New Changes in ISAF 2008-2009 Offshore Special Regulations including US SAILING Prescriptions

The latest version of the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations (OSR), formerly known as the ORC Special Regulations has been published and is effective from 1 January, 2008.   US SAILING is adding approved prescriptions and will publish the new Special Regulations Booklet by early March.  Extract files with US SAILING prescriptions are available at www.ussailing.org/safety.   A summary of the changes to these regulations follows:

Category 6 (new Appendix L).  A new introduction for 2008 is Category 6 which is primarily aimed at dinghies and small keelboats, where the participating boats may not be self sufficient.

Scantlings (OSR 3.03.1 – MoMu0,1,2).  A yacht built to ISO 12215 Category A has been added to EC Category A and ABS guides as acceptable, if accompanied by written statements from designers and builders.  Race organizers may accept written description of fulfillment signed by a naval architect or person familiar with standards.  A working party has been appointed to review OSR 3.03.1 with a view to replacing current ABS Guide for Building and Classing offshore yachts requirements and EC RCD Category A with compliance with ISO 12215, including plan review.

Stability-Monohulls (OSR 3.04.3 – Mo0,1,2,3,4).   Race organizers should require compliance with a minimum stability or stability/buoyancy index.

Hatches (OSR 3.08.2 a) - Mo1,2,3,4).  The requirement for topside hatches to be arranged above the water when the hull is healed 90 degrees has been redefined to allow exceptions for four (two per side) small hatches with a maximum opening area.  Series built after 1 January 2009 will require a down flooding analysis to be carried aboard.

Watertight Bulkheads - (OSR 3.13.3 - Mu0).  Two transverse main bulkheads are now required in addition to two  ‘crash’ bulkheads.

Pulpits (OSR 3.14).  The requirement for the upper rail of the pulpit to go forward of the headstay has been relaxed to align with the requirements of the ISO Standard 15085.  Openings between pulpit and any part of the boat is defined in OSR 3.14.3 a) for Mo0,1,2,3,4.

Lifeline Lanyards – (OSR 3.14.6 c) – all Categories).  The taut synthetic rope allowed to secure lifeline gaps must now be replaced annually.

VHF Handheld Radios – (OSR 3.29.1 e) – MoMu0,1,2,3,4).  The requirement for carrying a watertight handheld VHF transceiver and stow it in a grab bag or emergency container when not in use is extended to monohull categories 2,3,4.

Hull Marking – (OSR 4.02.2 – Mu0,1,2,3,4).  Multihulls underside marking requirements have been revised.

First Aid – (OSR 4.08.4 – MoMu1,2).  New First Aid training requirements to hold a current Senior First Aid Certificate(s), or equivalent, and be familiar with management of medical emergencies and obtaining medical advice by radio.  (The US equivalent of a Senior First Aid Certificate is posted at www.ussailing.org/safety )  

EPIRBs – (OSR 4.19 – MoMu0,1,2).  INMARSAT Type “E” EPIRBs have been removed from the OSR.  “Type “E” EPIRBS are no longer supported and should be replaced immediately.”

Liferaft Packing and Stowage - (OSR 4.20.3 b) v) – Mu0,1,2).   Stowage is to be such that each liferaft may be readily removed and launched whether or nor the yacht is inverted.

Liferaft Servicing and Inspection – (OSR 4.20.5 d) – MoMu1,2).  Servicing certificates shall state the specification (from OSR 4.20.2) that the liferaft was built to.

Grab Bag Recommended Contents – (OSR 4.21.3  w) and x) – MoMu0).  SOLAS flares and flashlight are added.

Pyrotechnic and Light Signals – (OSR 4.23 – All Categories).  The requirement for white hand-held flares has been deleted and replaced by requirements for high-powered spotlight/searchlight.

Man Overboard Alarm – (OSR 4.28 – MoMu1,2).  A new recommendation to be equipped with an Electronic Position-Fixing System (EPFS), e.g. GPS, capable of immediately recording a man overboard position from each helm station becomes a requirement from January 2012.

Lifejacket – (OSR 5.01`.2 – MoMu1,2,3,4).  The requirements for lifejackets have been specified in more detail.  Inflatable lifejackets are required to have a compressed gas inflation system.  Crotch strap or thigh straps and a lifejacket light have been made mandatory having previously been strongly recommended.  US SAILING has prescribed that a crotch strap or thigh straps remains a recommendation.

Training Topics for Theoretical and Hands-On Sessions – (OSR 6.01 - MoMu1,2).  The requirement for general first aid training including CPR has been removed from the syllabus of the required ISAF Offshore Personal Sea Survival Course.  First aid training requirements are now in OSR 4.08.4.