Royal Prince Alfred's vital Marine First Aid Course, 11 December

by Mitch Watkins/Sail-World Cruising on 3 Dec 2011 There's nothing more important for leisure sailors than the ability to take care of an injured or sick crew member, and the skills required vary greatly from those acquired in a normal first aid course. That's why, if you are anywhere within reach of Pittwater north of Sydney, the course being offered by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) could be vital one day when you least expect.

The instructors of this course have extensive backgrounds in both medical and sailing. The standard Senior First Aid course has been adapted to the environment for which sailors and powerboat owners find themselves in.

An example would be when offshore the knowledge required needs to keep the patent stable for an extended period of time is significantly greater than in a city environment.

Another example would be the extensive medical kits that boats carry far exceed the supplies a general house kit would contain.

For the ocean racers this course satisfies the requirement under the special regulations to have two first aiders on board, for cruisers it's just plain sensible and responsible not to put the lives of you or your crew at risk. What the club has seen recently is a number of experienced offshore teams trying to get the majority of their crew first aid qualified, in excess of the requirements.

For Cruising sailors it is particularly useful for all crew to have their first aid qualifications. In many cases cruising is undertaken by couples, thus their reliance on each other’s ability is significant.

The Marine First Aid Course is being run by Offshore Marine Training.
When: Sunday 11th December 2011 0800 – 1800hrs
Where: The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St Newport 2106
Cost: $210 RPAYC Members / $245 Non Members

Further information and enrolment forms can be found online at www.rpayc.com.au or by calling the sailing office on 02 9998 3771. The numbers will naturally be limited, so don't delay.

The RPAYC run numerous safety courses each year for members and non members. These include Marine First Aid, Safety and Sea Survival as well as Marine Radio Operators Courses.