Port Hacking Open Sailing Club
PHOSC 2025–2026 Terms and Conditions of Membership:
Please note that by paying your membership to PHOSC you are agreeing to the conditions below.
Indemnity clause — children under 18 years
In making this Application for Membership on behalf of Minors I acknowledge it is a condition of membership that any medical or other expenses which may be incurred in consequence of any accident or other expenses which may occur whilst involved in Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. activities are my sole responsibility and I indemnify the Club and its officers, officials and members against all claims arising therefrom. I authorise any medical assistance considered necessary at any time to be obtained for and I agree to indemnify the Club, its officials and members from the cost of the medical expenses incurred there from.
Indemnity clause — persons 18 years and over
In making this Application for myself and any person named on this application form I acknowledge that participation in the activities of Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. (“the Club”) do involve risk and that there is an element of danger in sailing and all water sports. I acknowledge that it is a condition of membership that I indemnify the Club, its officers and members against any claim that may be brought by me or any person for whom an application for membership is being made on this form arising from any loss or injury that I or they may suffer whilst engaged in activities conducted by the Club. I also authorise any medical assistance considered necessary at any time to be obtained for me and I agree to indemnify the Club's officers, officials and members from the cost of medical expenses incurred therefrom. I acknowledge that it is my sole decision and responsibility as to whether I will be engaged in any activities conducted by the Club and hold the Club clear of any liability to me as a result of my being engaged in those activities if I should suffer any loss or damage.
Risk warning
This RISK WARNING is issued jointly by the Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. and NSW Roads and Maritime Services, pursuant to the Civil Liability Act 2002 to all persons wishing to participate in the sailing activities conducted by Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. Participants are warned that, regardless of the precautions which might be taken by a reasonable and experienced person, sailing can be a dangerous pursuit and participants are exposed to significant risk of property damage, physical harm and possibly death.
These risks may include:
- Extremes of weather and sea conditions.
- The potential that control of vessels may be lost, resulting in collision with objects and other vessels.
- The sudden movement of the vessel at any time and the possibility that participants may fall or be thrown overboard resulting in drowning.
- The possibility that participants may be injured by equipment on the vessel.
- The absence of immediate medical care and the likelihood that significant delays may occur before medical care is available.
- Exposure to the elements for extended periods.
Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. and NSW Roads and Maritime Services also warn participants that regardless of their best intentions, they may be unable to render assistance to participants who are in distress. Participants are warned to consider the above risks and all other risks before deciding to participate in any sailing event with Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. Participants are also advised that although Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. is covered by third-party liability insurances, this cover does not extend to participants. Any participant who considers they have a need for third-party insurance must make their own private arrangements with an insurer.
Insurances
A Personal Accident Insurance policy is provided exclusively to PHOSC members as part of the club's subscription and membership of Australian Sailing. The Personal Accident Insurance policy provides benefits when an insured member is injured as a result of their participation in a sailing activity, whether it be while sailing, cruising, participating and officiating in races, race training or on the premises of an Australian Sailing affiliated yacht club. Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. makes this membership mandatory for all Members.
Boat third-party insurance cover is mandatory for all boats.
Child protection
Port Hacking Open Sailing Club Inc. is committed to ensuring that the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children are maintained at all times during their participation in Club activities. As such all members and volunteers involved in delivering sail training are required to complete the relevant Declaration and provide a Working With Children check number.
Privacy
- Port Hacking Open Sailing Club values privacy and will not release personal details to any third party without your permission. Your phone contact details may be made available to club members only specifically for the purpose of club business only — such as swapping roster shifts, arranging crews, club events and emergencies.
- To respect people's privacy, we do not allow camera phones, videos and cameras to be used inside changing areas, showers and toilets which we control or are used in connection with our sport.
- At times we post photos on the website and Facebook pages.
- When using a photo, we will not name or identify children or publish personal information, such as residential address, email address or telephone number, without the consent of the child's parent/guardian. We will only use images of children that are relevant to our sport and we will ensure that they are suitably clothed in a manner that promotes participation in the sport.
Sailing / boating participant code of conduct
Competitors are expected to comply with the Basic Principle outlined in the Racing Rules of Sailing.
As a competitor you shall:
- Be tolerant of other users of the waterways and surrounding environs.
- Never argue with an official.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other sailors / boating participants, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviour.
- Not abuse other crew members.
- Abide by the Australian Sailing Anti-Doping Policy.
- Work equally hard for yourself and / or your crew. Your boat's performance will benefit and so will you.
- Be a good sport. Applaud your opponents when they get one up on you.
- Treat all participants as you like to be treated. Do not bully or try to take an unfair advantage of another competitor.
- Cooperate with your fellow sailors / boating participants — without them there would be no competition.
- Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please others.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
