Looking for all possible "guest rules" that I may be overlooking. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks!
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A few that have worked for me...
Unless you want to try to explain what can and cannot go down a marine toilet--and why--to landlubbers...or worse yet, have to unclog because you didn't explain it, it's best to tell them that NOTHING goes into it they haven't eaten first. I always kept a "diaper pail" with lid and trap door, or a step-on-the-pedal waste can with lid and liners in my dock locker...when landlubber guests were expected it went into the head beside the toilet and instructions to guests then become simple: unless you've eaten it first, it goes in the pail. NO exceptions, not even a toothpick. (You can make a sign to hang in the head if you're really uncomfortable telling them). When the guests go home, the liner goes to the dumpster with the rest of the trash and the pail and sign go back into the dock locker. You really DO need to explain to guests how to flush the toilet, but a lot of people seem to be uncomfortable about how to approach that. The easiest way is to make it just another part of your "this is where everything is and how it works" tour of the boat--something you should do for ALL first-time guests, landlubber or not (how many times have we all had to hunt for 10 minutes for the light switch in the head on a strange boat...and finally had to ask?)--when they come aboard. The toilet just becomes part of the "tour," and a LOT less embarrassing for you OR your guests than having to show someone how to flush a full bowl. And by the way...I've always made safety issues a part of that tour.. "Here are the lifejackets. God willing we won't need them, but just in case, here’s how to put one on. The light switches are located...and they work by…. The water faucets work just like the ones at home, but please don't let the water just run, because what's in the tank is all there is. Please don't try to help unless specifically asked to do something, you could get hurt if I zig when you expected me to zag…" etc. It's been my experience that landlubbers are a lot more comfortable aboard immediately when they know a little bit about the boat, how things work, and what's expected--or not--of them.
Unless you want to try to explain what can and cannot go down a marine toilet--and why--to landlubbers...or worse yet, have to unclog because you didn't explain it, it's best to tell them that NOTHING goes into it they haven't eaten first. I always kept a "diaper pail" with lid and trap door, or a step-on-the-pedal waste can with lid and liners in my dock locker...when landlubber guests were expected it went into the head beside the toilet and instructions to guests then become simple: unless you've eaten it first, it goes in the pail. NO exceptions, not even a toothpick. (You can make a sign to hang in the head if you're really uncomfortable telling them). When the guests go home, the liner goes to the dumpster with the rest of the trash and the pail and sign go back into the dock locker. You really DO need to explain to guests how to flush the toilet, but a lot of people seem to be uncomfortable about how to approach that. The easiest way is to make it just another part of your "this is where everything is and how it works" tour of the boat--something you should do for ALL first-time guests, landlubber or not (how many times have we all had to hunt for 10 minutes for the light switch in the head on a strange boat...and finally had to ask?)--when they come aboard. The toilet just becomes part of the "tour," and a LOT less embarrassing for you OR your guests than having to show someone how to flush a full bowl. And by the way...I've always made safety issues a part of that tour.. "Here are the lifejackets. God willing we won't need them, but just in case, here’s how to put one on. The light switches are located...and they work by…. The water faucets work just like the ones at home, but please don't let the water just run, because what's in the tank is all there is. Please don't try to help unless specifically asked to do something, you could get hurt if I zig when you expected me to zag…" etc. It's been my experience that landlubbers are a lot more comfortable aboard immediately when they know a little bit about the boat, how things work, and what's expected--or not--of them.
Please remove your shoes!!
If your coming aboard and your shoes are anything but white or gumsoled they are to be left on the dock. Cleaning sole scuffs off the topsides and cockpit just ain't fun. On our dock you can always tell if a neighbor has new guests aboard when they're not there because of the Tevas left behind on the dock.
If your coming aboard and your shoes are anything but white or gumsoled they are to be left on the dock. Cleaning sole scuffs off the topsides and cockpit just ain't fun. On our dock you can always tell if a neighbor has new guests aboard when they're not there because of the Tevas left behind on the dock.
