North Lincolnshire and Humberside Sailing Club
RYA Recognised Training Centre
Operating Procedures Manual
July 2010
Updated May 2011: -
Course booking forms [Appendix D]
VHF Radio procedures [Appendix H]
Student Feedback forms [Appendix I]
Contents;
IntroductionPage 3
1. Policy StatementsPages 4 - 5
2. Structural Organisation of RTCPages 5 -7
3. Pratical Organisation of Training SessionsPages 8 -10
4. SafetyPages 10 -11
5. Dealing with accidents and EmergenciesPages 11-13
6. Training Feedback & ReviewPage 13
Appendix A: - Safety Policy…………………………………………….Pages 14-17
Appendix B: - Risk Assessment………………………………………..Pages 18 -20
Appendix C: - A & E Procedure Table…………………………………Page 21
Appendix D: - General Training Application/S.I.Booking Form……Page 22 - 24
Appendix E: - Youth Training Aims Document……………………….Page 25 -26
Appendix F: - Instructor Acknowledgement Form……………………Page 27-28
Appendix G: - Club Ground Plan………………………………………Page 29-31
Appendix H: - VHF Procedures Policy………………………………..Page 32
Appendix I: - Student Feedback Form………………………………..Page 33
Introduction
The Operating Procedures Manual (OPM) provides information on therunning of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Activities at the North Lincolnshire & Humberside Sailing Club (NLHSC). The OPM does not replace NLHSC Rules. The NLHSC is an RYA Recognized Training Centre (RTC) for various dinghy, windsurf and powerboat courses. Certified courses are listed on framed certificates hanging in the Clubhouse Training Room.
As an RTC, we are part of the RYA and can fully utilize all available RYA services and advicefrom employment law to planning and child protection. RYA recognition means that ourmembers and customers know that the centre has passed the high standards of the annual inspection,including safety checks.
The OPM has been designed to give clear procedures for the arrangement & delivery of RTC training at NLHSC. It should be used as a reference source andfocuses on organisation, risk management, safety and emergency procedures andexplains how the risks are to be managed. The Instructors declaration, Appendix F, must be signed and returned to the Chief Instructor, by all those involved in the delivery of RTC Training at NLHSC. This manual will be electronically distributed, for reference purposes, to all instructors involved in training delivery at NLHSC. A hard copy will be available for those interested in the Clubhouse Training Room.
Specifically, the OPM applies to the formal tuition ofthe general public, members, and to the training ofadult volunteers in powerboat, safety boat driving and First Aid for the purpose of supporting Club Junior Dinghy and Team 15Training. It does not cover junior members who are sailing/windsurfing unsupervised, whether fromthe Club or elsewhere, although NLHSC Club rules still apply.
The OPM supports the 2 distinct forms of training that we undertake as an RTC; -
- Specific Youth training programmes (on Wednesday and Thursday evenings).
- RYA training programmes that are organised by the Principal & Chief instructor, for adults and children, general public and members alike.
This manual will be reviewed at an end of season meeting of Principal, Safety Officer, Welfare Officer, Chief Instructor and all registered instructors to agree any additions/amendments (to improve the OPMs’ functionality) for the following season.
RTC Officers[1]
Principal: - Mr. J. Hackney
Chief Instructor: -Mr. G. Davis
Safety Officer: -Refer to Mr. S. Ward
Welfare Officer: - Vacancy (refer to C.I.)
Senior Instructor for development of T15: -Mr. R. Bowles
Senior Instructor Windsurfing: - Vacancy (refer to C.I.)*
Senior Instructor Dinghy: - Mr. G. Davis
1. Policy Statements
a. General Safety Policy Statement
Safety is our first priority for all involved with training at NLHSC. We aim to comply fully
with both the spirit and the letter of relevant legislation, including the Health and Safety atWork etc Act 1974. We do this by following best practice in managing the risks to be as lowas reasonably practicable.
b. NLHSC Safety Policy Statement
See [Appendix A].
