Reported e-mail vote on modifying the PFD Prescription. 18 against, 3 for, 1 abstention and 2 no votes.

The committee agreed not to take any action over refining the definition of "adequate floatation".

Ralph Naranjo reported on the continuing lifeline/pulpit strength testing at the U.S. Naval Academy; the testing of an active radar transponder; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy projects on Man Overboard maneuver documentation and further development of the safety days (educational system). Both of these projects have been partially funded by generous contributions from the Cruising Club of America’s Bonnel Cove Foundation.

The inshore safety seminars were briefly discussed, and at present time, there does not seem to be much market for these events. The system is in place to provide them if requested.

Bruce Eissner reported on the development of European standards for recreational boats, and the impact it is likely to have on U.S. practices. He also noted the increased requirement for international certificates of competency to operate any watercraft in European Union nation waters.

The committee recommended to the Offshore Committee that race organizers be permitted to put on their websites the requirements for their races, provided that they also provide US SAILING’s Recommendations for Offshore Sailing to each entrant as part of their handout package. This was approved by the Offshore Committee.

The question of snapshackles or other hooks on the inboard end of tethers will be studied further with the Sailing Foundation.

The committee will address radar reflectors in the next few weeks by e-mail, to determine if we will remove the more permissive U.S. prescription in the next edition of the booklet. Advance notification will be made to US SAILING members.

Rescue medals continue to be awarded as cases are received. Dr. Sam Murray, one of our recent recipients was in attendance and was honored by the committee for his life saving effort.

One other item of note was the report made to the Board, made by committee member Glenn McCarthy. This report was one of the best on the subject of MOB results to date! You will find it along with editorial remarks in an article by John Burnham in the December 1998/January 1999 issue of Sailing World.

The committee applauded the contribution of outgoing chairman John Bonds for his outstanding dedication to the committee and US SAILING. He will continue as a member of the committee.