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Medical and Safety

Resources for planning for offshore

Prevention and preparedness are best ways to avoid injury and stay safe during any offshore experience. These resources are to help in that process. The more crewman trained via Safety at Sea, CPR/First Aid, and more is always the best way to prepare.

Medical Information

The Fleet Surgeon has created this document to assist with planning for offshore passages, and includes valuable information on: Reference books to have aboard, Medical equipment, and Medicines

MEMO FOR OFFSHORE

Life Jackets and Harnesses

Each competitor is individually responsible for wearing a lifejacket conforming to the Safety Requirements at all times – from the race start to the finish.

Each competitor is individually responsible for using a tether to clip in unless specifically relaxed by the Captain:

a. between the hours of sunset and sunrise;

b. when alone on deck;

c. when reefed;

d. when the true wind speed is 25 knots or more;

e. when visibility is less than one (1) nautical mile;

f. with due consideration of the water temperature; or

g. whenever the Captain requires.

In 2022, US Sailing, the national governing body for sailing in the U.S, released the report requested by the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee regarding the tragedy that occurred during the running of the 52nd Newport Bermuda Race. We hope all sailors will learn the importance of life jackets and clipping from this tragic incident. Review the presentation and report below.

Man Overboard – Fatal Morgan of Marietta Presentation

US SAILING REPORT

Safety Articles

Seasickness

“Perhaps no malady to which mankind is subject is productive of so much real suffering with so low a percentage of mortality, as the peculiar affliction known as seasickness.” (Scientific American, 1912).

In reviewing the 2012 Newport to Bermuda Race medical reports, there were 54 cases of self-reported seasickness on board vessels. I suspect, however, that the number of reported cases of seasickness significantly underestimates the actual incidence of this illness that may present in a full range of stages ranging from slight queasiness to severe nausea and vomiting. Anecdotally, I suspect that mild cases were not formally logged and some of the cases occurred without any thought toward preventative measures.

All crew should read more from Jeffrey S. Wisch, M.D.

Seasickness Overview

Key Issues

ALL SAFETY ARTICLES