Members and customers should be reminded, by instructors before a Training session that sailing, windsurfing and all activities on water are alwayspotentially hazardous. They have an obligation to act at all times in a manner that will not endanger themselves, club members, the general public or the rescue services that may be called to assist..
Close attention should be paid to all safety warnings and instructions given by instructors and officers of the club. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the safety policy,which is available in the club. It ought not to be necessary to add that practical jokes,horseplay and other childish or thoughtless behaviour can easily lead to accidentscausing serious injury or death, which might expose them to criminal liability and civilclaims for compensation. Bear in mind that the club will not be liable for their actions if they cause injury to another through their negligence.
The most important thing to impress upon trainees is that they must take primary responsibility for theirown safety and the safety of those around them. Students should be advised that, if they are in any doubt at all about thesafety of any training activity in which they are taking part, should immediately seekguidance from their instructor, the DSI or DSO.
c. Child Protection Policy Statement
As defined in the Children Act 1989, for the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of18 should be considered as a child. The policy also applies to vulnerable adults.
It is the policy of NLHSC to safeguard children and young people takingpart in boating from physical, sexual or emotional harm. NLHSC will takeall reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training,children participating in RYA activities do so in a safe environment. We recognise thatthe safety and welfare of the child is paramount and that all children, whatever their age,gender, disability, culture, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, social status or sexual identity, have a right to protection from abuse.
NLHSC actively seeks to:
- Create a safe and welcoming environment, both on and off the water, wherechildren can have fun and develop their skills and confidence.
- Recognise that safeguarding children is the responsibility of everyone, not justthose who work with children.
- Ensure that RTC training and events are run to the highest possiblesafety standards.
- Be prepared to review its ways of working to incorporate best practice.
We will:
- Treat all children with respect and celebrate their achievements.
- Carefully recruit and select all instructor and helpers.
- Respond swiftly and appropriately to all complaints and concerns about poor practice or suspected or actual child abuse.
This policy relates to all instructors and helpers working under the RTC umbrella at
NLHSC. It will be kept under periodic review. All relevant concerns, allegations,complaints and their outcome should be notified to the NLHSC Welfare Officer.
d. Equal Opportunities
No prospective instructor helper or student shall receive less favorable treatment on the grounds of sex, marital status, disability, race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin, or be disadvantaged on any of these grounds by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable.
2. Structural Organisation of RTC
The NLHSC Training Organisation is illustrated below;-
RYA Principal
I______
III
Chief InstructorSafety OfficerWelfare Officer
ll
l Power boat Instructors
ll
Safety Boat Drivers
l
l
l
l______
lll
Senior InstructorSenior InstructorSenior Instructor
(dinghy)(windsurfing)*(T15)
III
InstructorsInstructorsInstructors
Assistant InstructorsAssistant Instructors Assistant Instructors
a. RTC training
Only instructors who are authorised andwhose qualifications are held on record by the Chief Instructor may carry out training under the RTC. Due to the nature of training at NLHSC it is a legal requirement that all volunteers & instructors have appropriate CRB checks which will be administered by the Welfare Officer (data protection applies) and a list of checked persons retained by the Chief Instructor. Manual handling techniques will be given for the particular roles instructors carry out. Particular attention should be given to the carrying & mounting of Club outboard engines.
All training applications to be carried out as “RYA training” at the Club shall be directed through the Principal by the “application for training form” [Appendix D], available from the Club Secretary or the Club Website.
Courses run through RTC status will be approved by the Principal. All RTC status, training suggested by any party, must be approved by the Principal and delivery organised through the Chief Instructor a minimum of 4 weeks before the intended start date of this training. Specifically, individual instructors are not permitted to arrange RTC training with students/helpers without prior approval from the by Principal & Chief Instructor. The Chief Instructor is responsible for allocating the delivery of training to suitably qualified instructors.
