ISA Safety Boat Certificate – Course Outline

Course Aim

To provide participants with the skills and techniques required to operate a safety boat in support of:

• Racing fleets
• Training fleets
• Race management

Pre-Requisites

• IS National Powerboat Certificate (or equivalent).
• Recommended: First Aid Certificate & VHF Short Range (SRC) Radio Certificate.

Course Format

• Duration: Minimum 14 hours (typically 2 days).
• Boats: Planing or displacement craft suitable for open sea.
• Assessment: Continuous practical assessment.
• Delivery: ISA-accredited training centres only.

Modules & Learning Outcomes

1. Preparation & Handling

• Rigging, fuelling, and safety checks.
• Holding position relative to craft.
• Approaching, towing, landing, and recovery from lee shore.
• Recovering a person from the water.

2. Rescue Techniques

• Dinghies & Catamarans: Righting capsized boats, assisting crews.
• Windsurfers: Approach and recovery of sailor, towing/stowing board and rig.
• Canoes/Kayaks: Recovery, emptying, assisting paddlers back in.
• Kitesurfers: Recognising hazards (kites/lines), safe recovery.

3. Race Management Support

• Positioning safety boats for starts and races.
• Mark laying, adjustment, and recovery (GPS & visual).

4. Towing Skills

• Towing methods: alongside, astern, multiple tows.
• Managing swamped or damaged boats.

5. Incident & Emergency Management

• Communication with other vessels & race officials.
• Summoning external assistance.
• Handling medical emergencies afloat.
• Recovery of casualties.
• Conducting search patterns.

6. Care & Maintenance

• De-rigging, stowing, and maintaining safety boats.
• Fleet readiness for training/race support.