Emergency procedures

Global Solo Challenge – Emergency procedures

History of amendments

Version 1.0 issued 14/08/2023
Version 1.1 issued 25/08/2023

Definitions

Interpretation

Headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation or meaning of the EPs

Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to one gender shall include a reference to the other genders

In the event of any translations being made this English text will always take precedence

1. Purpose and Scope

To confirm the emergency procedures to be followed by Skippers during the Global Solo Challenge

2. Event Organiser points of contact

Marco Nannini Tel SMS WhatsApp +393204093306

Email gsc@globalsolochallenge.com

If the Event Organiser point of contact is unavailable emails will be automatically forwarded to the next person in the chain of responsibility

Press Office: Valentina Libri Tel SMS WhatsApp +34696076831

Email press@globalsolochallenge.com

3 Communication with the Event Organiser in case of emergency

3.1 Emergencies

If a Skipper assessing the situation on board decides that it is appropriate to make a distress/emergency contact this must be done in accordance with GMDSS procedures. While the Event Organiser will endeavour to assist Skippers in the event of distress / emergency it is important that Skippers are aware:

The Event Organiser is not a party in the GMDSS distress/emergency architecture

Notifying distress / emergency to the Event Organiser rather than via GMDSS procedures may cause delays in the distress/emergency response and or incorrect information relay. Skippers should always follow GMDSS protocols

Notwithstanding any assistance provided by the Event Organiser the sole responsibility for assessing the situation on board and deciding on the the best course of action remain with the Skipper acting in conjunction with any guidance provided by the GMDSS emergency architecture

A Skipper in communication with a SAR Station (or other similar party) is encouraged to provide the Event Organiser’s points of contact at detailed at paragraph 2. The Event Organiser will maintain a cooperative relationship with the party in charge of handling the emergency and will provide any information that may assist them

Once a GMDSS distress/emergency call is made it will be the decision of the authority in charge of handling the distress/emergency call whether to contact inform and or liaise with the Event Organiser. Therefore if a distress/emergency call is made the Event Organiser may not become aware of the situation until the situation is resolved and or the authority in charge deems appropriate to inform the Event Organiser if at all

Reporting of any temporary or continuing emergency/distress and or alert situation to the Event Organiser is welcome but not a requirement before during or after resolution of the situation other than if it is covered by any part of the Notice of Event or Sailing Instructions in which case the Skipper should inform the Event Organiser at the earliest opportunity in such cases such as but not limited to retirement from the event motoring and making way receiving outside assistance pulling into port

3.2 Severe Weather

The Global Solo Challenge permits communication with any person ashore for the purpose of weather routing or obtaining weather related information, assistance in interpretation, including discussion and not limited to the strategy to adopt in case of a forecast of severe weather

While the Event Organiser will endeavour to assist any Boat requesting assistance when facing severe weather events it is important that Skippers are aware that:

the forecasts or weather related information accessed and or provided by the Event Organiser may prove to be incorrect and or inadequate
any severe weather handling strategy discussed with the Organisers may prove to be inadequate for the circumstances and or in relation to but not limited to the evolution of the weather situation and or the sea state and or the Skipper’s physical and mental state and or boat type and design

Therefore the sole responsibility for assessing the situation on board and deciding on the the best course of action remains with the Skipper

The Event Organiser may publish articles or news aimed at narrating the Event to the public that may include weather related information and or forecasts of severe weather and or discuss hypothetical approaches a Skipper may adopt in handling severe weather. Whatever the content of any publication by the Event Organiser editorial team, it should never be regarded as reliable information the Skipper should use in assessing the situation, it should not be regarded as advice and or a recommendation for the course of action to be followed

3.3 Medical Emergencies

The Global Solo Challenge permits communication with any person ashore for the purpose of receiving medical advice including receiving bona fide on board medical assistence without any associate time penalties

While the Event Organiser will endeavour to assist any Skipper requesting assistance in relation to a medical condition or emergency it is important that Skippers are aware that:

The sole responsibility for assessing the situation on board and deciding on the the best course of action remains with the Skipper

4. Event host port point of contact

Marina Coruña, Paseo Marítimo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez

Muelle de las Ánim, A Coruña, Coruña 15002, España

Tel: +34 881 92 04 82

5. Skippers and Boat details

Details of competing Skippers (Name, Nationality, Passport, Medical information) and their shore side contacts as well as details of their Boats (Name, hull and deck colours, sail and hull numbers, SAR identification photos, radio call sign and MMSI, mobile and/or satellite phone numbers, EPIRB IDs, etc.) can be requested to the Event Organiser point of contact

