Safety & Sea Survival course (SSS)

Developed in response to the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race tragedy, this course is essential for anyone heading offshore whether by sail or power, professionally or recreationally.

This intensive one-day course combines up-to-date theory with hands-on practical training in an interactive learning environment. Participants will:

• Deploy and use liferafts
• Practice using inflatable lifejackets in a pool
• Experience flare deployment

Successful completion awards a certificate that satisfies the requirements of Section 6.01 of World Sailing’s Offshore Special Regulations for Category 0, 1, and selected Category 2 offshore races.

The SSS course involves classroom presentations & learning activities, and practical exercises in the use of liferafts, inflatable lifejackets & distress flares. Of 16 hrs duration the course is delivered over 1 full day together with an online e-learning component and is facilitated by Safety & Sea Survival Instructor. The maximum teaching ratio for this course is 20 students to 1 x SSS Instructor (in the classroom) with a reduced ratio of 10:1 for on-water sessions. The practical exercise is conducted in the marina.  A minimum of four participants must be enrolled for the course to go ahead.

To provide all persons intending to go to sea, in sailing or motor yachts, whether cruising or racing, with skills and essential knowledge that will maximise their chances of survival in water or liferafts following a man overboard situation or vessel abandonment; and familiarise sailors with the latest personal and vessel safety equipment, its purpose, deployment, and most effective use; and present and discuss prevention and coping strategies for incidents and emergencies at sea.

The content of the World Sailing (International Sailing Federation [ISAF]) ‘Model Training Course for Offshore Personal Survival’ attendees will be met, and participants will receive a Course Completion Certificate that satisfies the requirements for most Category 0, 1 and 2 races. With a 5 year validity the certificate can be updated by attending the 8 hour (minimum) Refresher Course, however for those who do not go to sea regularly, it is highly recommended that the Full Course be completed.

The SSS course certificate is valid for 5 years. For sailors whose certificates have expired, the Refresher Course of 8 hours tuition time may be attended. The Refresher Course is designed for active offshore racing sailors and anyone who does not sail regularly should seriously consider doing the Full Course. The Refresher Course also provides a valuable update for cruising sailors.

A Refresher Course may be taken to renew a certificate if the Refresher course is completed within 2 years of the expiration of the individual’s most recent SSSC certificate.

Your certificate can be found in your Australian Sailing Profile – click here.

Go boating and enjoy your cruising or racing adventures!

Consider aspiring to become a coastal, offshore or ocean Yachtmaster, and for the very experienced, becoming a SSS Instructor.

Australian Sailing recognises that professional Mariners may have attended courses with similar content. As such, you may be able to credit previous qualifications towards a Safety and Sea Survival Course Certificate. For more information on RPL and to apply please click here.

Unsure of your SSSC qualification? Click on the button below to check your current SSSC qualification status.

Full Course FSC Member Price $480
(E-Learning, Theory and Practical Drills)

Full Course Non-Member Price $530
(E-Learning, Theory and Practical Drills)

Refresher Course $280
(Theory and Practical Drills)

Lifejacket $40
An inflatable PFD can be hired for the day for those without their own.

After you register, our E-Learning provider, Above and Beyond Boating, will email your login credentials within one business day.

The online component takes approximately 6 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. You’ll have access to the content for 12 months from the date of enrolment.

Please note: the online theory exam must be completed before attending the Practical Drills session.

Practical drills are completed in one full day (0800 to 1500). These drills are held onsite at Fremantle Sailing Club Dinghy Clubhouse. Practical exercises include E-Learning Q&A, use of life rafts, inflatable life jackets, distress flares and other safety equipment. These exercises are completed with a qualified Australian Sailing Instructors at a ratio of 1 x Instructor for up to 10 participants.

•  Note pad and pen.
•  Inflatable PFD 150N with Crutch Strap and Tether if possible. FSC will provide life jackets to those that indicated this during registration.
•  Closed shoes are required for the Flare Operations and Fire Fighting.
•  Wet weather gear for the in-water exercise, clothing that would normally be worn on deck on a cool night and footwear as would be worn on deck.
•  A change of clothes and a towel would be useful after the in-water exercise.

BOATING OFFICE
Email: sailing@fsc.com.au
Phone: (08) 9435 8821