Page 15 - Misconduct a Reference for Race Officials

Responsibility of skipper for safety of crew
It is a fundamental principle of maritime law that the skipper is responsible for the
safety of his vessel and crew. It is the skipper’s responsibility to decide whether
to start or to continue in a race, as is the decision to start or continue any other
passage. This principle is illustrated by Rule 4 of the ISAF Racing Rules of
Sailing which states:

“The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue
racing is hers alone”.

The responsibility of a race organiser in relation to the overall management of the
race and the responsibility of the skipper for the safety of their boat and crew
operate in tandem. However, if race organisers consistently adopt too cautious
an approach to starting and continuing races then this may over time tend to
encourage skippers to rely upon the judgement of race organisers and to
undermine the fundamental principle of maritime law as to the skipper’s
responsibility.

More specific advice and guidance on race management is available from the
RYA Racing and Powerboat Racing Departments.

Keeping track of competitors
Where an event provides a single point of departure from the shore for
competitors, and a single point of return, the race organiser should have some
means of knowing which boats are out on the water and which have returned. A
tally system, or a requirement to sign out and sign back in, should be considered
for medium sized and major events and events with child competitors, although
not necessarily for small events on enclosed waters.

For offshore racing, competitors are normally required to identify themselves to
the race officer prior to the start, and inform the race officer or Coast Guard if
retiring.

Patrol boat cover and manning
Race organisers will need to decide whether they are able to offer patrol boat
cover for their activities. Such decision will no doubt depend in part on the
finances and resources of the organiser.

Patrol boats may fulfil a number of functions, including mark laying, marshalling
and providing safety boat cover. The functions that patrol boats are capable of

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