4:12 AM Fri 18 Dec 2009 GMT
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'Flinders Islet debris after the tragic incident'
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All cruising sailors, indeed all sailors, are well advised to attempt to learn from the mistakes of other sailors to help avoid making their own.
However, the preliminary recommendations that have come from the inquiry into the recent tragic incident during the 92 nautical mile race from Sydney Harbour to Flinders Islet and return are amazing for their implications.
Each recommendation is for the most fundamental of matters, matters which the most amateur cruising sailor should already be aware. While the full report and recommendations will not be available until the end of the year, these matters raised are of such an ordinary safety nature that they should be drawn to the attention of the cruising fraternity - in the off-chance that there is any cruising sailor not aware of them.
Here are the recommendations, with comments for the cruising sailor:
1. Although it is not yet clearly determined, there is a possibility that GPS error contributed to the Flinders Islet incident, and in circumstances where there is need to rely upon a chart plotter, it should not be assumed that the GPS or chart plotter is necessarily accurate to the degree required for safe navigation.
It is for this reason that manufacturers have a disclaimer on GPS and chart plotters referring to the variability of the readings from these instruments and to the fact that they should not be solely relied upon for safe navigation. It is suggested that the position should be verified by other means, including visual reference, visual bearings, depth sounding or reference to relevant maritime charts.
One of the first lessons that every cruising sailor learns is that, even if the GPS were accurate to the last second, the charts that GPS systems use are not. Hence it is fundamental to all sailors that they do NOT rely on chart plotters, which are a magnificent aid, but nothing more. In some areas of the world, naturally it is worse than others, remote areas requiring allowance for error, in some cases up to 5 nautical miles. However, even in some of the best charted waters in the world, close quartered sailing should NEVER depend on GPS alone.
2. A handheld portable spotlight be carried on board in a readily accessible position, as it has been demonstrated that the standard floating torch or equivalent does not have sufficient candle power to illuminate objects at a distance from the yacht, particularly in a search and rescue situation.
No cruising yacht should set off without a spotlight, and I would have thought this was mandatory for all sailors, not only those cruising. You don't need to be in a precarious situation to need a spotlight - they are even useful for finding night moorings. They are available up to 1million candlepower. If you don't have one, get one tomorrow.
3. In the event of complete power failure on the yacht, the yacht's electrical system cannot be relied upon to provide illumination below decks, and it may be useful to have battery powered emergency lights which are easily activated.
Battery powered lanterns are found on many cruising boats, and are excellent in case of complete power failure, but see the next item
4. The same end may be achieved by providing each crew member with a small portable torch for use in the event of complete electrical failure on the yacht or any other emergencies.
A good supply of strong waterproof torches are - or should be - found on all cruising yachts. However, a pocket torch is an excellent companion, also carried by many cruising sailors. My favourite is the small 'wind-up' torch which will never let you down for want of batteries.
5. The Board recommends that owners consider providing a 'mini grab bag' that is easily accessible from the cockpit of the yacht containing at least a VHF handheld radio, 2 flares and, if possible, an EPIRB.
'Grab bags' are a normal part of a yacht's inventory, and if not kept in the cockpit, should be kept as close as possible, and accessible in all situations. Carrying a mini grab bag in addition to one's normal grab bag is the one precaution in all of these items that, in my experience, is not usual for cruising yachts.
6. Although it is not a requirement of YA, the Board commends the use of PFDs, particularly at night time and where there is a chance that the sea state and/or conditions on the boat warrant their use.
A Personal Flotation Device or life jacket is a usual item for all crew on any yacht. Wearing them at night or when the sea state dictates is a customary precaution. Most long range cruising sailors have them ready at hand at ALL times, no matter the sea state.
All the subjects in Items 1 to 6 are part of a much longer mandatory list which are a matter of basic seamanship and it is good advice for all cruising sailors to take note.
by Nancy Knudsen
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Wilsons Promontory, VIC