Any Logbooks & Certificates required by a course shall be included in the fee for that course. All required certificates will be managed through the Chief Instructor.Certificates, issued by this RTC on completion of RYA training, shall be signed and issued only by the Principal on sight of relevant (instructor) signed up RYA logbooks evidencing the training given.
‘On the Day’ of training, medical/parental consent forms shall be filled out (data protection applies); this form will include a ‘Training Feedback’ slip for student to complete after training. “Student feedback form” [Appendix I] should be offered to students/parents (available from OPM copy in training room).
Moneys required for the maintenance of equipment will be made available through requests to the Chief Instructor. A separate training account will be kept maintained and by the Principal.
Pricing for RTC training courses & instructor remuneration will be reviewed annually by the Principal in conjunction with the Clubs’ General Committee ideally at the March GC Meeting for the year.
All instructors, coaches and volunteers involved in RYA Training Activities at NLHSC must read and sign this Manual and Risk Assessment prior to each season to confirm that they have read and agree to the terms and procedures set out in this OPM. An Instructor, coach or volunteer will not be permitted to be involved in RYA Training Activities unless they have signed the said documents.
b. Helper Initiation
The Sailing season begins with a pre-season meeting between the Principal, SeniorInstructors and Safety Officer. The pre-season meeting establishes the policy andprocedures for the coming season. The Principal, assisted by the relevant Senior Instructor and Safety Officer, then briefs all otherInstructors and Helpers at a general Helpers meeting, before the training season begins onmanagement and organisation, system of teaching in use, child protection, general safety policy and procedures. Safe Manual handling techniques should be demonstrated to all helpers/trainers for their particular roles.
All helpers, including occasional helpers, whether helping for a single session or multiple
sessions, are asked to read and understand the Manual. However if a Helper is engaged in the delivery of training they must sign the Manual and Risk Assessment
c. Safety/Coach Boats
All powerboats present a drowning and injury hazards from propellers. Buoyancy
aids/lifejackets must be worn at all times. The Policy on use of Powerboats and Safety boats must be adhered to at all times. When students are in any powerboat, they must be briefed by the driver on the particular hazards applicable to that boat. They must be madeaware that hands must be kept inside the vessel when coming alongside the jetty and otherboats, especially in windy weather and choppy conditions. Students (and adults) shouldnever be allowed to dangle their legs over the side of a powerboat underway. Qualified Powerboat drivers only are permitted to refuel the fuel tanks.
d. Sailing / Windsurfing
The risk of injury resulting from the many hazards associated with sailing are reduced bytried and trusted methods such as swimming proficiency, buoyancy aids, appropriate clothing (wetsuit/drysuit), qualifiedinstructors, and the attendance of well-equipped safety boats.
In addition, at the beginning of the sailing season, May and early June,the water temperature is less than 15°C; immersion without suitable clothing should beavoided. As a guideline, if the risk of immersion is high and the water temperature is less than15°C, all Stage 2 and above should wear wetsuits/drysuits; Stage 1 should consider not sailing. Children have difficulty assessing risk from cold water, if the clothing worn is unsuitable to protect the child from the effects of immersion in cold water, the instructor supervising the child should not allow them to sail.
e. Capsize Drill
Capsize drill that now takes place under controlled conditions using operational boats assigned toa stage. Stage 1 capsize drill involving new students must not take place in water less than 15ºC.
A dedicated safety boat and crew must be in attendance and an instructor, dressed in a wetsuit/drysuit, mustbe in the water at all times to accompany the students. Any craft used for capsize drill will ideally be tethered to the jetty, particularly when students are inexperienced. Ideally the new student should be able to stand up in the water if they become panicked. Under no circumstances shall capsize drill be undertaken without approval of the DSI.
