This course is essential for anyone taking to the seas, whether on a motor or sailing vessel. SSSC will teach you how to go about preparing to go to sea, emergency procedures, safety equipment, life-saving signals, handling heavy weather and choosing the most suitable life jacket or buoyancy aid. It also provides in-depth advice and information on safety and survival skills required at sea.

Syllabus

• Use of life raft
• Survival in the water
• Helicopter rescue drills
• Meteorology
• Search and rescue systems
• Damage control
• Man overboard prevention and recovery
• Heavy weather seamanship-crew routines, boat handling, drogues
• Fire fighting techniques

What do i bring

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Level 150 lifejacket with crutch strap
• Safety harness with crutch strap and tether
• Note pad and pen
• Offshore wet weather gear including sea boots (what you would wear while sailing offshore)

Instructors

Stephen “Rowdy” McCullum brings unparalleled real-world experience to his role as a Sea Safety and Survival instructor, making him one of the most effective and knowledgeable educators in the field. With a lifetime spent at sea, including 28 Sydney to Hobart races, America’s Cup campaigns, and multiple world and national titles, Rowdy has first hand experience with the extreme conditions that sailors face. Unlike textbook-based instruction, Rowdy’s teaching is rooted in actual survival scenarios, equipping sailors with practical, life-saving skills. His ability to share personal stories of navigating life-threatening situations at sea ensures his students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also the confidence to react effectively in real emergencies. 

In completing the course, 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 a refresher course.

The RYCT as an Australian Sailing Discover Sailing Centre offers these courses, and are run by accredited Aus. Sailing Instructors.

For More information, please contact:

• Michael Denney (RYCT Sailing Manager) at sailing@ryct.org.au