HI all,
Just looking at the audit form again.
I understand my main issues are;
Replace fire extinguisher and keep receipt.
Replace inflation cylinders in lifejackets and keep receipts.
Do you agree?

Hi Bundeenaboy,
I'm not sure if I understand the question properly, Cat 7 is pretty laid back but there is a bit more than that.
You should have a requirement for:
medical/first aid kit
boat name on all cushions.
sail numbers
gas and fuel requirements
anchor and rode minimums.
lifejackets

sorry I might have some cat5 stuff in there (can't remember the split), but if its on the cat 7 audit form you need it.
You can self regulate a Cat7 audit at least
cheers,
SB

And don't forget 4.16 - put the boat name on everything that could conceivably float - hatch covers, cushions etc. I always catch people out on that one. Keep a marker pen handy when the Auditor is checking the boat in case you've missed anything.

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sydchris said..
And don't forget 4.16 - put the boat name on everything that could conceivably float - hatch covers, cushions etc. I always catch people out on that one. Keep a marker pen handy when the Auditor is checking the boat in case you've missed anything.

This!
Has caught me out a few times.
My wife has some fanddangled thing where she puts boat names on cushion / seat covers, and they've all stemmed from this requirement
I'm still waiting for mine...grrr.

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sydchris said..
And don't forget 4.16 - put the boat name on everything that could conceivably float - hatch covers, cushions etc. I always catch people out on that one. Keep a marker pen handy when the Auditor is checking the boat in case you've missed anything.

I just spoke to my auditor and he told me I can have $15 Mae West's for my lifejackets for Cat 7.

For inflatable life jackets, most manufacturers put out a self service sheet. Just run through it for each life jacket and date/sign to show auditor. No need to replace cylinders unless damaged or don't weigh within 2g of stamped.

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Bundeenabuoy said..

I just spoke to my auditor and he told me I can have $15 Mae West's for my lifejackets for Cat 7.

They must have the correct Australian Standard on them, but yes if they do.

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Bundeenabuoy said..

sydchris said..
And don't forget 4.16 - put the boat name on everything that could conceivably float - hatch covers, cushions etc. I always catch people out on that one. Keep a marker pen handy when the Auditor is checking the boat in case you've missed anything.

I just spoke to my auditor and he told me I can have $15 Mae West's for my lifejackets for Cat 7.

Isn't cat 7 something like 50n for a compliant lifejacket?
You could get pool noodles,duck tape and a stanley knife to meet 50n.
Australian Standards might be a challenge....hi-vis duck tape?

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FreeRadical said..
For inflatable life jackets, most manufacturers put out a self service sheet. Just run through it for each life jacket and date/sign to show auditor. No need to replace cylinders unless damaged or don't weigh within 2g of stamped.

You cannot self service life jackets at the cyca

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FreeRadical said..
For inflatable life jackets, most manufacturers put out a self service sheet. Just run through it for each life jacket and date/sign to show auditor. No need to replace cylinders unless damaged or don't weigh within 2g of stamped.

You cannot self service life jackets at the cyca.

The special regs document from Australian Sailing does a good job of giving more details on what's needed for each level.

s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/piano.revolutionise.com.au/site/ktmozlorqr6lh9ta.pdf

Check the columns on the right for your category number and look at the document side by side with the audit form.

Probably better to get the document, along with the interpretations, from the Australian Sailing website directly.

www.sailingresources.org.au/safety/specialregs/

Chris, all respect, but you might want to go and get done personal legal advice if you are doing safety audits for SA.
The world has changed.
And the SA insurance scheme is next to worthless.
Even AMSA has stopped doing inspections for the most part because of risk.
Anyone who does them is poorly advised mostly as a result of proportionate liability legislation enacted in each state.
And I have a marine incident job where there is permanent disability injuries on my desk at present.

I should also say this yet another example where our so called "peak body" has not kept up with changes to national scheme legislation both in respect liability and regulation.

I have received a few eassages about this thread.
So publically I will respond in this way.

You are a club auditor.
There is a category 3 overnight coastal race coming up.
You audit a 38 foot multi.
You sign the declaration on the inspection form.
But because there are out of sight you forget to check for safety lines under the bridge deck.
In the race the multi capsizes and two people are washed away from the up turned hull as there are no safety lines.
Where do you stand as the auditor liability wise.

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lydia said..
You are a club auditor.
There is a category 3 overnight coastal race coming up.
You audit a 38 foot multi.
You sign the declaration on the inspection form.
But because there are out of sight you forget to check for safety lines under the bridge deck.
In the race the multi capsizes and two people are washed away from the up turned hull as there are no safety lines.
Where do you stand as the auditor liability wise.

Lydia, your example is quite specific, so no doubt you have some experience in a similar situation. But an interesting and timely thread. Note: I am not an auditor.

A Cat 3 overnight race involving Catamarans is not a normal weekend event. An auditor at Cat 3 is not going to be newbie or weekend warrior, and is unlikely (but not impossible) to miss important safety items.

Usually, the Cataraman would be inspected by the home club of the vessel and have its inspection form done there. I suspect that most clubs that race Multis have specialist auditors to handle their inspections. Certainly our club does. While it is possible that the event hosting club may do spot checks, most will ask for a copy to be posted on TopYacht for perusal if required.

As you are no doubt aware, the owner fills out the form first, then is cross checked by the auditor. If an owner contents that an auditor did not check a safety item, it would be a case of he said / she said. A tick in the relevant box means it has been checked by each party. If it is unticked the form is not valid and should not be submitted for the event until all the items are ticked (or marked N/A).

Also the owner could remove the ticked safety equipment on-route to the event (or at any time), even after having been checked. RRS rule 3 describes that the onus is on the owner (and crew) to comply with the rules of the event at all times. Also rule 4 of RRS states: The responsibility for a boat's decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.

So, from a liability point of view, the owner should always be liable for the safety of his/her vessel. But, as happens all to often, if you get legal people involved in such a discussion. they will find lots of ways to pin the liability on someone else.

Noel