f. Protective Clothing and Buoyancy Aids
Whilst a training session is in progress, students, instructors and helpers must wear buoyancy aidswhilst on the Jetties and when sailing/windsurfing. Instructors should be aware that they set an example to Students and Helpers in this regard. Students and Helpers who supply their own protective clothing and buoyancy aids should be at least to BS EN 393:50N standard. It is the responsibility of individual helpers to ensure that their buoyancy aid ismaintained and in good working order. Instructors should check the suitability for purposeand the correct wearing of buoyancy aids by students in their care
g. Risk Assessment Review
[‘Risk Assessment’ see; Appendix B]
The Principal, Chief Instructor and Safety Officer will conduct an annual review of the risks associated with RTC Training. The review is to be conducted at the end of a season thereby allowingsufficient time to implement any necessary controls to reduce any significant risk(s) identifiedby the review. In addition to the annual review, reassessment should take place under thefollowing circumstances:
• A change in legislation.
• A change in control measures.
• Any significant change in sailing instruction techniques, safety boat procedures, newequipment and technology, etc.
• Any other reason to suspect that the original assessment is no longer valid or could beimproved.
• Should an accident or incident occur.
h. Retention and Disposal of Risk Assessments
Risk assessments should be kept as an annex to the OPM and need only be held for aslong as they are current. However, risk assessments relating to an injury should be kept withaccident investigation papers for 5 years from the date of the incident, after which they maybe destroyed. The results of any risk assessment are to be reported to the General Committee through theSailing Committee.
3. Practical Organisation of Training Sessions
a. Powerboat Training
Powerboat training may take place at any time throughout the year as directed by the Safety Officer. The Principal should be informed of all training intentions, especially if Club resourcesare being used.
b. RYA Team 15 Training – Wednesday Training Sessions
See Youth Training Aims Document [Appendix E].
Sessions run from late April to late September on Wednesday Evenings 17:30 to 19:30. Participants are encouraged from 7 to 16 yrs of age. Numbers are limited to 40 registered students,in addition to high level youth racing participants using their own equipment, a waiting list system is then in operation. The DSI is responsible for the allocation of present Club equipment to facilitate instruction groups. Attending students are encouraged to take part in the North Zone T15 race series, one meeting in each of the T15 clubs in operation in this area. Club training equipment can be made available to support children’s participation at these events. Records for children trained, kept by T15 division must include medical consent form, contact details for their parent/carer and photographic permission forms.
c. Junior Dinghy Training – Thursday Sail Training Sessions
See Youth Training Aims Document [Appendix E].
The core business of Junior Dinghy Training is the Thursday evening race training sessions, 17:30 – 19:00 hrs. Numbers are limited by the number of suitable club boats (18) and the availability of Instructors and helpers. Inclusion of students from the age of 8 to 18 yrs old is supported. There are normally sessions commencing in late April until late September. Attending students are encouraged to take part in the “Lincolnshire Federation Junior Travelers’ Series”, one meeting at each of the 4 participating clubs.Records for children trained, kept by Junior Dinghy division must include medical, contact details and photographic permissions forms to be completed by their parent/carer.
d. Other Training Objectives (Windsurf and dinghy)
The approach of the Teaching Team is critical to the success of any training session. Instruction should always be positive, sensitive and humorous. Instruction should always be approached clearly with well explained and clearly presented demonstrations. There should also be plenty of time and opportunity for reflection and individual attention. The instructor is also required to dress functionally so as to set a good example to students.
The sessions should be plannedaround learning structures laid out in RYA logbooks (W1, W3, W33 & G47 for windsurfing; G3, G4, G7, G11 & G14 for dinghy instruction).
Logbooks should be reviewed by the instructor and student, at the end of a course or session, and goals achieved within the logbook appropriately signed by their Instructor. Logbooks can then be submitted to the Principal for certification.
RYA Training Instructor/student ratios; Dinghy 1:6 single handed, 1:3 beginners with Instructor on board, max, 1:9 but not more that 6 dinghies per instructor. Windsurf1or 2:6, 10 with Assistant Instructor.
Specific Race Training activity, internally or externally organised (dinghy & windsurf) student numbers may be increased dependant on skill level of students and trainers also the prevailing weather conditions.