“The evidence from survivors of the yacht Winston Churchill and testing conducted by the NSW Water Police makes it indisputable: crew members with safety training are significantly more likely to survive than those without.”

– Coroner Abernathy, inquest into the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

This blended learning course combines 6–8 hours of self-paced online learning with a practical hands-on training day, giving you the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to offshore emergencies.

You will learn how to prevent incidents, prepare your yacht and crew, and use modern offshore safety equipment correctly. During the practical day you'll deploy and board a liferaft, complete realistic pool-based survival exercises, fire live flares, and practise emergency procedures using industry-standard safety equipment.

Online learning topics

• Responsibility and duty of care
• Weather forecasting and heavy weather sailing
• Communications and distress procedures
• Personal safety and survival techniques
• Fire prevention and firefighting
• Damage control and emergency repairs
• Man overboard prevention and recovery
• Liferafts and abandoning ship
• Search and rescue (SAR) procedures

Practical training day

• Deploying and boarding a liferaft
• Righting and reboarding an inverted liferaft
• Lifejacket inflation and in-water survival drills
• Recovery techniques using throwing lines and drogues
• Hands-on use of EPIRBs, PLBs, Life Cells, immersion suits and other modern safety equipment
• Live hand-held flare exercise

Experienced instructors

Your training is delivered by experienced instructors accredited by Australian Sailing and World Sailing, using modern safety equipment in realistic practical exercises.

All safety and training equipment is provided.

Training locations

The practical flare drill training is based at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Mosman. Pool survival exercises are conducted at Warringah Aquatic Centre, Frenchs Forest.

Your course fee includes:

• 6–8 hours of self-paced online learning
• One full practical training day
• Pool-based survival exercises and live flare training
• Hands-on use of liferafts, lifejackets and modern offshore safety equipment
• Course publications and learning materials
• Professional instruction by Australian Sailing and World Sailing accredited instructors

All liferafts, lifejackets, flares and specialist safety equipment used during the practical exercises are supplied by Flying Fish.

Qualification

• Australian Sailing / World Sailing Offshore Safety & Sea Survival Certificate

This certificate is recognised for many offshore racing events and professional sailing pathways. It is generally valid for five years and can be renewed by completing a one-day revalidation course.

• This course is suitable for anyone going to sea recreationally or commercially who wants practical training in emergency procedures, survival techniques, and offshore safety.
• The qualification satisfies the sea survival requirements for most Category 0, 1, and 2 offshore races.
• It is also a mandatory requirement for many professional qualifications including the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence and AMSA Sailing Master certification.
• No previous sailing or safety training is required.

• You can revalidate this certificate after five years by completing a one-day  Sea Survival Revalidation course with Flying Fish.
• Consider further safety training with Flying Fish Marine First Aid and Marine Radio Operator.

• Booking information
  • Book early as places are limited.
  • Receive a 10% discount when you book three or more courses in a single transaction.
  • View our Terms & Conditions.
• Who should attend this course?
  • This course is suitable for offshore sailors, yacht racers, cruising crew, and anyone preparing for offshore passages or professional sailing qualifications.
  • No previous sailing or sea survival experience is required.
• Is this course suitable for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and other offshore races?
  • Yes. This course meets the Australian Sailing / World Sailing Offshore Safety & Sea Survival training requirements used by many Category 0, 1 and 2 offshore races, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
  • Always check the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions for your specific event, as organisers may have additional requirements or revalidation timeframes.
• Can I book a private course for my club or crew?
  • Yes. We can arrange private courses for yacht clubs, race crews, sailing organisations and commercial operators.
  • Private courses are available for groups of eight or more and can usually be delivered on a date to suit your group.
  • Groups of eight or more receive a 10% discount per person.
• Where is the practical training held?
  • The classroom sessions and live flare exercise are conducted at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Mosman.
  • Pool survival exercises take place at Warringah Aquatic Centre in Frenchs Forest.
  • Full joining instructions, timings and directions are provided after booking.
• What should I bring?
  • Swimwear and a towel for the pool exercises.
  • A change of clothes.
  • Comfortable clothing and non-slip footwear.
  • Hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
  • Lunch and snacks.
  • All safety equipment used during the course is provided by Flying Fish.
• How long is the certificate valid?
  • The Australian Sailing / World Sailing Offshore Safety & Sea Survival certificate is generally valid for five years.
  • You can renew your certification by completing a one-day revalidation course before it expires.