Changes to Yachting NSW policy, and new rules in the "Blue Book" (Racing Rules of Sailing for 2009-2012) mean there are now different requirements for BSC's audit program, while our safety auditors are now due to be re-accredited.
In order to align Balmain Sailing Club’s Safety Audit program with YNSW Policy, all audits now expire on August 31 in the year following the year in which they are carried out.
So, for example, if your safety audit was carried out any time in 2008 it will expire on August 31, 2009. If your new audit is carried out in July 2009 it will expire on August 2010.
If it is carried out on December 2009 it will still expire on August 2010. But if it’s carried out in January 2010 it will expire on August 2011.
This is particularly important to BSC members who are planning to race in the Winter or Spring series, as they will need to have audits carried out before the end of August 2009 – that is this coming August.
From September 1, 2009 only boats with current audits will be permitted to race at BSC.
For BSC members who are planning to compete in the Twilight Series beginning October 2009 they will need to have a new audit carried out prior to that date.
In order to assist members to meet their safety audit requirements, BSC has scheduled the following safety audit days:
- Saturday, August 15
- Saturday, September 26
Prior to these dates all members will receive a reminder as well as an update of the changes in audit requirements for 2009 – which in fact are generally relatively minor with a couple of exceptions.
One area that you will need to review on your boat is that it is resistant to capsize (refer to 3.04.2 of the new “Blue Book”).
The lifeline requirements have also become more stringent. Lifeline dimensions need to comply with 3.12.6(e), and in accordance with 3.12.6 (a) lifeline moulded covers are no longer permitted. The previous grandfathering clause based on installation date has been removed.
Furthemore, anyone using lanyards to tie off lifelines at the ends as part of the securing system needs to replace these lanyards annually.
Safety Auditor Accreditation 2009-2012
Safety Auditors are required to be re-accredited every four years – that is, when a new Blue Book is published.
As I am sure you are all aware, the new Blue Book and its associated racing rules and regulations was published and became effective for racing on January 1 2009 (and all yachts racing are required to have a copy on board).
The special regulations against which we carry out safety audits become effective on July 1, 2009. In order to allow our existing auditors to be re-accredited and new auditors to gain accreditation, YNSW will be conducting courses in the last two weeks of June.
Each existing auditor will be advised of the date of these courses as soon as the dates are decided.
In addition, there are a number of BSC members who would like to become accredited safety auditors in order to assist with the task of safety checks on club boats.
If you are interested in becoming an accredited safety auditor please contact Safety Officer - Neil Hamilton on 0407 956 390 or neil_hamo@yahoo.com.au.