Inspections FAQ

Inspections FAQs

Inspections FAQs will be updated periodically, as necessary.  Most recent questions will be posted on the top of the list, so they will be readily noticeable.  For additional inspections questions, contact Skip Ely, Chief Inspector skipper@elyxir.com

Are white collision flares required for the 2008 Pacific Cup Race?

No.  OSR 4.23.1 specifies white flares that are SOLAS LSA listed.  None are available.  There will be an amendment to the NOR stating this shortly.

The amendment will state that that the following lights be provided and readily accessible for the purpose of collision avoidance (replacing the white flare requirement): a) 1-watertight torch (flashlight) with spare batteries and bulb. b) 1-watertight, high powered white spotlight (searchlight) with spare batteries and bulbs.

How should I prepare the boat for the inspection?

Have the Captain or another member of the crew who knows the boat and the location of all of the required gear be on hand.  They should lay out all required items.. A Pacific Cup Inspectiion guide will be available on the website shortly. The most important aspect is to make sure that all of the required gear is aboard and is in compliance with the ISAF Offshore Regulations 2005-2008 including the US Sailing Prescriptions and the NOR for the Race.  

How soon should I contact an inspector?

Your assigned inspector should contact you.  If your inspector has not contacted you please contact Skip Ely, Chief Inspector, for guidance skipper@elyxir.com Inspectors are available to answer any questions you may have about the preparation of your boat.  They also will be able to help you understand regulations and how to comply for the race.  You will find the inspectors most helpful with any of your questions.

Do I need to have all of my rating certificates in order to get an inspection?

No, the inspector is here to look at the boat and the safety gear.  But in order to race you must submit all of the rating documentation by the cut off date.

I am renting a life raft for the race. Does it need to be onboard for the inspection?

No, but you will need to have a letter from the rental company stating that you are renting the raft and have a copy of the inspection certificate. The same policy would apply if you were renting a MOM, EPIRB or any other piece of safety gear.

I have a vacuum packed life raft in a valise; the manufacturer states that it does not need to be inspected and recertified for another 3 years. Do I need to have the raft inspected and recertified?

Yes, under the Offshore Regulations 2005-2008, OSR 4.20.5 any valise type of life raft needs to have an annual inspection and a certified copy of such an inspection shall be kept onboard the boat with another copy submitted to the race committee.

My lifelines are vinyl coated; can I enter the race with them?

No, under OSR regulation 3.14.6 lifelines shall be uncoated stranded stainless wire.

Can I have temporary covers on my lifelines?

Yes, as long the temporary covers are removed regularly for inspection.

I use the Fortress type of anchors and usually leave them disassembled in the bag; can I race with them disassembled?

No, under OSR 4.06.1 all anchors are to be ready for immediate use.

I have a MOBRI radar reflector; can I use it for this race?

Only if it meets OSR 4.10.2 with the US Sailing prescription of a documented equivalent echoing area of 6 sq. m.  Octahedral reflectors shall have a minimum diameter of 12 inches.

My boat does not have a topping lift or vang: will my mainsail reefing lazy jacks qualify as a means of supporting the boom under OSR 3.25 with the US Sailing Prescriptions?

Yes, your mainsail lazy jacks qualify as topping lifts as long as they are able to support the weight of the boom and mainsail without failure.

I have all of my charts stored electronically on my boat’s computer and navigate from them; do I need to carry paper charts and the associated plotting gear

Yes, under OSR 4.11.1 Navigational charts (not solely electronic), light list and chart plotting equipment shall be provided.  The NOR amends this section as follows: 13. Charts (OSR 4.11.1):  OSR 4.11.1 is amended to require, in addition, that each yacht shall carry on board a current copy of Chart No. 19359 for Kaneohe Bay.

My crew brings all of their own safety gear: harnesses and inflatable life jackets: do I need to have all of the safety harnesses and tethers onboard for my inspection?

Yes, the inspector needs to see that all of the gear is aboard for the inspection; the only exception is for rental gear - life rafts, MOMS, EPIRBS and storm sails.

I looked at the ISAF web site and I can’t find a copy of any of the First AidManuals as listed in the ISAF 4.08.1 a), b) and c) they all seem to be European books. What other First Aid books are available that will meet the requirements of the race?

US Sailing endorses the books as listed in 4.08.1 and additionally recommends the following manuals: “Advanced First Aid by Peter Eastman, M.D”, Cornell Marine Press and a “Comprehensive Guide to Marine Medicine by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. and Michael E Jacobs, M.D.” Adventure Medical Kits.




Special Regulations SECTION 3.27.4 covers reserve navigation lights. Comment on the meaning of: (1) separable power source; and (2) essentially separate wiring/supply systems. In your answer please discuss "flashlight battery type" portable emergency lights. Also address whether (on a yacht of less than 20 meters) the requirements of this Regulation are met by having the standard side and stern lights as one set, with a masthead tri-color providing the alternate set.

Reserve navigation lights are required with the same power as the regular lights along with separate power and wiring. A practical way of meeting this requirement for yachts (under 20 meters) is to have a prominent tri-color mounted at the masthead as one set of lights and a bi-color light on the pulpit and a stern light on the pushpit as the reserve set. Wiring may be separate up to the battery selector switch and panel where it is usual to have a choice between house and engine batteries.

Sometimes boats present reserve navigation lights in the form of "flashlight battery type" with disposable dry batteries, or Cyalume-type chemical light sticks ( ideal emergency low-level lighting) in red and green. None of these is fit for the purpose of navigation lights due to their lack of output power.

I understand that the TSA has a change in policy regarding the transportation of PFD's with CO2 cylinders on airlines, do you know what those changes are?

The TSA has amended its prior policy, now allowing boaters to travel through security checkpoints at airports nationwide with a CO2 cylinder. US SAILING cautions boaters that while this change in TSA policy allows them to carry a cylinder through airport security, the decision on whether the cylinder can be taken on board a plane still lies with the airline company. Sailors should check with the airlines directly to find out if the CO2 cylinder can be taken on board.