6. Collaboration with Outside Parties

The Event Organizer will maintain a cooperative relationship with outside parties, including but not limited to SAR Stations, the Coasguard, Medical Emergency Services Police Harbour Authorities The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch

6.1 Salvamento Marítimo SASEMAR

Responsible for initiation and coordination of civilian maritime Emergency Responses and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations

In an emergency call 900 202 202 or 112 or VHF Channel 16

6.2 Galicia’s Coast Guard Service

Galicia’s Coast Guard Service is the organisation in charge of maritime surveillance search rescue and protection operations in Galician waters. It reports directly to Consellería do Mar and their intervention is coordinated by Salvamento Marítimo SASEMAR

The service operates 24/7 throughout the year, providing immediate response to incidents in the Galician Community.

Galicia’s Coast Guard

Sar, 75 – 15703

Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña)

Tel: +34 981 544 070

Email: pesca.sala.operacions@xunta.gal

6.3 Medical Emergengy Services (A Coruña)

Cruz Vermella (Red Cross) – Maritime Rescue

The intervention of the Red Cross station whose vessels are located in Marina Coruña is coordinated by the Coastguard (Salvamento Marítimo)

Mission Cruz Vermella (Red Cross) – Maritime Rescue

“We protect human life at sea and fight against marine pollution, always in coordination with the State Society for Maritime Rescue and Safety (SASEMAR), as well as with the Coast Guard Service of the Xunta de Galicia. Participating in training actions, exercises, search operations, rescue and recovery, assistance and towing services for endangered vessels, and support tasks in the fight against marine pollution are our activities.”

Contacts: P.º Marítimo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez, 10, 15001 A Coruña

Telefono: + 34 981 20 59 01

6.4 Police (A Coruña)

Policia Local: Calle Tuy, 21, 15002 A Coruña

Tel: +34 981 18 42 25

6.5 Port Authority of A Coruña

The Port Authority of A Coruña manages and controls the correct operation of two port zones. The inner port of the City Council of A Coruña, located at latitude N 43º 21’ and longitude W 8º 23’ and the new facilities in the outer port, located in the neighbouring council of Arteixo, at latitude N 43º 21’ and longitude 8º 31’ W

Both ports form a part of a port system considered to be of general interest for the country of Spain as a whole with a privileged geographical situation located on the main international maritime routes between the north of Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa, and between Western Europe and the Americas

Port Authority of A Coruña

Avda. de la Marina, 3 15001 – A Coruña. Spain

Tel:+34 981 219 626

6.6 SAR Stations (Worldwide)

The Global Solo Challenge 2023-24 traverses the waters of various countries, sailing through multiple SAR areas, each falling under the jurisdiction and responsibility of different national authorities

6.6.1 MRCC Finisterre

Type: MRCC, Country: Spain

Tel: +34 981 767 320

finister@sasemar.es

MRSC Vigo

Type: MRCC, Country: Spain

Tel: 34 986 222 230

vigo@sasemar.es

ARCC CANARIAS

Type: ARCC, Country: Spain

Tel: 34 92 857 70 80

rcc.canarias@ea.mde.es

6.6.2 MRCC Lisboa

Type: MRCC, Country: Portugal

Tel: +351 21 4401919

Fax: +351 21 4401954

MRCC Ponta Delgada

Type: MRCC, Country: Portugal

Tel: +351 296 281 777

mrcc.delgada@marinha.pt

6.6.3 MRCC Rabat (Cospas-Sarsat SPOC)

Type: MRCC, Country: Morocco

Tel: 212 5 37 625877 (emergency)

mrccrabat@gmail.com

6.6.4 MRCC Dakar (Cospas-Sarsat SPOC)

Type: MRCC, Country: Senegal

Tel: +221 3382 65001

marinenat@orange.sn

6.6.5 JRCC CABO VERDE (SPOC)

Type: JRCC, Country: Cape Verde

Tel: +238 2325555

jrcc.cv@gmail.com

6.6.6 MRCC Brazil

Type: MRCC, Country: Brazil

Tel: +55 21 2104 6056

Fax: +55 21 2253 8824

mrccbrazil@marinha.mil.br

ARCC Atlântico

Type: ARCC, Country: Brazil, SRR: SRR BRAZIL

Latitude, Longitude: (-8.1379995,-34.9249992)

