David Haw
20 Dec 2024 · Coroner Rachael Griffin · Dorset
This report repeats 1 earlier warning. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. use of pleasure vessels as commercial vessels
“Sailing is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk”
2. alcohol or drug impairment of vessel helms
“there is currently no legislation prohibiting the use of alcohol or drugs by those who are helming a vessel for private or pleasure use,”
3. absence of mandatory lifejackets on all vessels
“The current legalisation, The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements) Regulations 2020, only requires pleasure vessels of over 13.7 metres in length to carry lifesaving appliances”
4. use of support boats as taxis at social events
“support boats, often RHIBs, at sailing events or regattas, and particularly when they are used outside of the designated sailing time but in a way linked to the event”
5. culture of using support boats as taxis
“I have concerns that there is a culture of using such support boats as a form of taxi particularly at the social events, albeit not for pecuniary gain”
6. lack of mandatory support boat regulations
“Under Rules 89 and 90 of the World Sailing Racing Rules of Saling (RRS20212024Finalwithbookmarks-[27255].pdf) (The Rules) there is a requirement for race organisers to issue a "Notice to Race" and "Sailing Instructions”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
Earlier report
“He was climbing with no safety line He was not wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid He was not wearing clothing that offered no warmth in the water”
This report
“Further, I have a concern that personal floatation devices, such as lifejackets or buoyance aids are not legally required to be carried on all vessels, nor is there any legal requirement to wear lifejackets.”