As you prepare for the sailing season ahead, it has come to our attention a number of items that could affect the proper operation of your coach boats during the training season. While we are in the process of working with Transport Canada in the area of training students aboard sailing vessels, the issue of Commercial Registration for Coach Boats has come up. It has come to our attention that any coach boat over 10HP must register as a commercial vessel and carry some additional safety equipment.

The link for registration is as follows: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/oep-vesselreg-smallcomm-menu-542.htm.

The fee is $50 per coach boat per 5 year period. There can be a reduced rate for fleets of boats. Please review the link for more details.

 

All Coach Boats must carry proper safety equipment as well as some additional items. Please refer to Transport Canada for more details but additional items will include; fire extinguisher, 3 flares, waterproof flashlight, chart of the area you are operating the vessel in, registration papers of the vessel, buoyant heaving line, paddles, anchor and rode, lifejacket for each person aboard, first aid kit, bailer, lights if fitted must comply to the regulations and any other equipment so noted in the regulations.  We also suggest you carry some repair parts and tools and a tool capable of cutting the standing rigging on the boats you sail with. If you carry a hand held VHF radio operations need a valid Radio Operators License.

 

All sailboats while training must also carry safety equipment. The only exception is when in a competition. Paddles, bailer, heaving line, sound signal device and PFD’s for everyone aboard are the minimum equipment required. Please review the Transport Canada website for more details.

We strongly urge all schools to follow a strict policy of mandatory wearing of PFD’s by all athletes and coaches while on the water and the docks of the area you are sailing in.

 

Ontario Sailing will be working with all OAs at youth events to help enforce this common sense rule. Coaches must consider that they are setting the standard for their athletes. Remember a PFD will not work if you are not wearing one.

 

For those travelling to events, please consider having your trailers inspected by a third party professional. Bearings and tires continue to be issues of safety for trailers. As well, sturdy chains that crossed and attached to the tow vehicle with a captive shackle is required (Open S rings are not legal).

 

Ontario Sailing will be hosting Debriefs each night of most youth events along with a chalk talk on aspect of sail controls and theory. Look for the Blue Ontario Sailing Shelter and encourage your athletes and coaches to participate in the sessions.

 

See you on the water!!