Safety At Sea

Cruising Club members have worked hard to advance safety equipment and techniques over the years. They have been instrumental in the development of the very popular Safety At Sea seminars sanctioned and run by US Sailing, as well as the newer Suddenly Alone seminars, the Helicopter Rescue Video, and countless other projects.

DSC Distress Communications Form
The use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in VHF and SSB radios is relatively new and not widely understood.  This paper will give the reader a broad view of what DSC is and how it applies to recreational boats. Web site links and references are included for more detailed explanations. A simple form to guide you incase of emergency is included.  

CCA Member Stan Honey recounts the 2006 Volvo Ocean Race. (PDF)
Stan Honey's compelling account of the 2006 Volvo Ocean Race, which he sailed as navigator aboard the winning yacht ABN AMRO One, is a significant contribution to yachting safety literature and makes a strong case for redesigning safety harnesses so that they are comfortable and will be worn more often. It gives an account of the experience on ABN AMRO TWO, describing in detail the challenge, even for the ultimately prepared yacht, in successfully retrieving a crewmember overboard in heavy weather at night. This riveting story should be required reading for anyone preparing to go offshore, and should be in the syllabus of every safety seminar. (Reprint from Cruising Club News, January 2007.) Also read Fleet Surgeon Garry Fishcer's message about the lessons offered by Honey about safety harnesses and staying on board your boat.

US Sailing Safety At Sea Seminars
For detailed information on US Sailing sanctioned Safey at Sea Seminars, or to find one in your area, visit the US Sailing web site.

Lifesling® Owner’s Preparation Guide (updated March 2006)
This guide, developed for the Bonnell Cove Foundation’s “Suddenly Alone” seminar, offers important guidelines for properly preparing your Lifesling®. The guide is in PFD format and is 5 pages long. (Download Adobe Acrobat here.)

Overboard Recovery Symposium
A Crew Overboard (COB) Recovery Symposium was held on San Francisco Bay in August 2005. The event was partially funded by the CCA's Bonnell Cove Foundation. This link contains the final report, photo galleries, and articles. Of particular interest to powerboaters is an article written for Boat U.S. Foundation.

Helicopter Rescue Video
With support from the Bonnell Cove Foundation, CCA members collaborated with the U.S. Coast Guard to produce this video to increase crew awareness of the hazards and difficulties of a helicopter rescue mission.

Bonnell Cove Foundation
Organized by The Cruising Club of America in 1989, the Bonnell Cove Foundation has played a vital role in supporting research and educational activities for safety at sea and environmental protection.