Due to the challenges that COVID-19 has placed on a number of aspects of Sail Training, the Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival course, and revalidation, are now available to complete through a flexible e-Learning course. Following the completion of the e-Learning course, participants can then choose to schedule the practical exercises at a time and location that is convenient for them.

With the creation of the e-Learning course, the Safety & Sea Survival course is now a fantastic blended learning opportunity. Participants will still get to experience the practical wet drills – which include launching and boarding a life raft, setting off flares, and deploying an inflatable lifejacket in water – and the face-to-face time commitment has now been reduced from two days to just one.

The original course format meant there was a lot of information over the two days, whereas now, participants can digest this e-Learning course at their own pace, before attending the wet drills. The course features case studies and learnings from recent incidents, so you can implement strategies into your own boating to keep everyone safe.

Regular pool sessions will be scheduled ASAP.

Australian Sailing has committed to allowing this format of the course for 12 months in response to COVID-19.

The certificate awarded meets the eligibility requirements of section 6.01 of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations for Category 0, 1 and some Category 2 offshore races.

This course assists owners and/or their representatives to understand their responsibilities, and helps skippers and crew develop and practice strategies and procedures to prevent and address emergencies at sea. The course was developed by Australian Sailing (AS) to provide survival training for Offshore Sailors. It is mandatory for 50% of crew in Category 1 Offshore Races and is highly recommended for sailors in Category 2 events. Blue water cruisers will also benefit greatly from the training. If you are considering competing in any Category 1 or 2 yacht races, you should consider this course as a standard component of your on-going skills development.

“The safety of a boat and her crew is the sole and inescapable responsibility of the owner, or owner’s representative who must do their best to ensure that the boat is fully found, thoroughly seaworthy and manned by an experienced crew who are physically fit to face bad weather. He must be satisfied as to the soundness of hull, spars, rigging, sails and all gear. He must ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained and stowed and that the crew know where it is kept and how it is to be used.”

(World Sailing Approved Offshore Personal Survival Course)

AS Special Regulations, Addendum A.1, Section 1, Regulation 1.02 (a) OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY.

This is delivered as an e-learning course, combined with the practical wet drills and flare demonstrations.

Online e-Learning

This is an online course. After you have enrolled, we will send your login details. The SSSC e-learning course takes around 6 hours to complete. The content is structured so you can review the material as fast or as slow as you feel comfortable.

Get your Sea Safety & Survival Certificate

To achieve an Australian Sailing SSSC accreditation, you will need to complete the e-Learning course, the online theory exam, and the practical wet drills. If you plan gain your full SSSC certificate, you should confirm where you will complete your wet drills prior to enrolling in this e-Learning course.

Theory Exam

It is a requirement to complete a 25 multiple-choice question exam, included in the online course, with a successful pass mark of 80% (20 correct) before participating in wet drill activities.

On completion of the theory exam, you will be provided with proof of completion to present at to the Australian Sailing accredited SSSC Instructor when you will be completing your wet drills.

Wet Drills

The practical wet drills and flare demonstrations must be completed within 12 months of completing the e-Learning and exam.

Your AS Safety & Sea Survival Certificate will be issued on the completion date of the practical wet drills by Pacific Sailing School an accredited Australian Sailing centre.

SSSC full course – 6 hours of e-Learning and 6 hours of wet drills and flare demonstrations – $695

SSSC Revalidation – 3-4 hours of e-Learning and 6 hours of wet drills and optional flare demonstrations – $595

• To assist offshore skippers and crews in developing awareness of respective responsibilities.
• To offer and discuss practical strategies for coping with emergencies at sea.
• To familiarize skippers and crews with safety and emergency equipment, its purpose, deployment, and use.
• The course is taught by Pacific Sailing School’s qualified instructors.

Keys dates:

• Course access is for 12 months – during this time, the e-learning and assessment must be completed.
• Once you have completed the assessment, you can review the course material at any point during the 12-month period.
• Once you have completed the assessment, you have 12 months from that date to take part in a practical wet drill session to complete your AS certification.
• The 5-year renewal date is from the date of completing the wet drill.