[ QUOTE ]
"Coastguards can't start a rescue until they fill out a healthy and safety assessment"
Not only Coastguards! In two thirds of Solent waters existing legislation requires all boating organisations organising a club event, race or rally to meet Health & Safety requirements including Risk Analysis and Contingency Plans, also give a minimum of one month's notice.
The fire brigade have been doing it for years. Before you can be rescued from your burning bedroom the officer in charge will have to complete a written risk assessment, to ensure he's not putting the firefighters under his command in any danger......in theory. In practice MOST will use common sense. Times are changing though; younger OICs tend to do it all by the book.