Offshore Personal Survival Course (OPSC) Information


Course Description (OPSC)

The Offshore Personal Survival Course (OPSC) is a two day course for experienced sailors who are participating in offshore and oceanic events and passages, typically as described in World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations categories 0-1-2. In British Columbia, this includes events such as the Van Isle 360 and the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race. Internationally, this includes events such as Transpac, Pacific Cup, Newport to Bermuda, Sydney Hobart, Fastnet, and the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC).

The course includes classroom and practical sessions, indoor-outdoor, and at pool facilities. Topics covered include personal safety equipment, crew overboard, emergency communications & signals, search & rescue, weather forecasts, heavy weather & storm sails, damage control & fire, hypothermia & cold water immersion. Practical, hands-on sessions include using lifejackets and life rafts in-the-water; damage control; emergency signals.

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

If you are looking for a shorter, one day Coastal Personal Survival Course that does not include in-the-water sessions with lifejackets and life rafts and is not World Sailing Approved, this is not the right course for you. you’ll want to look at the Coastal Personal Survival Course (CPSC).