Safety & Regulations Update September 2024
VHF Radios
Effective VHF radio communications is critical for the safe conduct of both our Cat 3 and Cat 2 races and for this reason we ask that both handheld and installed VHF be tested as part of the audit process. Although the Cat 2 audit form is not prescriptive on radio performance, the key requirement is under Special Reg 2.03.1 (a) that “all equipment required by these Special Regulations shall function properly”.
In addition to problems arising from defective aerials and cable connections, the performance of VHF radios and AIS transceivers can be disrupted by the operation of LED head lights.
A simple test for installed VHF radios for yachts located anywhere on the eastern side of the bay is:
1. Switch set to low power
2. Switch to Channel 82 repeater, adjusting the squelch as required to eliminate “noise”
3. Press and release mic
4. Listen for “splash back” from the repeater which indicates transmission received
5. Select a quiet channel, lower the squelch sufficiently to eliminate background noise.
6. Turn on navigation lights (incl mast head) lights. If background noise is heard, LED interference requires attention and should be listed as a defect on the Audit form for rectification by the owner.
Handheld VHF should be able to communicate with Channel 82 (steps 2-4 above) from most locations when standing on deck.
For yachts in Geelong, communication with the Arthurs Seat repeater can be problematic so this test may need to be done when in Port Phillip.
Medical Kits – clarification of requirements
Australian Sailing has initiated the transition to modular medical kits under a regime in which required kits, for yachts moving to the new arrangements, are specified in the race documents.
ORCV advises that boats must meet either the grandfathered requirements of Special Reg 4.07.9 or Coastal Kit Two as detailed in Appendix D as part of the audit process.
Life Jacket Servicing – clarification of requirements
ORCV focus on the importance of meeting the Special Regulations for life jacket servicing. We have considered providing additional guidance within our SI’s, however, after an internal review wewould like to draw your attention to the excellent article published in the Australian Sailing website by Manfred Speicher, https://www.sailingresources.org.au/news/lifejacket-wearing-and-servicing.
A key paragraph is:
When auditing lifejackets and related safety equipment, it’s more than just counting the correct number for crew and seeing that it is manufactured in accordance with an applicable standard. The Equipment Auditor should also obtain satisfactory detailed checking that the lifejackets are in good and working condition. The videos for the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qOjuk5VFpE. Click or tap if you trust this link." data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="2">pre-wear check andhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMRlssoHM48. Click or tap if you trust this link." data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="3"> regular inspection in the Lifejacket Portal show excellent and fundamental basics for checking and servicing lifejackets.
This article is fully supported by the ORCV, and we encourage you all to adopt this approach. This includes ensuring lifejackets are checked/serviced in-line with the manufacturer’s frequency and guidelines which in most cases requires a certified inspection every 2 years and a self-check in the interim years.
Non compliance of racing Exclusion Zones
30-minute penalty onto the elapsed times for any yacht which does not comply with these requirements is being included in all new Cat 2 and Cat 3 races which are being included in new Sis for next season.
Spot Checks for compliance with Safety Regulations
ORCV will spot check yachts for up coming races including before departure and on arrival after the race
Yacht Log – It was agreed that the ORCV needs to be more active for encouraging all yachts to record (hard or soft copy) of the yachts log including radio communications. This approach will assist during any emergency or incident report and also add to the safety of each of the competing yachts. ORCV to consider a competition with a prize for the best written logs to assist in encouraging logs to be prepared.
Submission of Skipper Declarations
All future Cat 2 and Cat 3 races will require the Sis skipper declarations to be submitted within one hour of the yachts finishing time, otherwise a DSQ will be applied.
HF radio Phasing out
With the increase in number of the ORCV yachts using Satellite Phones for communications, the ORCV will be eventually phase out HF radios for primary communications. The ORCV recommend any yacht should consider installing a Satellite Phone for it’s primary communications.
ENC type charts for ORCV races.
World hydrographic offices are discontinuing paper charts over time in favour of Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC’s – S-57 & S-63) and then towards S-100. As such, some paper charts which were used in the list for charts for the previous editions of the race are no longer available. It is recommended the use of ENC’s as the primary navigation system.
Paper charts may be used but they must be updated to the latest Notice to Mariners (NtM) within 1 month of the start of the race. Evidence shall be supplied of the NtM updates from the Edition date or Publication date printed on the chart. A guide to updating the charts is shown on the following link;
https://hydro.gov.au/factsheets/FS_PNC-updating_paper_nautical_charts.pdf.
An electronic Chart Plotting device shall be a dedicated chart plotter or a computer with chart plotting type software running ENC type charts.
2024’s Melbourne to Hobart NOR includes the new ENC option with the ORCV working with a local supplier to bundle up a subscription for all ORCV races in one package. Once this package has been setup the ORCV will communicate this package options to all the ORCV members.
