Risk Assessment Keelboat Sailing 2025

Cardigan Bay Watersports – Keelboat Risk assessment review – 13^th May 2025

MAIB report publication – sailing incident (off Cowes, Isle of Wight)

The MAIB reported that:

1. although she was wearing a correctly fitting lifejacket and appropriate sailing clothing the crew member rapidly succumbed to the effects of immersion and was unable to assist with her own recovery
2. the activity’s risk assessment was incomplete as it did not consider how individuals who had fallen overboard would be recovered from the water.
3. the crew were insufficiently trained and practised in the recovery of a person overboard.

Issues raised:

These incidents highlight key questions for the safety management of activities where participants may require recovery from the water.

1. Have the participants’ abilities to assist in their own recovery been effectively assessed?
2. Has relevant information about participants been shared with those who will directly supervise them during the activity?
3. Is appropriate safety equipment available, ready to be deployed and its use understood and practised by those who are required to operate it?
4. Have the risks associated with the activity been assessed in the context in which it will take place (location, participants, conditions)?

Posted 12/05/25.

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13^th May 2025

Crawford Mcleary & Martin Wood. Aboard the Hawk 20 at anchor. A floating rope was deployed astern port and starboard to enable Martin to have something to get hold of in the event of him losing contact with the boat. We discussed MOB recovery practical methods. Concluded that we would use the mainsail halyard as a hoist for the MOB.  Used also the boarding ladder amidships. 

Martin entered the water wearing wetsuit, wet weather gear, wellingtons and an inflated lifejacket. It very soon became apparent that he had not tightened the crotch stap sufficiently* –as a consequence the bladder was riding high around his ears and face further compromising his ability to help himself. He struggled to gain a foothold in the ladder**.  As planned I had extended the main halyard using an additional rope*** to enable the halyard to reach Martin’s lifejacket. I then had to tie knot in this rope to Martin’s lifejacket****.  This would not be easy in a rolling sea or with a panicking MOB.   did talk to Martin throughout the exercise to ensure that he was still conscious and able to respond. Once secured I used the winch on the main halyard to lift Martin out of the water enough for him to scramble back onboard.

Notes:

*Ensure lifejackets are properly fitted and the wearer can tighten the crotch strap.

** Add a weight to the bottom rung of the ladder and an extension to the securing rope with a snap shackle on the top end.

**Fix the ladder to the shroud.

***Make up an extension rope for the main halyard.

**** The halyard extension should have snap shackles on both ends.

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Cardigan Bay Watersports – Keelboat MOB action & recovery method.

1. On seeing MOB point and advise other crew members
2. Deploy horseshoe, maintain visual contact and point to the MOB
3. Use the VHF radio to issue a MAY DAY call and / or press DSC button on the VHF radio.
4. Return to MOB asap using best method – either sail or engine, whichever is likely to be fastest
5. Once close to MOB, stop boat and heave to, with the MOB to leeward
6. Throw lifeline if MOB is able to catch it
7. Bring MOB alongside
8. Deploy ladder secured to shroud
9. Drop mainsail
10. Secure the main halyard and extension to the MOB’s lifejacket
11. Using the winch recover the MOB to the boat
12. Check well-being of the MOB and carry out any immediate First Aid requirements
13. Return to shore maintaining close observation of the MOB
14. Use VHF radio to update emergency services

Reviewed 15^th May 2025 – input from CM MW RS