The BC Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Course is for experienced sailors who are participating in distance and offshore races and passages. The course includes classroom and practical sessions. Topics covered include safety equipment, storm sails, weather forecasts, heavy weather, man overboard, emergency signals and communications. Practical sessions include inflating and using lifejackets and life rafts in a pool environment. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a CYA-ISAF Approved Offshore Personal Survival Course certificate, valid for five years. The next two courses will be in West Vancouver on March 31 and April 1, 2012. Additional courses may also be scheduled. To register go to the BC Sailing’s website.

The Sailing Foundation of Redmond, Washington  provided its Safety at Sea two-day seminar on February 25 and 26, 2012 in Seattle. Timed to coincide with the biannual Vic Maui and Pacific Cup sailboat races, the seminar focused on safe boating practices and safety equipment. The seminar, designed and conducted by sailors, all experts in their fields, provided novice and experienced mariners with information and skills required to prepare for sailing offshore, boat preparation, handling heavy weather, recommended safety equipment, and emergencies at sea. For more information, go to the Sailing Foundation’s Website.