Man Overboard Equipment - World Sailing Compliance
Danbuoys, Lifebuoys, Floating Lines, Automatic Lights and Recovery Slings are required by the:
World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations
These are the requirements stated in the regulations which apply to both Monohulls and Multihulls in Category Races 0, 1 and 2.
Race Categories are explained further down the page.
4.22.3
a) a lifebuoy with a self-igniting light, a whistle, and a drogue within reach of the helmsman and ready for immediate use.
b) a lifebuoy with a self-igniting light, a whistle, and a drogue.
c) in addition to OSR 4.22.3 b) above, within reach of the helmsman and ready for immediate use, a second lifebuoy equipped with:
- i) a whistle, a drogue, a self-igniting light, and
- ii) a pole and flag. The pole shall be either permanently extended or be capable of being fully automatically extended.
- iii) each lifebuoy shall be equipped with a sachet of fluorescein dye.
d) at least one lifebuoy shall depend entirely on permanent buoyancy (e.g. foam)
e) each inflatable lifebuoy and any automatic device shall be tested and serviced at intervals in accordance with its manufacturer’s instructions.
4.22.4 A heaving line, no less than 6mm diameter, 15 - 25 metres long, readily accessible to cockpit.
4.22.5 A recovery sling which includes:
a) a buoyant line of length no less than the shorter of 4 times Hull Length (LH) or 36 metres.
b)a buoyancy section (horseshoe) with no less than 90N (20#) buoyancy.
c) the minimum strength capable to hoist a crew member aboard.
World Sailing Race Category Definitions:
2.01.1 Category 0 = Trans-oceanic races, including races which pass through areas in which air or sea temperatures are likely to be less than 5°C (41°F) other than temporarily, where boats must be completely self-sufficient for very extended periods of time, capable of withstanding heavy storms and prepared to meet serious emergencies without the expectation of outside assistance.
2.01.2 Category 1 = Races of long distance and well offshore, where boats must be completely self-sufficient for extended periods of time, capable of withstanding heavy storms and prepared to meet serious emergencies without the expectation of outside assistance.
2.01.3 Category 2 = Races of extended duration along or not far removed from shorelines or in large unprotected bays or lakes, where a high degree of self-sufficiency is required of the boats.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and World Cruising Club (WCC) adopt these regulations in their rules.
Jimmy Green Danbuoys can comply with the regulations when fully extended, with the addition of an automatic light.
The regulations need a little interpretation and if you are in any doubt, you should contact the relevant authority to check:
4.22.4 seems to indicate that the second lifebuoy should be attached to a light, a drogue and a danbuoy.
4.22.8 seems to indicate that a recovery sling is required in addition to the two lifebuoys, lights and drogues (one of which must have permanent buoyancy).