Good old TP
When I replaced my original metal holding tank with a plastic one, I dumped the unpumpable water out of the old tank. It had been flushed several times and just contained the water that always stays in. I was supprised by the amount of toliet paper fibers that came out. We use the type that supposedly dissolves. But apparently, all they do is lay on the bottom of the tank. We now have a small trash can next to the head with a plastic bag in it. This is for all paper products that are normally used with the head.
When I replaced my original metal holding tank with a plastic one, I dumped the unpumpable water out of the old tank. It had been flushed several times and just contained the water that always stays in. I was supprised by the amount of toliet paper fibers that came out. We use the type that supposedly dissolves. But apparently, all they do is lay on the bottom of the tank. We now have a small trash can next to the head with a plastic bag in it. This is for all paper products that are normally used with the head.
Simple Question, BUT
We always ask the dumb question, "Can you swim" to people we don't know and you would be surprised at the answers. On goes the life jacket!!
We always ask the dumb question, "Can you swim" to people we don't know and you would be surprised at the answers. On goes the life jacket!!
We could make an extensive list with our
collective knowledge; location of saftey equipment - flares etc. location of fire extinquishers MOB drill general hazards - Boom in an accidental jibe One hand for the boat - one hand for the job
collective knowledge; location of saftey equipment - flares etc. location of fire extinquishers MOB drill general hazards - Boom in an accidental jibe One hand for the boat - one hand for the job
speak up when feeling ill
We've had guests say nothing when they started to feel seasick. By the time they decided to mention it, it was too late. So we have a rule that if someone is feeling ill, they have to say something so we can get them back to shore as quickly as possible. One guest went below to lie down, telling everyone he was tired (rather than seasick). WRONG MOVE. His lunch came up all over the seat cushion. He was embarrassed, and we had a mess to clean up. Enough said.
We've had guests say nothing when they started to feel seasick. By the time they decided to mention it, it was too late. So we have a rule that if someone is feeling ill, they have to say something so we can get them back to shore as quickly as possible. One guest went below to lie down, telling everyone he was tired (rather than seasick). WRONG MOVE. His lunch came up all over the seat cushion. He was embarrassed, and we had a mess to clean up. Enough said.
KISS
We keep it simple, only two "Rules." Boating's supposed to be fun. 1. One hand for the boat and one for yourself (and we explain what that means) 2. Do what we ask immediately, ask questions later. The head gets explained when the company wants to use it, because as some have said, it sometimes seems too intimidating for newcomers. They forget what you said an hour ago, and need to ask again. When we sold our old boat the new prospective owner's wife said, "Oh, my gosh, how many rules am I gonna have to make for my kids. Don't touch this, don't do that, I'm so afraid." I said, "Sooner or later the kids'll get real smart and find something that's not on your list of Rules. Just keep it simple." I agree that the safety information tour should be done, too, but that's less a Rule than it is good common sense. Enjoy! Stu
We keep it simple, only two "Rules." Boating's supposed to be fun. 1. One hand for the boat and one for yourself (and we explain what that means) 2. Do what we ask immediately, ask questions later. The head gets explained when the company wants to use it, because as some have said, it sometimes seems too intimidating for newcomers. They forget what you said an hour ago, and need to ask again. When we sold our old boat the new prospective owner's wife said, "Oh, my gosh, how many rules am I gonna have to make for my kids. Don't touch this, don't do that, I'm so afraid." I said, "Sooner or later the kids'll get real smart and find something that's not on your list of Rules. Just keep it simple." I agree that the safety information tour should be done, too, but that's less a Rule than it is good common sense. Enjoy! Stu
Safety
I always show new guest how to use the VHF, fire extinguisher,head,and PFDs. I also show them the engine/transmission controls. I want to make sure if I get hurt or fall overboard,they will have some idea of what to do.
