EDDYSTONE CHALLENGE
PLYMOUTH 16 AUGUST 2008
RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFETY PLAN
INTRODUCTION
This risk assessment and safety plan is designed to ensure that all competitors participate under safe and controlled conditions as far as is practically achievable given the nature of the event, the distance involved and the possibility of sudden change in weather conditions. Tidal flows and shipping movements can effect sea conditions during the event as well as the volume of small craft operating in the Sound on any given week-end during the season. There will be a requirement for all participants to co-operate fully with the organisers to ensure the safety and success of the event
The event will be phased as follows:-
1. Arrival of crews, launch and parking of trailers.
2. Boat and crew registration
3. Boat and equipment inspection
4. Briefing 1100 hrs
5 Embarkation 1115 hrs
6 Start 1200 hrs
7 Close surveillance of all crews whilst at sea (as per safety plan).
8 Landing/boat recovery
9 De-brief
10 Prize giving
11 Social
THE COURSE
The attached chart shows Plymouth Sound. The start line will be between the end of Mount Batten pier and South Mallard Buoy. Crews should keep well clear of Mount Batten pier to avoid low lying rocks and interference with fishermen.
The course is due south and out through the western channel end of the breakwater (1 ¾ miles) and then south to the Eddystone Lighthouse another 12 miles. Crews will round the Lighthouse in an ant-clockwise direction unless directed otherwise by safety personnel on station and return to Plymouth Sound via the Eastern Channel end of the Breakwater. The course between the Breakwater and the Eddystone reef, will be zoned by identifiable yachts flying the ‘M’ (Marshall) flag at 2 mile intervals providing communications links and precise direction to and from the lighthouse. They will also act as zone markers monitoring crews in and out of their respective zone and keeping event organisers appraised of crew positions.
Crews must give wide berth to both ends of the Breakwater, where large rocks lie just beneath the surface. Some large navigational and mooring buoys are located around the Sound and crews should be aware of movements of pleasure craft and commercial fishing vessels making for open water.
SAFETY PLAN
The information contained in this risk assessment & safety plan will be circulated in advance to all participating crews via web site www.mayfloweroffshorerowingclub.co.uk and will form the basis of a pre-race briefing on the day of the event.
Given the overall safety implications, the organisers have set a wind speed limit of force 4 (Beaufort Scale) above which the main event will not go ahead. Instead, the fall -back option of similar distance but in more sheltered waters will be put in place. Should wind speed or sea conditions become critical during the primary or secondary event, the Race Co-ordinator will take the decision to abort and recall crews to shore under close protection of safety craft.
All crew will register with the Registration Official on arrival, any changes to previously notified crew members will be recorded. All participants will be provided with an identification band which will be worn on the wrist throughout the event. After finishing, boat captain will report to registration point immediately on coming ashore, to confirm safe return of all crew members.
A water safety officer will be on duty at Mount Batten Water Sport Centre to inspect boats for seaworthiness and vital equipment before crews will be permitted to take part. All crew members WILL wear life jackets during the event. The following equipment WILL be carried on board:-
Warm waterproof clothing
Survival blankets (one per crew member)
Drinking fluid
At least 30 ft tow rope
Bailing buckets and or pump
VHF radio and spare battery (Channel 73)
Flares
Compass
Mobile phone (optional)
GPS (optional)
All safety equipment will be carried in a waterproof and buoyant container.
Some craft will have built-in buoyancy, floatation chambers or self bailers, those which do not ie gigs, should at least consider some form of buoyancy aids for this event.
Single crewed sea kayaks will operate e ‘Buddy’ system ie 2 or more remaining together throughout the event.
It is vital that crews dress appropriately for the conditions on the day and have a change of warm clothing available on coming ashore.