Tel: +55 81 2129.8102

Email: arccre@cindacta3.aer.mil.br

ARCC Recife

Type: ARCC, Country: Brazil, SRR: SRR BRAZIL

Latitude, Longitude: (-8.1379995,-34.9249992)

Tel: +55 81 2129.8102

Email: arccre@cindacta3.aer.mil.br

MRCC Salvador

Type: MRCC, Country: Brazil

Tel: +55 71 3507 3730

MRCC Rio de Janeiro

Type: MRCC, Country: Brazil

Tel: +55 21 2253 6572

Email: mrccrio@marinha.mil.br

MRCC Rio Grande

Type: MRCC, Country: Brazil

Tel: +55 53 3233 6130

Email: mrccriogrande@marinha.mil.br

6.6.7 MRCC Uruguay

Type: MRCC, Country: Uruguay

Tel: +598 2 916 1389

comflo_radio@armada.gub.uy

6.6.8 MRCC Cape Town

Type: MRCC, Country: South Africa

Tel: +27 21 9383300

mrcc.ct@samsa.org.za

6.6.9 MRCC Reunion (COSRU) Officer of the Watch (Cospat-Sarsat SPOC)

Type: MRCC, Country: Reunion

Tel: 262 43 43 43

reunion@mrccfr.eu

6.6.10 JRCC Australia

Type: JRCC, Country: Australia

Tel: Maritime SAR contact +61 2 6230 6811

Email: rccaus@amsa.gov.au

6.6.11 JRCC NEW ZEALAND (RCCNZ)

Type: JRCC, Country: New Zealand

Tel: +64 4 577 8030

Email: rccnz@maritimenz.govt.nz

6.6.12 MRCC Chile

Type: MRCC, Country: Chile

Tel: 56 32 2208637

mrccchile@directemar.cl

MRCC Punta Arenas

Type: MRCC, Country: Chile

Tel: 56-61-2201161

mrccpuntaarenas@directemar.cl

6.6.13 MRCC Puerto Belgrano (Argentina)

Type: MRCC, Country: Argentina

Tel: 54 2932 487162

Email: coopacsm@ara.mil.ar

RSC Ushuaia

Type: MRSC, Country: Argentina

Tel: 54-2901-422-382

Email: ushu@prefecturanaval.gov.ar

6.6.14 Falkland Islands Rescue Co-ordination Centre (Cospas-Sarsat SPOC)

Type: MRCC, Country:

Tel: +500-74030

Email: irics@horizon.co.fk

6.7 The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch

It may investigate accidents, and it’s strongly recommended that serious incidents are reported voluntarily. This is mandatory for chartered boats

Comisión Permanente de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes Marítimos

Paseo de la Castellana 67

28071 Madrid

Spain

Tel: +34 91 597 7224/7141

http://www.ciaim.es

7. International Coordination and Compliance

The Global Solo Challenge traverses the waters of various countries falling under the jurisdiction and SAR responsibility of different national authorities. The following considerations must be kept in mind:

8. Emergency Protocols

8.1 Maritime Distress/Emergency calls

The assessment of the type of emergency and its severity is the responsibility of the Boats’s Skipper

There are types of maritime calls used internationally to signal different degrees of distress or information, and they are part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

8.1.1 MAYDAY

Meaning: It signals a life-threatening emergency and is the most serious distress call.
Usage: Used when there is imminent danger to life or the vessel, such as sinking, fire, or other serious emergencies.

Whilst in Spanish waters, you may want to make emergency calls in English and or in Spanish and should be familiar with the Spanish wording of distress calls in order to be able to understand the information transmitted by other vessels or shore stations

MAYDAY Spanish wording

MEDÉ, MEDÉ, MEDÉ (Mayday, Mayday, Mayday).
Aquí. (nombre de la embarcación, o el indicativo de llamada o el MMSI – repetido tres veces seguidas).
Posición. (diga las coordenadas).
Tenemos. (describa con precisión y concreción la naturaleza del peligro).
Pedimos asistencia. (diga el tipo de asistencia que necesita).
Añadir otra información. (personas a bordo, descripción de la embarcación.).
Aquí. (nombre de la embarcación, o indicativo).
TERMINADO.

8.1.2 PAN-PAN

Meaning: This is an urgency signal, one step down from a Mayday, used when there is a serious situation but no immediate danger to life or the vessel.
Usage: It might be used for situations like a mechanical breakdown that leaves a vessel adrift (but not in immediate danger), medical emergencies that require assistance but are not immediately life-threatening, etc.

