4.3 Pre-Launch Checks prior to entering the water

4.1 Training

10. Always ensure that a designated person ashore is aware of departure and return times and have a procedure in place to raise the alarm if necessary. Membership of a club will generally offer this facility in addition to providing safety boats for members engaged in club activities.

It is recommended that dinghy sailors undertake appropriate training, including in capsize and recovery techniques. A number of training schemes and approved courses are available and information may be obtained directly from course providers (see Appendix 9 for details of course providers).

11. Check weather and sea conditions prior to departure.

4.2 Safety Recommendations

If you are dinghy sailing, you should adhere to the following practices.

12. Avoid main shipping lanes (see Appendix 3).

13. Always wear a suitable PFD/ lifejacket when sailing. Buoyancy provided by a wet suit or dry suit is not sufficient (see Part A of this Code for statutory requirements).

14. Sail in company for safety.

15. Be aware of your own personal capabilities in handling a boat under various weather conditions.

16. Wear suitable clothes, wetsuits or drysuits, particularly if there is potential to capsize.

17. If your dinghy is operating in a remote area, carry additional safety equipment, i.e. a handheld VHF radio and additional pyrotechnics (parachute rocket red flares and hand-held flares).

18. Your dinghy should have an effective means of bailing water.

19. Carry a paddle on board.

20. Carry a towing painter on board.

4.3 Pre-Launch Checks prior to entering the water

6. The crew in the dinghy should be familiar with capsize recovery techniques and towing techniques.

To protect dinghy operators, shipping and other water users, dinghies may be subject to specific local Bye-Laws issued by harbour or local authorities to control or restrict areas of operation. It is the responsibility of dinghy operators to be familiar with the relevant Rules of Navigation, local Notices to Mariners and Bye- Laws in force in the waters in which they are sailing.

7. Ensure that the dinghy has sufficient buoyancy. Check all buoyancy tanks and plugs prior to departure.

8. Check the hull, fittings, rigging and sails before going afloat.

9. Always be aware of overhead wires when rigging or manoeuvring a dinghy ashore or afloat.