Instructors supervising basic skills courses from a safety boat should not normally provide safety cover for other groups.
The mechanical failure of a safety boat should not compromise the safety of the overall operation.
Except in the case of heavy displacement craft, safety boats must be fitted with killcords which are of the appropriate length, fully functional and used at all times when underway. A spare killcord should be carried for emergency use.
The use of VHF radios, if available, should be by trained operators. Where the operating area is out of sight of the shore base, VHF radios should be provided. Dealing with radio failure should also be taken into account in the operating procedures document.
Issued 12/07/2023. Information correct at time of publication. 72