Guidance Notes For Visiting Staff.
Teesside Nautical Studies recognises that power boating can be a potentially lethal sport. We also recognise that part of the excitement of power boating comes from the risk its self. We aim to keep that risk to an absolute minimum, yet gain the maximum enjoyment from the sport.
Whilst we wish visiting staff to enjoy the relaxed, informal atmosphere, we would remind you that working near water can be hazardous and that the overall responsibility for the behaviour of students rest with yourself. In the interests of safety, we reserve the right to ask that any person, who in our opinion is behaving in a disruptive or dangerous manner, be removed from the course of instruction.
First Aid
Please report all injuries to your instructor, who is first aid qualified, and will ensure that injuries are correctly treated and documented.
Telephones
The use of mobile phones ashore by students will be permitted providing permission is first sought from the instructor. The use and carrying of mobile phones whilst afloat in small craft is not advised owing to the corrosive nature of salt water.
Life Jackets
Life jackets shall be worn at all times whilst on the water in small craft and will conform to the appropriate standard with a minimum buoyancy of 100 newtons.
Consent Form
Parents of students under the age of 16 in full time education are required to complete a consent form before their son or daughter takes part in a water based activity. Students and visiting staff members over 16 years, will be required to sign a medical declaration confirming that they are fit to take part in the centre’s activities.
Insurance
As a part of Middlesbrough Borough Council, we have cover under their Public and Employers Liability Policy. In addition, passengers on board M.V. Northumbria are insured under the Commercial Motor Vessel policy which includes personal possessions.
Operation of Powerboats
Before on water activities take place the senior instructor will confirm that the weather conditions are suitable for that activity to proceed. With the exception of persons receiving instruction, no person shall be in overall charge of a powerboat unless he or she has a RYA Powerboat Certificate.
Boat Safety
Before a boat leaves the centre, the instructor will visually check that:-
The fuel tank is secure.
The kill chord is in use.
The boat is suitably equipped for the area of operation.
Recall Signal
The signal to recall the boats off the water shall be the vertically raised arm of a person stood on the jetty. If this signal is given by a student on the water it shall mean "I require assistance". If this signal is given by an instructor on the water it shall mean "All students to come here".
Safety Boat
A boat designated as the safety boat shall be ready for immediate use whenever
students are on the water.
Operation of M.V. Northumbria
The skipper of 'Northumbria' is responsible for the overall health and safety of everybody on board at all times. Any decisions, which affect the planned programme of activities on board shall be taken in conjunction with the group leader. When passengers are on board, 'Northumbria' will be operated in accordance with the "Code of Practice for Small Commercial Motor Vessels".
Safety Briefing
Before 'Northumbria' leaves her moorings all passengers shall be given a safety briefing. The safety briefing will cover the following points: -
The planned programme of activities
The vessels emergency signal and action to be taken on hearing it.
The location and fitting of life jackets.
No smoking areas.
Action to be taken in Emergency
Detailed emergency action plans and procedures can be found on board 'Northumbria' in the book containing the ships documents.
If you have any concerns, please raise them immediately with myself or your instructor.
I wish you an enjoyable and successful visit.
Trevor Forster
Principal.