PAN-PAN Spanish wording

PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN.
Llamada a todas o a una estación concreta.
Aquí. (nombre de la embarcación, o indicativo de llamada o el MMSI – repetido tres veces seguidas).
Posición. (diga las coordenadas).
Tenemos. (describa con precisión y concreción la naturaleza del peligro).
Pedimos asistencia. (decir el tipo de asistencia que necesita).
Añadir otra información. (personas a bordo, descripción de la embarcación.).
Aquí. (nombre de la embarcación o indicativo) TERMINADO.

8.1.3 SECURITÉ

Meaning: This is a safety signal, used to transmit navigational warnings or weather warnings (Usually used by shore stations).
Usage: Commonly used to warn other vessels of hazards such as obstacles, other vessels conducting potentially hazardous operations, storm warnings, etc.

SECURITÉ Spanish wording

SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ.
Aquí. (nombre de la embarcación, o indicativo de llamada o el MMSI – repetido tres veces seguidas).
Paso al Canal (seleccionar un Canal de trabajo para dejar libre el Canal 16 lo antes posible).
Aquí. (volver a decir el nombre de su embarcación).
Seleccionar en el equipo el Canal elegido y decir:
SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ.
Aquí. (volver a decir el nombre de su embarcación).
Transmitir el mensaje de Seguridad.
Aquí. (volver a decir el nombre de su embarcación) TERMINADO.

8.2 Rules and Actions in case of emergency

In case of an emergency there are a series of rules and actions that can greatly facilitate the work of SAR stations:

8.3 Means to make a Distress/Emergency Call

8.3.1 GMDSS

In case of an emergency GMDSS means to make a distress/emergency calls should be always used ahead of the additional means that may be available to the Skipper

The choice of the means to make a distress/emergency Call is the sole responsibility of the Boats’s Skipper and it depend on the type of emergency and or distance to shore and or presence of other vessels

8.3.2 Additional means available to Skippers (non GMDSS)

8.3.3 Yellow Brick Spare Tracker and messaging system

Yellow Brick trackers are not part of the GMDSS architecture and are not therefore expected to be used in an emergency. However they can serve as a backup in case of failure of other alternatives and can be an additional means of transmitting a skipper’s position in a variety or scenarios including boat abandoning for the life raft. The Spare YB Tracker must therefore kept inside the Grab bag whilst not in use.
Your main tracker will be turned on before departure. Your spare tracker for the grab bag will be switched off. 
To activate the spare tracker, take it out of its pouch and press left arrow then right arrow and when the screen lights up press the up arrow, the tracker will emit a sound to indicate it has been activated. The word rental will appear on the screen.
On activation the spare tracker will ping its position every 15 minutes. 
If you press the Alert button for 5 seconds on the main and or spare tracker this will generate an sms message and an email sent exclusively to the GSC Organisers: it will not alert any authorities and the message will only indicate the ID of the tracker that sent the message. 
Pressing the Alert button on the main or spare tracker will generate an alert message to the organiser as well as automatically increase the transmit rate to 5 minutes. 
To deactivate a tracker, press the OK button to turn on the screen and see the menu, scroll with the down arrow to the last item “Deactivation” and press ok then confirm again, the tracker will emit a sound and the screen will turn off. 
A user manual for the messaging feature has been given to all Skippers, the tracking units are designed for their main purpose of tracking a boat’s position and are not easy to use to compose messages, especially long ones. However skippers should familiarise themselves with the procedure and if all else fails it may still be handy to be able to receive messages on the tracker unit and be able to respond with simple Y/N answers. The satellite phone will be the preferred means to communicate in case of an emergency.

9. Dealing with the Media

The Event Organiser has nominated Marco Nannini as the only spokesperson authorised to speak/deal with the media in case of any emergency affecting any Skipper in the Event. The Event Organiser will not communicate to the media or publish any information received by third parties about the ongoing emergency other direct information received from authorities handling the emergency and or will only make public information or statements made directly by the Skipper or a member of his shore team to the Event Organiser and or published publicly by the Skipper or his shore team. In the absence of the above, the Event Organiser will provide a “No comment” statement awaiting further information

10. Notification of Emergency Contacts

In case of an emergency situation that is being handled by any authority, the Event Organiser will provide the Emergency Contacts supplied by the skipper to the Event Organiser so that the authority in charge can inform next-of-kin and emergency contacts

The Event Organiser will inform the Skipper’s Emergency Contacts directly only if instructed to do so by the authorities in charge or the Skipper

11. Revision and Updates

This EPs will be subject to periodic review and updates as needed to ensure alignment with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in maritime safety