The Eddystone Challenge is a physically demanding event requiring a high degree of endurance fitness. As part of the fitness build-up, it is essential that all competitors undertake a well structured and relevant training programme to include ’on the water’ training as well as gym work. Each participant must realistically assess their own fitness to undertake a 28 mile row ( 4 - 6 hours ) in consultation with their own GP if necessary. The organisers, seriously recommend that any competitor with a temporary or enduring medical condition, disclose details to professional medical staff prior to launch. This will facilitate speedy diagnosis and treatment in the event of medical emergency.
Safety boats (Ribs) will closely monitor crews during the event operated by trained personnel to RYA2 standard carrying safety equipment in accordance will ARA Safety Code. They will also have VHF and mobile phones on board. A fully trained paramedic will be carried on one of the safety craft.
Crews will monitor the event channel at all times which will provide direct line of communication with the Race-Coordinator who will be on station at the mid way point. Frequent radio checks during the event will take place. Gold and Silver Commanders will operate a separate ‘Command Channel’ for direct communications between themselves.
The race co-ordinators will retain an overview of the event until all crews have returned safely to shore and will maintain contact with QHM Longroom throughout.
A finish deadline of 1900hrs will be set due to the likelihood of falling temperatures and light conditions. Any crew still outside the Plymouth Breakwater at this time will be towed or otherwise assisted to the Mount Batten centre. Crew(s) inside the Breakwater at 1900 Hrs and able to make good progress will be allowed to continue unaided.
CONTACT NUMBERS
Race Secretary Jeff Hammond 01822 614590
Race Co-ordintator Tony Lovering 01822 614186 07739917040
Mountbatten Centre 01752 404567
INCIDENT PLAN
It is important that all crews are aware of their own position at all times. Coxswains should be able to understand the basics of navigation by compass and be familiar with radio procedure.
In the event of an incident at sea affecting/posing a danger to any boat or crew, the following procedure will be adopted:-
Radio call to Race-coordinator with precise details of emergency.
Nearest crews to divert to provide immediate assistance to crew in difficulty so far as is possible without endangering own safety.
.
Safety boat to be hailed or contacted by radio immediately - do not assume that the safety crew is aware of the incident.
In the event of a serious incident, the event co-ordinator ashore will be contacted by radio and will take the appropriate response action with the emergency services. Casualties with potentially serious medical conditions needing immediate evacuation will be transported to Queen Anne Battery Marina slipway for transfer to ambulance. Less serious casualties will be returned to the Mount Batten Centre where limited first-aid facilities will be available.
RISK ASSESSMENT
HAZARD CONTROLS RISK ACTION
Trips/Falls Boat/Trailer storage areas inc. LOW 1st Aid facilities
public walk ways to be kept clear at Mt Batten.
of oars and other equipment or ambulance if
more serious
Exposure - Cold Appropriate clothing for event MED Casivac by
Thermal/safety blanket in boat ambulance
Warm clothing ashore once ashore
Dehydration Drinking fluid carried by all crews HIGH Casualty to shore
Assess ability of
remaining crew
to continue
Capsize Crews to be familiar with capsize drills LOW Immediate assist
ARA safety code rescue boat & all
Crew to remain with boat till rescue nearby crews
Assess ability to
Continue
Sinking Although inundated, boat should remain LOW As for capsize
afloat. Crew to remain with boat till rescue
Collision - other craft, Responsibility of all crew to keep look-out LOW As above - assess
mooring or Nav. Buoys Give way to deep draft vessels ability ofcrew/boat
to continue
Man overboard All crew will wear lifejackets throughout LOW Immediate assist
The event. Other crew to assist recovery safety boat &crews nearby
INSURANCE AND WAIVER
It will be the responsibility of each crew to have their boat insured against risk including civil liability to third parties. The Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club being the organisers of the Eddystone Challenge and their sponsors, provide this event only on the understanding that the Club, their representatives and/or members, bear no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury or inconvenience to persons or other craft however arising, directly or indirectly by an accident or wrongful negligent act, default or omission of any member or any person during the Eddystone Challenge or other related activity. Crews shall acknowledge their understanding of this disclaimer on the official entry form before the start of the event.
Amended 8 February 2008