This course is aimed at anyone who takes to sea. Whether you are bluewater cruiser or an avid offshore racer, there is something to learn here for all. The course delivers up-to-date information on safety equipment, procedures and survival techniques. By the end of the course, you will gain greater awareness on how to manage risks and emergencies, increased confidence, and a good understanding of the legal responsibilities of owners, skippers and crew.

We will look at relevant case studies, fire some real flares and see what it is like abandoning ship into a liferaft during the wet drills.

The course was developed by Australian Sailing (AS) to provide survival training for Offshore Sailors. It is mandatory for 50% of crew in Category 1 Offshore Races and is highly recommended for sailors in Category 2 events. This course is also recognised by World Sailing, therefore it is valid all over the world.

This certificate is valid for 5 years. After 5 years, you will need to take a Refresher course to revalidate for another 5 years. If your latest certificate is expired by more than 2 years, you will need to enroll on the full course.

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Course Overview

The Safety & Sea Survival (SSS) course involves classroom presentations & learning activities, and practical exercises in the use of liferafts, inflatable lifejackets & distress flares.  

The refresher course is facilitated by Safety & Sea Survival Instructors at approved Training Centres. The maximum teaching ratio for this course is 20 students to 1 SSS Instructor (in the classroom) with a reduced ratio of 10:1 for pool sessions.  Practical exercises are usually conducted in heated public swimming pools, but may be conducted in clean and enclosed salt-water pools and Marinas providing the water is clean, the temperature is at least 15^oC, and all associated risks have been managed.

Course Prerequisites

Must have a Safety & Sea Survival Certicificate which has an expiry date of no longer than 2 years previously.

Who should do this course?

The refresher, or update, course is designed for active offshore racing sailors and anyone who does not sail regularly should seriously consider attending a full 2 day Safety & Sea Survival course. An update course also provides a valuable refresher to cruising sailors.

Course Outcome

You will gain a Safety and Sea Survival Qualification Certificate as required for Category 1 and Category 2 races. This certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of the course.