Safety at Sea
with Kim Walther | St. Augustine Sailing

Learn how to avoid and overcome various safety scenarios encountered at sea

90 Minutes English Unlimited Access

The most important part of your sailing education is knowing what to do when things go wrong to protect yourself, your crew, and your vessel. This live online class is designed to not only teach some possible actions when events go wrong at sea, but also to encourage critical thinking skills and creative solutions to possible unexpected, catastrophic events.

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ONLINE COURSE OVERVIEW

Who is this online class for?

Any sailor who wishes to become more prudent by learning how to prepare and practice for a variety of sailing situations. There’s a saying: "Failing to plan is planning to fail." One bad situation can result in a domino effect of trouble that increases exponentially. However, if you have a plan and understand what is possible on your vessel, your successful containment or diffusion of a difficult solution is more probable.

What will I learn?

The goal of this online class is to expose sailors to potential problems and possible solutions to encourage them to think safely and creatively to become more experienced, safe mariners. While there is no absolute “right way” to handle an emergency at sea, as all are dynamic and varied, this course will give you some exposure to on-the-spot possible actions and solutions. This class aims to inspire sailors to envision various "what if" scenarios, fostering confidence in their capacity to navigate and resolve potential challenges encountered at sea.

IMPORTANT REASONS TO BE PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY AT SEA

Limited Access to Help
At sea, you are often far from immediate assistance. Unlike on land, where emergency services can arrive within minutes, help can take hours or even days to reach you in open waters. You need to rely on yourself and your crew to handle any problems that arise, including medical issues, equipment repairs, or navigation errors. Having the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment allows you to manage emergencies effectively on your own until help arrives.
Risk of Severe Consequences
A minor problem at sea, such as a small leak or equipment malfunction, can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation if not addressed promptly. Proper preparation helps mitigate the impact of emergencies and prevents them from becoming catastrophic.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you are well-prepared and have the right tools, like VHF radios or satellite phones, to call for help if needed provides peace of mind. It reduces anxiety, allows you to enjoy your sailing experience, and helps you stay calm and focused if a crisis occurs.

List of Topics:

  • BOW TO STERN ABOVEDECK ASSESSMENTS
    Path to the Bow. Obstructions Abovedeck. Spare Halyard. Jib. Anchor Locker. Mast. Midship Rigging & Lines. Hatches. Cockpit Lines. Electronics. Gauges. Emergency Tiller. Emergency Bilge Pump. Lockers.
  • BELOWDECK ASSESSMENTS
    Transducer. Bilge(s) & Pump. Thru-hulls. Schematics. Windlass Circuit Breaker. Engine. Tank Indicators. Electrical Panel. Code of Federal Regulations Items.
  • SYSTEMS FAILURES
    Anchored Wind and Tide Opposed. Steering Fails. High Water Alarm. Can’t Flush Toilet.
  • INJURY SITUATIONS
    Broken Bone. Deep Cut. Seasick. Man Overboard.
  • ENGINE SITUATIONS
    Runaway Diesel. Smoke-Filled Cabin. Waiting on a Bridge. Fouled Prop.
  • NOT UNDER COMMAND / RESTRICTED ABILITY TO MANEUVER
    Run Aground. Fire. Engine Quits - Must Anchor or Must Sail.
  • SAILING SITUATIONS
    Lose a Jib Sheet. Roller Furling Jib will not Furl. Shroud has Parted. Rough Seas and Harness(es).
  • HOW TO PRACTICE ON YOUR BOAT
    Knots. Raising Sail. Anchoring. Reefing. Instruments. Emergency Tiller. Fire Extinguisher. Flares.

Your Instructor

KIM WALTHER

Kim Walther, an instructor at St. Augustine Sailing, boasts a 100-ton near coastal (offshore) USCG captain’s license with sailing and towing addendums. With 33 years of teaching experience (having taught over 3,000 students), she attributes her mastery to diverse experiences and continual skill refinement. Recognized as an ASA instructor of 101, 103, 104, 105, 114, 116, and 118 and honored ASA Instructor of the Year, Kim has refined her expertise through an impressive accumulation of over 10,000 practice hours. Her passion for sailing extends to classes, charters, deliveries, and races (both inland and offshore). Kim has experience operating various vessels, including, currently, 21'6" Hunter sloops as well as Jeanneau 349 sloops, Jeanneau 41’ and 44’ sloops, a Lagoon 44 catamaran, and even a 49-passenger pontoon boat with twin 200 hp engines.