ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Safety comes first in everything we do at Sea|mester. Our voyages are adventurous and to say that there are no risks would be misleading. However, awareness of the potential risks is the key to controlling them. Risk management & safety training are core parts of our programs and are integrated in many specific ways.
Program Design & Structure
Safety is the foremost consideration of every aspect of program design. Since Sea|mester is all about hands-on learning and professional maritime education, our staff place high emphasis on safety and risk management, passing these critical elements on to their team. Throughout the voyage, shipmates learn safety procedures via a number of different media. This learning is reinforced through practical application, as shipmates demonstrate safe practices during every day activities. Through repetition, simple precautions become second nature.
Staff Experience and Training
The quality and experience of our staff plays an integral role in our safety and success. Every member of our team is multi-talented, combining the practical skills essential to the operation of a mobile live-aboard program with the more traditional university, graduate and post-graduate degree education.
All are qualified professionals with significant teaching experience in their subject areas. Our staff include U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, IYT/MCA Master of Yachts 200 Ton Offshore and Ocean, PADI scuba instructors, marine scientists, oceanographers and Emergency Medical Technicians. Staff to student ratio is 1:4, providing close interaction and individual attention.
Vessel Design & Clasification
Both S/Y Argo and S/Y Ocean Star fly the red ensign. Their home port is Road Town in the British Virigin Islands, meaning that our vessels are part of the UK Ship Register and, therefore the Maritime and Coastguard Agency which is one of the best performing flags in the major Port State Control regimes with a reputation for maintaining the highest international standards. For this reason, the majority of the world's quality yachts fly the red ensign. Each yacht is inspected annually by a representative from the Bureau Veritas who, on behalf of the MCA, certifies that the vessel has been maintained to the highest level.
Fail Safe
Every soul aboard is issued a SOLAS approved Type 1 PFD as well as an ocean rated, auto-inflate PFD and harness which they are required to wear while on deck, anytime the vessel is underway. At the sole discretion of the Sailing Master there are times when persons can be on deck without their PDF / harness combination. Typically this would be limited to calm seas, during daylight hours, when not under sail. PFD's and harnesses will always be worn when making way at night or anytime by those working outside the lifelines or higher than deck level.
Staff Interaction
Sea|mester staff live full-time with their shipmates and much of our success comes from the strong working friendships that form as a result. Staff and shipmates are truly on an expedition together. At times and locations deemed appropriate and safe shipmates have free time to explore ashore in small groups, yet for the most part our staff are with their team to lead, guide and experience the voyage together.
Sun Safety
Sea|mester recognizes that sun safety is critical as we spend a lot of time outside during our programs in many tropical locations. There are sun awnings that cover much of the deck when at anchor, yet overexposure is still a concern and something we take seriously. Our staff set the example through good practices, while educating and monitoring their shipmates. Sea|mester recommends that everyone take the following precautions:
• Regular application of a dermatologist-approved sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher.
• Wear good quality sunglasses that block out 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear a UV filtering surfer-style rash guard.
