When a sea report is written, it contains certain information that is absolutely necessary. Their presence conditions the very existence of the report and, even more so, its possible use.
The director of the BEAmer explains the form and content of this document, which is not widely used in the yachting industry.
The shape of the sea report is important
Although not legally defined, the form of the sea report is critical.
The BEAmer director explains: " The sea report always starts with concrete and factual elements. Identity of the writer as well as his quality and the licenses he has to pilot this boat. Then the identity of the boat, its currency, home port, equipment, owner and registration. The writer then explains what he was doing in this boat, where he came from and where he was going. The framework of the trip (a regatta, a cruise) is important. "This part is invariable and will not change during the course of the investigation or testimony.
Next comes a so-called status report: " This is about talking to the boat about the surrounding conditions. Weather, wind, sea state. Visibility should also be indicated. Also the condition of the boat. Are all the crew members wearing their life jackets, are the life lines in place or are there any sick people on board? "
This information will be used to define the psychology on board at the time of the accident.
The last part is the most literary. It must describe, step by step, the couples " action reaction ". For example:" Crossing the boat XXX on my port side at 90°, I increase my speed by 5 knots ."
" The elements that make up this section must be factual, clear and precise " explains the director. " We won't talk about turning to port, for example, but about putting the helm at 270. The phrasing used should be telegraphic to avoid getting lost in conjecture. The principle is to use one sentence for one piece of information, with as few adjectives as possible. Repetition should not be avoided, on the contrary, because cross-references will confuse the reading later. "
Safeguarding of people and the boat are to be noted
The elements that will have been made necessary for the safeguarding of human life ( sOLAS convention ) on the one hand, and the securing of the boat on the other hand, are to be recorded in the sea report. If it is necessary to activate an EPIRB to locate a person who has fallen overboard, it is necessary to note which beacon it is, its MMSI, the date and time of the release as well as the location of the launch point to allow the events to be traced as accurately as possible.
Also, if by chance the beacon does not go off when released, it should be noted.
Each couple " action reaction "The film must be recorded and catalogued in order to replay the entire film.
The conclusion should leave open a possible amplification
The sea report is always established with regard to given events at a given time. It is impossible for a skipper to have all the information about his boat, while he is busy managing the incident.
It is for this reason that in addition to dating and signing the sea report, " a handwritten statement that the report has been written in good faith, without deliberate error and, above all, that the writer has the right to amplify the content at a later date, if necessary "adds the director.
This mention, which is essential, authorizes additional information after discussion on board, reading the logs or the AIS information for example.
All of this information, whether it fits on one page or fifty, should be copied ( a photocopy is sufficient ) and filed as quickly as possible with the authorities. The local Maritime Affairs office is sufficient. Otherwise, the gendarmerie or the local court can take care of the report.
Be sure to ask for a receipt for this filing. This can be a record of filing at the gendarmerie or a simple document dated and signed in court, the idea being that you can attest to the delivery of this sea report to the authorities.
