Safety

The TSASA cares about the safety of its members, other participants and the general public involved in, or affected by, any TSASA event. In exercising this duty of care, all members are expected to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of injury to participants and others. The Association has adopted a formalised safety management approach that includes risk assessment prior to conducting TSASA events and, where reasonably practicable, the implementation of appropriate control measures to mitigate risks.

One of the benefits of TSASA membership is that when participating in TSASA events, less experienced skippers and crew can learn from more experienced members and thus, in time, develop their skills and become more self-sufficient. Whilst the TSASA is not an expert body involved in formal training, by facilitating activities for members within the context of the TSASA Safety Policy members can enjoy sailing and socialising with like-minded companions.

SAFETY POLICY

Safety is the responsibility of everyone.
The TSASA is committed to ensuring a safe environment for TSASA members and anyone who may be affected by events endorsed by the TSASA.
It is a condition of membership of the TSASA that all members comply with the requirements of the Association’s Safety Management principles.
The TSASA will fulfil its duty of care by making every reasonable effort to provide a safe environment at TSASA events and to reduce risk of personal injury or damage to property.
The purpose of Safety Management in the TSASA is to integrate safety into the everyday running of the Association and to ensure that safety is an integral part of event planning.

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Safety Policy is encapsulated in the Safety Management System (SMS) document that provides a framework for procedures to manage risks and organise on-water events. This document outlines a systematic approach to safety management and specifies procedures that clarify individual responsibility at the Committee, Event Leader and Member levels. The Event Leader is a member approved by the Committee to manage the organisation of an endorsed event.

Whenever an event is planned, it is the responsibility of the Event Leader to ensure that safety practices, that are fully described in the SMS document, are undertaken. The preparation of a Safety Plan by the Event Leader provides the mechanism to ensure, as far as is practical, a safe and enjoyable event occurs.

Safety Plan Components

Notice of Events
Risk Assessment
Event Entry Form
Sailing Instructions
Event Leadership and Operation
Post Event Reporting and Records Management

The Event Leader would usually develop a Safety Plan in conjunction with the Safety Officer and drawing on the expertise of others with special knowledge of the destination or event.

Each participant boat skipper is provided with the Sailing Instructions prepared by the Event Leader which provides details including the daly sailing plan and any specific safety considerations or equipment requirements to ensure participants are well informed of expected conditions.