Which Survival, Medical & First Aid Training do I require for a Cat 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 Race under World Sailing OSR Offshore Special Regulations Rule 6.01 and 6.02?
From Section 6 (Training) of the World Sailing OSR Offshore Special Regs (2022-2023)
OFFSHORE YACHT RACING – MANDATORY TRAINING
OSR Race Category |
Offshore Personal Survival / Sea Survival |
Medical Training |
First Aid Training |
|---|---|---|---|
Cat 0 Race |
All crew require a World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Techniques Certificate | At least one crew member must hold STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid and STCW Proficiency in Medical Care | In addition (to left) at least one other crew member shall hold RYA First Aid or STCW Elementary First Aid (or higher level STCW) |
Cat 1 Race |
At least 30% of the crew, including the PIC ** (and not less than 2 crew) require a World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Techniques Certificate | At least two crew members shall hold RYA First Aid or STCW Elementary First Aid (or higher level STCW) | |
Cat 2 Race |
At least 30% of the crew, including the PIC ** (and not less than 2 crew) require a World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Techniques Certificate | At least one crew member shall hold RYA First Aid or STCW Elementary First Aid (or higher level STCW) | |
Cat 3 Race (fully crewed) |
At least one crew member shall be familiar with First Aid procedures, hypothermia, drowning, CPR and relevant communication systems *** | ||
Cat 3 Race (double handed) |
At least one crew member requires a World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Techniques Certificate * | At least one crew member shall be familiar with First Aid procedures, hypothermia, drowning, CPR and relevant communication systems *** | |
Cat 4 Race |
At least one crew member shall be familiar with First Aid procedures, hypothermia, drowning, CPR and relevant communication systems *** |
* The OSR training requirements do not make specific mention of single handed yachts. Our interpretation is that a single handed sailor should comply with at least the same level of training as a double handed team wherever possible.
** PIC – Person In Charge
*** While OSR does not mandate a First Aid Certificate for Cat 3 and 4 races, we believe a simple way to evidence you are compliant with this rule is for at least one crew member to hold RYA First Aid or STCW Elementary First Aid (or higher level STCW).
All certificates stated above should be dated within the last 5 years.
Under Appendix G of the OSR, Those who have previously completed a ISAF / World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Techniques two- day course more than 5 years ago, only need attend a one-day World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Techniques Refresher Course to be issued a new 5-year certificate.