The new auditing season is now here, with bookings for new Cat 7 to Cat 1 audits, now open and available through the Sailing Office. For all boats that are not already competing in a RPAYC Club Series (e.g. Wednesday Series or Winter Series), each boat’s current audit, will expire on 30 June 2021, hence a new audit is now due to be completed.
The sport of Sailing in Australia has a strong reputation for self-management of safety. An important tool for this, is the Special Regulations, whose purpose is to establish uniform minimum equipment, accommodation and training standards for racing boats.
The Special Regulations can also act as a guide for cruising boats. Special Regulations do not replace, but rather supplement the requirements of government authorities, the Racing Rules of Sailing and the Rules of Class Associations and rating systems. Remember to check that your boat also complies with Transport NSW requirements.
For the purposes of ensuring compliance with the minimum safety equipment requirements for each category of event, Australian Sailing trains and accredits Equipment Auditors. It is the responsibility of Skippers or the Persons in Charge (PiC) of all vessels to not only ensure that all safety equipment is on board, in date, properly maintained and in service, but that everybody on board knows where it is located and sufficient people are trained in the use of special equipment.
The Auditing Process at RPAYC;
- Download and complete in full the relevant form for the race or cruise Category you intend to participate in.
- Submit your completed form to the Sailing Office together with all supplementary paper work as required in the Notice of Race or Cruise Documentation.
(e.g. Model Keel & Inspection Form, AIS/EPIRB registration Form, Radio Inspection forms, Lifejacket/Dan Buoy Service forms, Liferaft Certificates). Check with other clubs their requirements for audits (e.g. Self-Servicing). - Audits are generally carried out on Wednesday & Saturday mornings. Upon making an audit booking with the Sailing Office, have in mind alternative dates and times that you would prefer to have your audit to occur.
- Once you have a confirmed audit booking, prepare the boat for the inspection with all equipment laid out and easily accessible. Clearly label your equipment. If boats are not prepared, the Auditor will step off your boat and a new audit booking will be required.
Incomplete audits
Boats with incomplete or outstanding items for Category 7 audits, will have 30 days to finalise their audit.
For Category 1-6 audits, boats will have 60 days to finalise their audit.
Boats failing to meet these time frames, will have to re-book for another full audit.
Completed Audits
The original audit paper work will be held on file with the RPAYC Sailing Office, where a scanned copy may be emailed to you, upon request.
Questions
Do you need assistance, or are you unsure of an AS Special Regulation? Email the Sailing Office with your query. The Sailing Office will provide an explanation or contact a Club Auditor to assist you further.
Forms: