• The SASC endorsed the concept of developing a business plan that profiles the costs and the benefits of an electronic formatted rendition of a US SAILING Safety at Sea School (including video and pictures) that targets the criteria listed in ORC 6.01. The early concept is to have two courses, one for full-crewed boats and the other for short-handed boats. This training procedure would be developed in partnership with the Training Committee and is to support the current Safety at Sea Seminars sponsored by West Marine, US SAILING and Cruising World magazine. In addition, we talked about a Safety at Sea Seminar instructor training course and a safety at sea on the water course. Both would be developed in conjunction with the training committee.

• For submission to ORC and adoption in the US as prescription, moved and approved:
  
  • For Multihulls Section 3.10, the current requirement is crash bulkheads mandatory for Cat 0 1 2 3 4.
    "Change the requirement for crash bulkheads in multihulls to apply only to Category 0."  (This removes requirement for crash bulkheads on Cats 1, 2, 3, 4).
    
  • 4.04 Add Multihull Categories 01234 (Requires fire extinguishers).
    
  • Recent vessel inspections have shown that some boat owners are trying to fulfill their ORC anchor carriage requirements using disassembled multi-part anchors stowed in cloth bags below decks. The SASC unanimously agreed that multi-part anchors, which are stowed disassembled, do not meet the intent of ORC 4.05, in that they are not "ready for immediate use." The SASC recommends the following for submission to ORC and adoption in the US as a prescription:
    4.05 Insert - "Fully assembled and" before "ready for use".
    
  • Survival suits are to be recommended for ORC Reg. 5.07 in Cat 1 and 2 as a US SAILING prescription for Multihulls. This motion was approved.

• The SASC unanimously approved the recommendation that General Taber be awarded the US SAILING President’s award for the years of work and leadership he provided the Safety at Sea Seminars. According to Mason Chrisman and John Bonds, General Taber was instrumental in the formulation of the curriculum and the development of a program format that has served sailors for 20 years. The recognition of his distinguished service is long overdue.

• Tether fabricators have asked for the design standard the "over stressed flag" requirement in ORC Special Reg 5.02. Ralph Naranjo stated that he could provide to Dan Nowlan the appropriate ISO Standard for dissemination to the manufacturers.

• Naval architect Dr. Paul Miller has received SASC approval to head a Sub Committee drafting an ORC Cat 5 & 6 proposal. He will work directly with CBYRA (Dr. Bruce Binghman) and Harry Keith as well as take other existing proposals into consideration.

• Ralph Naranjo reports from the U.S. Naval Academy that while many suppliers suggest they are providing Grade 316 Stainless Steel, metallurgical analysis has proven that in many cases the grade of stainless is not Grade 316 Stainless Steel. It is strongly recommended that sailors use a competent rigger.

• Also from the U.S. Naval Academy, now that some time has passed since inflatable PFD’s have been in the market and in use, it is clear that maintenance is critical in the safe use of these devices. Man Overboard Modules also need rigorous maintenance. Ralph Naranjo agreed to provide data in electronic format to be placed on the SASC’s website.

• Eric Wallischeck reported on a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy research study comparing the Quickstop, Figure 8, and Reach methods of overboard recovery. Variables in the study include different types of boat, differing wind and sea conditions, and full and double-handed crews. Data will be gathered using DGPS, to show the time of recovery and maximum distance from the victim. Eric will provide an overview of the study for posting on the SASC website.

• Dr. Bruce Eissner reports that ISAF has become a Consultative Member with International Standards Organization (ISO) and seen as a good strategic move, to assist in the creation of boat and equipment standards in Europe which has impact on the U.S. boating market.

• Dr. Bruce Eissner reported that the entire ORC Regulations including US SAILING prescriptions will be placed on the SASC website.

• A policy for evaluating Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medals was approved with the provision of editorial, not content changes, and will be placed on the US SAILING website.

List of Attendees