Safety brief. A member of sea staff will be with you the moment you step aboard. As soon as you put your bag down, you will be given a thorough safety brief.
Clipping on. When you move around the deck you will always be wearing a safety harness and clipped onto jackstays - safety lines which run the length and breadth of the boat. We take this very seriously, and if you come on deck without clipping on, you will be sent below.
Crew supervision. When your watch is working on deck, you will be clipped on to safety lines and there will always be an experienced member of the sea staff supervising to ensure your safety. You will be taught how to move around the boat safely at sea and in harbour, and will be trained in the safe handling of ropes and winches.
JC safety equipment. The James Cook meets the most stringent safety standards for sail training vessels. She carries safety gear that is bang up to date, including a new radar, two 20 person liferafts, emergency position indicating radio beacons, search and rescue transponders, VHF and HF radio with GMDSS capability, GPS navigation, man overboard recovery equipment, flares and satellite communications. Plus, the James Cook is built out of steel and is an incredibly tough yacht.
Hygiene. We insist that hands are washed before anyone enters the galley (kitchen), and the boat's interior is cleaned every day during 'happy hour'. the contents of the water tanks are inspected regularly by Port Health inspectors.
The sea staff. The James Cook's skipper is always a professional sailor, examined to Yachtmaster Offshore level by the Royal Yachting Association. The first mate is a person deemed fit by the skipper to be second in command: we expect our first mates to hold yachtmaster offshore qualifications, and our second and third mates have been trained and assessed by the skipper as being fit to run a watch. Your safety is the key to an enjoyable time aboard the James Cook, and it is the first priority of the sea staff.
Risk assessment. A full risk assessment is available for parents or group leaders from the office on request. Click to request a risk assessment.
