World-class safety training for all sailors during Annual Safety-at-Sea Seminar at the USNA
by Annapolis Yacht Club 7 Mar 08:48 NZDT
March 29-30, 2025
A2N Race - SAS Course © Annapolis Yacht Club
In the aftermath of the deadly 1979 Fastnet Race, a safety program for Midshipmen conceived at the United States Naval Academy soon developed into a nationwide initiative as the safety training standard for offshore sailboat racers.
US Sailing sanctioned, Safety-at-Sea seminar attendance is even required for a percentage of crew participating in certain ocean racing events. Attendees learn best practices and strategies for safe seamanship—for offshore racers and cruising sailors alike. The 43nd annual Safety-at-Sea Seminar in Annapolis will be over the weekend of March 29-30, hosted in several locations throughout the U.S. Naval Academy.
In addition to lectures and training, the program is highlighted by demonstrations on Saturday, including a helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) Rescue Swimmer demonstration by the United States Coast Guard (weather permitting), pyrotechnic flare demonstrations, life raft deployment, and man-over-board rescue techniques performed by Midshipman from Navy Sailing training vessels.
The courses and certificates within the seminar include:
- An Offshore Sailing Safety at Sea certificate, valid for 5 years, obtained by attending Saturday (March 29) classes and demonstrations only. The course runs from 8-5:30, includes a box lunch and the cost is $185.
- A 2-day International Offshore Safety at Sea certificate is earned by attending March 29 and additional hands-on training March 30. Sunday activities include water safety in the pool including how to board a life raft hypothermia and how to use safety equipment; fire safety; communications and damage control. The cost of the 2-day course with a certificate is $435 and includes lunches.
- Those who have received a US Sailing Offshore Sailing Safety at Sea certificate within the past year can take the Hands-on Only portion of the International Offshore Safety certificate by attending Sunday, March 30. Cost is $300, including lunch.
- The Safety for Cruising course Includes all lectures and demonstrations on Saturday, and much of the same hands-on training taught by experts on Sunday during the certificate courses. This course is designed for cruisers and can include a US Sailing Offshore certificate. $320 per person, including lunches.
The seminar begins in Mahan Hall and is hosted by the Marine Trades Association of Maryland and Navy Sailing. For registration and information, visit mtam.org/safety-at-sea. Or, call 410-269-0741.