Policies

RYA policies

Find the latest policies, guidelines, and regulations

Safety and safeguarding policies

Creating a safe environment is key to ensuring that sailing is a positive and accessible experience for everyone. Discover the RYA's unwavering commitment to safety through its endorsed safety policy, management system, and safeguarding procedures.

instructor holding a map and teaching whilst sitting on a motor cruiser

The RYA’s commitment to safety

The RYA Safety Management Policy Statement prioritises safety in recreational boating. Understand our strategies for risk management and to ensure safety in your sport.

Children walking along a dock to their boats

The RYA safety management policy and system

The RYA Safety Management System (SMS) is a systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organisational structures, accountability and policies.

RYA safeguarding policy and procedures

The RYA is committed to safeguarding all children, young people, and adults taking part in its activities from risk, abuse, and harm.

Protection of vulnerable groups (PVG)

Disclosure Services (VSDS) is funded by the Scottish Government to support the voluntary sector with processing disclosure checks. Find out how to register, apply for checks, and access valuable resources for volunteers.

Member and affiliate policies

Access vital RYA membership and affiliation policies and regulations. Learn how we facilitate enhanced criminal disclosure checks for clubs working with young people and vulnerable adults.

Membership matters

Access the RYA articles of association and membership regulations. Understand the governance and policies that shape your membership experience.

group of dinghies, and various other boast in the water at a harbour in Ireland

AccessNI

The RYA is registered with AccessNI as an umbrella body to process enhanced criminal disclosure checks for clubs and centres in Northern Ireland.

Criminal records disclosure coordinators

The RYA can help clubs and centres access criminal records on volunteers or staff who will work with young people or vulnerable adults.

An instructor on shore in a buoyancy aid chatting to someone with other people and windsurfer/dinghy kit and lake in the background.

Accident and incident reporting

Ideally the best way to prevent harm, is to record and introduce measures that reduce the occurrence of hazards and risks. Understand how to report, analyse, and reduce risks effectively.

Legislations and policies

For those affiliated with the RYA, knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures is crucial for compliance and effective operation. Find resources related to legislations and policies that could impact you.

Legislation

Equality Act 2010, learn about the protected characteristics and relevant equality, diversity and inclusion legislation.

Anti-bribery policy

In accordance with the Bribery Act 2010, the RYA prohibits the offering, the giving, the solicitation and the acceptance of any bribe.

Boats and people on the sand bar at the entrance to Salcombe Estuary, Devon, UK

Environment & sustainability policy

The RYA is committed to a creating and maintaining a sustainable future for recreational boating.