Safety Officer’s Daily Checklist__ Check weather reports
__ Talk with PRO (Principal Race Officer)
__ Safety boat meeting (including coaches)
__ Assign/reassign safety boat numbers
__ Provide weather forecasts
__ Possible safety problems & procedures (lightning, squall, etc.)
__ Positive attitude; hand signals with a smile
__ Radio channels and protocol
__ Key phone numbers distributed
__ Radio and backup, ___ Channel ___ Alternate for private calls
__ Assign daily duty: zone, escort, mother ship, other
__ Confirm that each boat has:
__ Waterproof radio with GPS and DSC [Digital Selective Calling]
__ Key(s)
__ Gas and oil for full day
__ PFDs - set the example and wear them
__ Patrol flag
__ First-aid kit including a breathing mask for CPR
__ Rigging knives
__ Bolt cutters on at least one boat
__ Water for competitors
__ Coast Guard required emergency equipment
__ Spectator boat briefing by spectator boat fleet captain
__ Outline spectator fleet rules and enforcement
__ Review the above safety boat information
__ Emphasize no interference with racing or safety boat functions
__ Dispatch safety boats before sailors leave the dock
__ Meet with shore-based safety officer
__ Monitor launching, check-in and radio
__ Stay in touch with shore, PRO and safety boats
__ Sweep racing area at end of day
__ Set up “Chain of sight” string of escort boats to guide novice/younger fleets in
__ Maintain safety ratio as boats go in (recommended ratio:8:1)
__ Verify tag board or other check-in is complete.