Yacht Risk and Safety Assessment

The risk and safety assessment survey looks at the vessel from the propsective of its use at sea and the safety of the crew. This survey takes into account the recommendation of statutory codes of compliance such as SOLAS which the yacht may or may not be required to comply with but which has guiding principals which are relevant. On board ergonomics are also carefully considered. Does the yacht have features which could hurt its crew in a heavy sea. Sharp edges, the positioning of safety lines, the ability to open internal doors in a flooding situation, positioning of bilge pumps, the safety of the galley - a plethora of things which need to be considered before the issue of the safety and risk report with its recommendations.

Although boating activities in UK waters are unregulated, the responsibilities of an owner/skipper for his/her crew at sea are considerable and the potential penalties are not to be underestimated. A risk and safety survey is an excellent security to mitigate problems before they occur and is a good defence in the event that anything does go wrong as it shows that the owner/skipper takes safety and risk seriously.