This is what the rules say.
On buoyancy
Part A 4.4 The certificate is valid for twelve months from the date of the
original buoyancy test or any subsequent buoyancy test provided it
is signed by the owner with the date of the last test and that this
signature is witnessed and endorsed by a person or persons in
each country designated by the respective national association.
Part B
4.2 TESTS
4.2.1 Buoyancy tests shall be undertaken by the owner who shall sign
and date the certificate and arrange for such signature to be
witnessed in accordance with rule 4.4 Part A.
4.2.2 The initial buoyancy test for boats with built-in buoyancy tanks shall
consist of either a dry pressure/vacuum test as defined in rule 4.2.3
or of the immersion of each buoyancy unit for at least 5 minutes
when all units shall be in sound condition. The initial buoyancy test
for boats without built-in buoyancy tanks shall consist of the
immersion of each buoyancy unit for at least 5 minutes when all
units shall be in sound condition. After an immersion test, each tank
shall contain not more than 1/2 litre of water.
4.2.3 At subsequent buoyancy tests, boats with hull shells and decks
constructed substantially of wood shall have, at yearly intervals,
their buoyancy apparatus checked by the owner (reference rule
4.4, Part A) who shall be satisfied that the buoyancy apparatus is in
a sound condition. Every third year or, if the owner is in any doubt
as to the adequacy of the buoyancy apparatus, a dry
pressure/vacuum test as defined in Rule 4.2.3 or an immersion test
as detailed in rule 4.2.1 shall be undertaken. Boats with hull shells
and/or decks constructed substantially of GRP. shall have a dry
pressure/vacuum test as defined in rule 4.2.3 or an immersion test
as detailed in rule 4.2.1 undertaken at yearly intervals.
SAILS
13.5 Additional Rules
13.5.1 Only sails endorsed in accordance with rule 13.5.2 shall be used.
13.5.2 Not more than one mainsail and not more than one headsail shall
be endorsed on the certificate when originally issued. Sails may be
added by endorsement as additions or replacements (but not both)
at the rate of one mainsail and one headsail (two headsails in the
UK) during each succeeding twelve month period commencing from
the date of issue of the original/initial measurement certificate. The
Association shall have the discretion to permit the endorsement of
further replacement sails in the event of loss or damage.
13.5.3 Not more than one mainsail and one headsail shall be carried on
board.
The rules can be downloaded from the technical section of the RYA's not very easy to navigate website. I couldn't get the link from this site to work, webmaster please note.
Hope this has helped, no doubt our chairman will be along shortly and may give a practical indication of what they will be checking. I would suggest that you get your buoyancy checked prior to the event. Not sure about who is actually allowed to sign as witness though, I'm sure a club Commodore used to be able to but Derek will be able to confirm approved persons
Robert(the currently boatless)
