Sailing (Yacht) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Flares and pyrotechnics misuse — Store flares dry and secured; check expiry dates and segregate from heat sources. Train safe handling, firing arcs and downwind deployment; keep fire bucket/blanket ready. Arrange licensed disposal of expired flares.
• Grounding or underwater objects — Plan under-keel clearance using tide and charted depths; avoid poorly surveyed areas on low water. Use depth sounder/leadline and maintain a track offset from hazards. Brief gentle refloat methods and watertight integrity checks post-contact.
• Collision with other vessels or hazards — Maintain an effective lookout and safe speed; brief basic collision-avoidance rules and sound signals. Plot hazards on paper/GPS charts; use nav lights by rule and reflectors/AIS if fitted. Establish calling procedures to alert skipper early.
• Gear failure (rigging, lines) — Complete pre-sail inspections of standing/running rigging, shackles and pins; tape sharp ends. Carry spare lines, blocks, tape and a basic rig-repair kit. Brief safe line handling, keep hands clear of pinch points, and recheck rig after heavy loads.
• Overboard retrieval and cold shock — Carry lifebuoy with light/throw line; brief immediate “stop/mark/call” actions and recovery tackles. Practise short-handed recovery methods and hypothermia rewarming sequence. Log drills and debrief to improve timings.