I always show new guest how to use the VHF, fire extinguisher,head,and PFDs. I also show them the engine/transmission controls. I want to make sure if I get hurt or fall overboard,they will have some idea of what to do.
Keep an eye on the BOOM!!
In my boat I remind people of the reason why the boom acquired its name and I show them where they can and can not stand to avoid the risk of getting banged by it. I have a pretty good preventer but I don't mention it just in case. I also remind all males on board that no matter the urgency, the head should always be used in the sitting position. I give then an introduction to "flushing 1.01" and use the opportunity to explain that, except sheets and halyards, in the boat NOTHING should require force to be actuated. In case of doubts, always ask!
In my boat I remind people of the reason why the boom acquired its name and I show them where they can and can not stand to avoid the risk of getting banged by it. I have a pretty good preventer but I don't mention it just in case. I also remind all males on board that no matter the urgency, the head should always be used in the sitting position. I give then an introduction to "flushing 1.01" and use the opportunity to explain that, except sheets and halyards, in the boat NOTHING should require force to be actuated. In case of doubts, always ask!
Visual check of deck shoes
Ask your guests and crew to visually check shoes that have been worn on the street for attached debris (stones, coral, staples/nails) and substances (gum, tar etc.). These will make a mess of fibreglass and teak or carpeted floors, leading to work for you and embarrassment for your guest. Re head: Explain that flushing is not done with precious fresh water and explain how much flushing to do (overboard vs holding tank). Also, swimming and overboard discharge don't mix :-(
Ask your guests and crew to visually check shoes that have been worn on the street for attached debris (stones, coral, staples/nails) and substances (gum, tar etc.). These will make a mess of fibreglass and teak or carpeted floors, leading to work for you and embarrassment for your guest. Re head: Explain that flushing is not done with precious fresh water and explain how much flushing to do (overboard vs holding tank). Also, swimming and overboard discharge don't mix :-(
One rule
PFD on everyone all the time when underway. Local water is 48F. Wear the shoes you showed up in and stand on your head in the head, I don't care, so long as you got your PFD on and I've got about 10 to choose from. Scott
PFD on everyone all the time when underway. Local water is 48F. Wear the shoes you showed up in and stand on your head in the head, I don't care, so long as you got your PFD on and I've got about 10 to choose from. Scott
agree with Stu
get those two down and everything else will pretty well fall into place. BTW, I alway ask the "can you swim question" before inviting someone along.
get those two down and everything else will pretty well fall into place. BTW, I alway ask the "can you swim question" before inviting someone along.
Yes, I agree - ALWAYS SIT *sry
I was on a charter boat 22 years ago and the captain gave that rule to 6 of us. It now ask guests to do the same thing. When you simply say, "I don't want to clean any mess" they fully understand.
I was on a charter boat 22 years ago and the captain gave that rule to 6 of us. It now ask guests to do the same thing. When you simply say, "I don't want to clean any mess" they fully understand.
Simple Two (or three)
There's always been the simple two: 1) No Cellphones/Pagers 2) No Firearms Of course, "Guests always buy the beer" should probably be added, but in case they forget, I've probably got a few aboard... Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
There's always been the simple two: 1) No Cellphones/Pagers 2) No Firearms Of course, "Guests always buy the beer" should probably be added, but in case they forget, I've probably got a few aboard... Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
I Do an Airline Type Safety Review for New Guests
I cover most of the items that the others have already mentioned. I do it in a rather formal way and make sure the new guests can do what is needed, paricularly in an emergency. I like some of the prior suggestions and I will incorporate them in my routine. I think I might write it down one day like a pre-flight checklist. On a race, naturally I pre-assign roles and positions on the boat.
I cover most of the items that the others have already mentioned. I do it in a rather formal way and make sure the new guests can do what is needed, paricularly in an emergency. I like some of the prior suggestions and I will incorporate them in my routine. I think I might write it down one day like a pre-flight checklist. On a race, naturally I pre-assign roles and positions on the boat.
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