A sail training voyage is an adventurous activity which takes place in a potentially hazardous environment.
With this in mind, the safety of all trainees and crews who take part in our Races and Regattas is of paramount importance to Sail Training International.
To manage this, vessels are required to comply with their national rules and regulations as well as Sail Training International’s racing and sailing rules and regulations.
Each vessel first completes a self-check list of safety equipment and this is then recorded. Vessels are unable to sail in our events until they are confirmed to have met all safety requirements, and will need to make corrections in order to take part in a race with trainees.
Information about the life saving appliances and other safety equipment is generally checked by experienced volunteers on behalf of the race committee.
We encourage the use of a Safety Management System on board all vessels, with the aim of ensuring all safety policies put in place for a vessel are both effective and appropriate. Trainees also undergo a series of safety briefings when they join a vessel.
All vessels race under the COLREGS (The 1972 International Regulations for preventing Collisions at Sea) and Sail Training International’s racing and sailing rules.
The decision to start and continue any race or event is the responsibility of the individual captain/master. You can find the appropriate vessel contact details for enquiries relating to vessel specific safety measures on our Vessel A-Z.
A twice-daily radio reporting schedule between the vessel and a designated communications ship accompanying the fleet is operated. This checks their location, and is an opportunity to give any safety updates.
The captain of each vessel is responsible for the welfare of all the crew on board.
Our Safety and Welfare Policy outlines the duties of care and responsibilities required by Sail Training International, our National Sail Training Organisations and every vessel taking part in our events. A broad number of the aspects of the sail training experience are covered; from crew recruitment, through to the behaviour of permanent crew and trainees on board and reporting of any crew issues.
