Hello,

I wonder if anyone can help on this query.

Within the Met Police we have a Volunteer Cadet Corp - a bit like the Scouts or Air cadets. They are usually aged between 14 - 21, and meet in units with one or two police leaders.

Recently they purchased an inflatable boat - a RIB. Unfortunately they did not go through me - so I am now trying to sort out the H&S issues.

The boat will be used to train cadets and also to act as ‘safety crew’ for major boating events - such as Henley or the University boat race.

I was wondering if anyone was already involved in this type of activity with young people and can push me in the direction for further advice?

Clearly I will be producing appropriate risk assessments, but it may be useful to see other organisations documents before hand - if possible.

Keith Penfold
Keith.penfold@met.police.uk

Kieth - there was atragic incident in Scotland 2007 when a young lady died after being trapped inside an overturned boat.
That went to FAI and indicated a lot of failures. You may be able to use the learnings from that incident?

http://www.guardian.co.u.../cadet-death-army-errors

David

Thank you for the info/ links so far. It is clear that there are far more issues here than just a risk assessment.

Once I have got my head around all this I will post an update for other users.

Keith P.

Keith,

The RYA is probably the best route to follow. They have Power Boat qualifications eg LEVEL 1/2/Intermediate/Safety Boat etc with displacement and planing endorsements. You will need to look at the nearest RYA training facility that offers the courses.

My experience is via the Sea Cadet Corps and we do not allow under 16's to operate 'Planing Craft' without very close on board adult supervision although I believe the RYA allows younger persons to obtain the qualifications with planing endorsements.

For your stated use a Safety Boat Coxswain would probably be the level to progress to. Maybe you could make contact with one of the local sea cadet units who may be able to give you some better contacts.
There is one at Slough that I know of.

Another poster mentions the tragic accident in Scotland a couple of years ago and the basic facts from that report bring to light a few good points but this incident involved the Army Cadet Force and they are subject to some MOD requirements as well as the general good practice that would come from RYA training.
Some of the points that I recall included conducting proper head counts after an incident, provision and use of correct lifejactet type, and appropriate planning for the location and weather etc.

Bryan