanic races and passages, typically Offshore Special Regulations categories 0-1-2.  The course includes classroom and practical sessions.  Topics covered include personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency communications & signals, search & rescue, weather forecasts, heavy weather & storm sails, damage control & fire, hypothermia & cold water immersion.  Practical, hands-on sessions include using lifejackets and life rafts in a pool environment; damage control; emergency signals.  The course is Sail Canada - World Sailing Approved.  Participants who successfully complete the course receive an Offshore Personal Survival Course certificate, valid for five years. 

Contacts

For Personal Survival Training information that is not covered on this website, please send an email to sas@bcsailing.bc.ca