2. Roles & Responsibilities (RYA‑Aligned)

This section identifies the key personnel responsible for delivering a safe and well‑managed event. Roles follow RYA‑aligned terminology to ensure consistency with class associations, race management teams, and national guidance.

2.1 Event Director

• Overall leadership of the event.
• Ensures compliance with Plas Heli policies and RYA guidance.
• Supports the PRO, CSL, and ESO in safety‑critical decisions.
• Coordinates with class representatives and visiting organisations.

2.2 Principal Race Officer (PRO)

• Leads race management afloat.
• Sets courses, manages signals, and makes abandonment/suspension decisions.
• Works closely with the CSL to assess conditions and ensure competitor safety.
• Maintains communication with Bridge and Beach Teams.

2.3 Course Safety Lead (CSL)

• Leads afloat safety operations (RYA‑aligned terminology).
• Coordinates safety boats and patrol craft.
• Assesses weather, sea state, fleet behaviour, and risk.
• Advises PRO and ESO on safety‑critical decisions.
• Manages rescue priorities and landing point selection.

2.4 Event Safety Officer (ESO)

• Leads overall event safety (afloat and ashore).
• Coordinates emergency response and liaises with emergency services.
• Supports CSL and PRO during incidents.
• Ensures safety documentation is complete and compliant.

2.5 Bridge Team

• Monitors radio communication on all race courses.
• Tracks how many sailors, coaches, and volunteers are on the water.
• Supports communication between shore roles (Event Director, ESO, Beach Team) and water roles (CSL, PRO).
• Logs incidents, weather changes, and safety‑critical messages.
• Coordinates emergency services if required.

2.6 Beach Team

• Manages launching and recovery.
• Monitors waterline conditions and shoreline hazards.
• Supports tallying and competitor flow.
• Reports hazards or incidents to ESO and CSL.

2.7 Safety Boat Crews

• Provide rescue cover in accordance with RYA Safety Boat guidance.
• Respond to capsizes, injuries, and incidents.
• Report all incidents to CSL and ESO.
• Transport casualties to agreed landing points.

2.8 Class Association / Organising Authority

• Must ensure adequate Third Party Liability Insurance is in place for all competitors, coaches, and support boats.
• Provide event‑specific risk assessments and safety documentation.
• Ensure competitors and teams are briefed on site rules and emergency procedures.
• Provide accurate competitor lists to the ESO and Bridge Team.
• Ensure coaches understand safety expectations and communication protocols.

2.9 Volunteers

• Support safe delivery of the event.
• Follow briefings and instructions from ESO, PRO, CSL, and Duty Manager.
• Report hazards promptly.
• Use radios calmly and clearly.

Related EMP Sections

• Section 1 – Event Overview & Governance
• Section 3 – Site Specifics
• Section 4 – Health & Safety Arrangements