Rib Rescue boat

Rib rescue boat

 

 

Rigid Rescue Boat

Rigid rescue boat

 

 

 

Assistance on the lake

assistance on the lake

 

Pointed towards the water

ready to go

 

UL : Safety Procedures

For U.L. Staff & Sailing Clubs

The following is a list of the safety procedures introduced by the management of the University of Limerick Activity Centre and Sports Department in consultation with the University of Limerick Health and Safety Officer, Mr. Philip Thornton. As of from March 30, 2001, these procedures will come into place and must be adhered to by all members of sailing clubs. Failure to adhere to these procedures by any member(s) will result in a severe penalty for both the individual(s) and the club.

1. Timing
2. Lighting
3. Sign In
4. Rescue Boat Drivers
5. Buoyancy Aids
6. VHF Radios
7. Rescue Boats
8. Safety Officer
Reference 1: The Nautical Almanac

 

1. Timing

U. L. Staff Sailing Club will sail each Tuesday evening from 18h00-21h00. No member of the club shall arrive to the centre before 17h30 and all members shall be off the premises by 21h30. U. L. Student Sailing Club will sail each Wednesday afternoon from 14h00 - 18h00. No member of the club shall arrive before 13h30 and all members shall be off the premises by 18h30.

2. Lighting

The Almanac, (see Reference 1) a nautical manual that contains times of sunrise, sunset, twilight's, moonrise and moon set will be used to determine the exact time all boats must be off the water each evening. This time will be posted on the club notice board each day so members will be aware before they launch their boats.

3. Sign In

All members, whether participating or not, must sign club folder once they enter the premises and also before departing that evening.

4. Rescue Boat Drivers

A copy of certification of qualified members must be presented to Centre Manager each year before sailing season commences. Only members possessing Level 2 Powerboat Certificates qualify, this is the recommended minimum level of training as governed by The Irish Sailing Association to drive a rescue boat. Appointed Drivers for each session must sign the Notice Board.

5. Buoyancy Aids

Only Activity Centre Buoyancy Aids are to be worn while on the water. Personal buoyancy aids can only be worn if they meet Activity Centre standards (CE 50 Newton with reflective strips).

6. VHF Radios

All rescue boat drivers must carry a VHF radio at all times. The Safety Officer will also carry a radio and he/she will inform members of usage procedures each day. All radios are to be returned to the Safety Officer after all members are safely off he water.

7. Rescue Boats

The clubs will use the Jeanneaus for rescue cover and the Rib will remain for the sole use of the Safety Officer. The Rib can only be used by members if advised to do so by the Safety Officer.

8. Safety Officer

The Safety Officer for each session is appointed by the Centre Manager or Chief instructor prior to the arrival of club members. The safety officer will be posted on the club notice board so any queries by club members must be directed to him/her. The safety officer will be a member of staff of the Activity Centre and any decision he or she will make is final.

Reference 1

The Nautical Almanac provides essential astronomical information for every kind of sea going vessel, from cruise liners to fishing boats. It is prepared jointly by HM Nautical Almanac office and the Nautical Office at the United States Naval Observatory, to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy. The Almanac contains tabulation for the Sun, Moon, Planets and Stars for use in the determination of position at sea from sextant observations. In addition, it gives times of sunrise, sunset, twilight's, moon rise and moon set, for use in planning of observations; all necessary interpolation and altitude correction tables; the phases of the moon, a pole star table; diagrams and notes for the identification of stars and planets; information on eclipses of the sun and moon; and the standard times of most countries of the world.
The Nautical Twilight time quoted in the Almanac is the time that will determine when all boats must be off the water. E.g. the nautical twilight time for Tuesday April 3, 2001 is 19h52