Safety at Sea
The Safety at Sea theme emphasizes the importance of protecting lives through education, preparation, and innovation in maritime practices.
Sailing safety highlights essential skills like navigation, emergency readiness, and vessel and equipment maintenance. World Sailing Day -28 May promotes global awareness of safety standards, the compliance with maritime safety regulations, the value of certification and the encouragement of sailors of all levels to adopt best practices.
WSDO events activities can include safety demonstrations, workshops, and sharing of survival stories and the lessons learned from misfortunes of others.
Partnerships with coastguards, rescue services, and safety equipment manufacturers strengthen the message of safe sailing also as an assurance to those who are less experienced or new to sailing.
By continuously focusing on safety, WSDO fosters a responsible and knowledgeable sailing community and ultimately champions the idea that enjoyment on the water must always be underpinned by safety.
Safety Policy
Last updated: July 11, 2025
WSDO is committed to promoting the safety of all members, participants and spectators of its own WSDO events and those of any associated supporting events. This WSDO Safety Policy outlines the standards and guidelines that must be adhered to by all members and partners in order create a safe environment for those involved in WSDO or any event which is using the WSD identity/brand. There are no qualification events for WSDO. Only events which are listed in the WSDO Events Directory and which fall within the period 21 May and 7 June are WSDO events.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
1.1 All events organised under the auspices of WSDO/using WSDO identity must conduct a risk assessment prior to the commencement of any activities.
1.2 Any identified risks must be by the organising and responsible entity/partner and mitigated to the extent possible through appropriate safety measures and procedures. Where this is not possible, the specific event or activity should be withdrawn. The risk analysis should also take into account specifically weather, traffic and public involvement.
Equipment Compliance
2.1 All vessels and equipment must meet the safety standards relevant for the event and location and local regulations.
2.2 Vessel inspections and maintenance of equipment must be conducted and completed prior to the start of any WSDO event – and special attention should be paid to ensure that equipment is in safe and operational condition and within a reasonable time. In case of any inspection failure, the vessel should be withdrawn from the event.
Training and Education
3.1 All Participants in the WSDO organized, sanctioned or supported events must adhere to the general safety practices applicable to their setting and local regulations.
3.2 Any partner, member club, association or organization involved in or responsible for the event must take into account any local laws and regulations that may require adherence to its standards.
Emergency Response
4.1 An emergency response plan must be in place for every event, detailing procedures for medical emergencies, search and rescue operations, and other contingencies.
4.2 Organisers of the activities or events must ensure that all Participants are aware of and familiar with the emergency response procedures. Clear communication channels and protocols must be established to convey safetyrelated information to all Participants, and all relevant parties.
4.3 Weather updates, emergency alerts, and other safety-critical information must be promptly communicated to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
Updates
5.1 All those involved with WSDO and any of its associated events are reminded that this policy along with all the applicable safety rules and recommendations should be periodically reviewed to ensure currency, relevance and event/activity compliance.
Join us in commemorating World Sailing Day!
We welcome contact with all those organizations which would like to partner with us to include in our World Sailing Day activities and initiatives which specifically promote the SAFETY goals listed above.
