Second edition of the realistic shipwreck simulation exercise
The second edition of the realistic shipwreck simulation, abandonment of vessel and crew recovery exercise, organized by the Italian Sailing Federation in collaboration with the Coast Guard and, this year, with the valuable support of the Navy, has been successfully concluded. The activity took place off the coast of Lazio, between 2 and 10 miles from the coast, with careful and responsible participation by all the subjects involved.
The aim of the project is to train, test and collect data on behavior in the event of an emergency at sea, through a simulation as close to reality as possible: two sailing boats staged a serious failure with consequent abandonment of ship, following all the required procedures – from the launch of the May Day to the management of the life raft – under the monitoring of a technical team with a doctor and video operator on board.
The data collected will now be used to update and strengthen the reference protocols for yachtsmen, in line with the regulations and OSR (Offshore Special Regulations) courses recognized by World Sailing and the FIV itself.
“These exercises are not only used to test means and procedures, but also to spread a culture of safety that must become an integral part of the training of those who go to sea,” declared the President of the FIV, Francesco Ettorre. “I thank the Navy and the Coast Guard for their collaboration and for having made naval units, men and skills available for the success of the project. Special thanks go to the Federal Councilors Maurizio Buscemi and Guido Ricetto for having conducted the project in an exemplary manner.”
The Federal Councilor in charge of Offshore and Recreation, Maurizio Buscemi, added: “The sea requires preparation and awareness. With projects like this, we can get ever closer to those who sail for competition and passion but also with a sense of responsibility.”
The Federal Councilor with responsibility for Training, Guido Ricetto, underlined: “We need to train complete personnel and sailors, capable not only of racing but also of dealing with emergencies with clarity. This is also how a true modern navy is formed.”
The exercise report was presented during the Civitavecchia stop of the Vespucci Tour. Speakers included:
- Francesco Ettorre, President of the Italian Sailing Federation
- Maurizio Buscemi, Federal Councilor for Offshore and Recreation
- Guido Ricetto, Federal Councilor for Training
- Silvestro Girgenti, Commander of the Rome Harbour Master’s Office
- Marco P. Mincio, Head of the Planning Office – III Operations Plans Department of the General Command of the Harbour Master’s Office – Coast Guard
- Antonio Terrone, Head of Operations Service of the Rome Harbour Master’s Office
- Angelo Carusone, Head of the Brand and Media Division, Difesa Servizi S.p.A.
Maritime safety is not just a rule – said Daniele Banfi of Wamblee – but a fundamental value that must guide all our actions at sea. Whether it’s adrenaline-filled regattas or quiet sailing trips, prevention and preparation are key to ensuring that every experience is not only exciting, but above all safe.
It is with this deep belief that Wamblee is committed to promoting a 360-degree safety culture. We firmly believe that collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to achieving this goal. For this reason, we are proud to announce our constant and unconditional support to the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV).
We will always stand by FIV for any initiative aimed at improving safety standards, training new aware sailors and spreading best practices. Our collaboration with FIV is a tangible sign of our commitment to contributing to a future in which the sea is a place of joy, passion and, above all, safety for everyone.
