Safety at Sea Training

– by Steve Harris

Recently, a few of us were discussing the upcoming Mills Trophy Race on Lake Erie.  Some of our members are considering entering this year.  The Mills is an overnight distance race starting at the Toledo Lighthouse and ending at Put-in-Bay.  Many Lake Erie sailors consider it a “must do” each season – it’s certainly an adventure.  I’ve been fortunate to serve as Principal Race Officer for this historic event – cancelled last year due to COVID-19, 2021 will be the 97th running of this event.  Being a coastal event, there’s a lot more prep that goes into planning to race in the Mills.  One of the requirements for all crews is US Sailing’s Safety at Sea training.  Traditionally, this was conducted as a two-day, in person course, but like many trainings lately, US Sailing has made an online training option available. Further information is below….

Whether you’re planning to race an event like the Mills, looking to cruise on Lake Erie this summer, or just want to brush up on your safety knowledge and preparedness, I highly recommend taking the training and getting certified in Safety at Sea.  I recently completed the online coastal Safety at Sea Training.  It took a few hours to go through all of the modules, but it was very straightforward, easy to understand, and informative.  Yes – even on shallow Buckeye Lake bad things sometimes happen!  You can never be too prepared.

Online Coastal Safety at Sea

This Online Course is for… Inland and Coastal Racers and Cruisers. This five unit online course is designed to provide you with essential safety information that you can use immediately on the water.  It is for anyone who sails, boats, cruises or races on both inland and coastal waters.

Requirements for a US Sailing Coastal Safety at Sea Certificate:

Successfully completing this course with a final Post-Assessment score of 80 or above.

Cost of the Course

US Sailing Members, $45  (discount code found in “My US Sailing”)
Non-members, $50

Topics

Coastal Online covers: Giving Assistance, Personal Safety Gear, Crew Overboard Rescue, Emergency Communication, Search and Rescue.  This course satisfies the requirements for Coastal Races being sailed under United States Special Equipment Regulations 4.3.2.

You will receive a Coastal Safety at Sea Certificate upon completion.

This Coastal Online course DOES NOT FULFILL the requirements to obtain an International Offshore Safety at Sea certificate.

TAKE THE ONLINE COURSE

Mills Trophy Race

June 11-12