3.4.1 The Code deals with the safety of the vessel
and its occupants but not sport or pleasure activities involving special
safety requirements.
3.4.2 The objectives for sport have been set out
by Government. The principle of self-determination for sports bodies
has been encouraged to the extent that when it has been necessary
to impose some form of control on such bodies - such as safety or
environmental matters - the policy has usually been to encourage the
bodies to adopt voluntary codes or procedures which would have the
same effect as regulation.
3.4.3 In 1990, the Minister for Sport commissioned
a review into safety in water sports. The review concluded that the
current system of self-regulation developed by the governing bodies
of sport is sufficient to meet their responsibility for the safety
of sports participants. See Section 3.1.3 for Members' Clubs. It should
be noted that the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, under
the authority of the Health and Safety Executive, provides safety
guidance and a licensing scheme for sporting activities for persons
under the age of 18.
3.4.4 When a water based recreation organisation,
approved by a National Authority recognised by one of the sports councils
of England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, operates within
Area Category 6, day or night, it shall comply with, and be certificated
to the safety standards of that National Authority, provided that
such have been formerly approved by the Administration. The certificate
must carry text which recognises its authority from the Administration.
3.4.5 Vessel owners/managing agents and charterers
are recommended to discuss and agree their respective responsibilities
for safety before the vessel goes to sea.