Coastal Personal Survival Course (CPSC) Information


Course Description (CPSC)

The Coastal Personal Survival Course (CPSC) is a one day course for experienced sailors who are participating in coastal and near-coastal events and passages, typically as described in World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations categories 3-4. In British Columbia, this includes events such as the Southern Straits Race, Patos Island Race, Swiftsure Race, and Cascadian Convoy.

The Coastal course includes classroom and practical sessions, indoor-outdoor. Topics covered include personal safety equipment, crew overboard, emergency communications & signals, search & rescue, weather, heavy weather & storm sails, damage control & fire, hypothermia & cold water immersion.

The Coastal Personal Survival Course is offered by BC Sailing in conjunction with local yacht clubs and facilities. The course is Sail Canada Approved. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Coastal Personal Survival Course certificate, valid for five years.  

The Coastal Personal Survival Course does not include in-the-water sessions with lifejackets and life rafts, and does not meet the requirements for World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations category 0-1-2 offshore and oceanic events such as the Van Isle 360, Vic-Maui, Transpac, Pacific Cup, Newport to Bermuda, Sydney Hobart, Fastnet, and the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC). For these types of offshore events, you’ll want to consider the longer, 2 day Offshore Personal Survival Course (OPSC).