Safety Checklist For Guests

Bill Roosa · Apr 5, 2014

It is best (20+ years of military service here) to give a safety brief before you cast off the dock lines. items to cover
how to use the head
location of emergency signaling and other devices
location of fire extinguishers and what to do if you see/smell smoke
location of first aide kit
identify who is and is not a good swimmer and anybody who knows CPR
instruction on what to do if there is flooding
move to cockpit
MOB equipment locations and procedures, stress at least 3 times that the person seeing the MOB has the responsibility to keep "eyes on" till relieved by the captain or first mate.
general layout (go over each line) of the sail controls
general layout of the helm to include throttle and shifting gears
radio procedures
location of life preservers.
location of emergency tiller and how to use it.

Do this and you set yourself up as the leader which is key to having them follow your instruction in an emergency, Don't forget to include the first mate in the discussion of all procedures to reinforce that leader relationship.

31seahorse · Apr 5, 2014

Hello Cat27rem,
I like all the suggestions Capt Roosa listed. I think the challenge is to do those instructions in a way that doesn't intimidate the guests and is fun in some sense of the term. "Showing" rather than "telling" is a key concept too. People remember what they participate in and see happen much longer than what they just "hear".

Different colored lines for different uses helps too. They may not remember which is the mainsheet, but they will recognize the red (or blue flecked or whatever) line when you tell them to adjust it. Lables on the parts may help also.

I recently made a drawing of the boat's storage spaces and labled fire extinguishers, radio, spare life jackets, fuel shut off, and on and on. Sometines I think that is too much information for the casual guest, but it also helps me remember where things are stowed.

Phil

Definately get the guests involved as much as they can do comfortably.

azguy · Apr 5, 2014

seriously, I always wondered why more people don't sail. While I appreciate the thoroughness of this military like debriefing, I guess my style is different.

I've had 3 people, on 3 separate occasions, on my C22 that had never been on a sailboat before. I put a life vest on them and I have them work the tiller and I do everything else.

I tell them to keep the wind at 9, 11, 2, 3 o'clock whatever and after a few tacks and getting the wind to the other side of the sails we are off and running and having a nice day. Plus, I'm not glued to the tiller

I am extra, extra, special careful to make sure I don't go in the drink

as I wouldn't want to put anyone in that position. But being in a C22 with everything run the cockpit, the chances of that are pretty slim...

Rick D · Apr 5, 2014

Another Try

I was trying to post my check sheet but had a tough time with format. Maybe this is better. I only go through the whole list when doing longer trips, certainly not day sails.

Winkfish · Apr 5, 2014

Cat, are you going out for a day or a week? If a few days or a week, maybe take them out on a day sail first so they're a little familiar first before setting off on a long cruise.

topcat0399 · Apr 5, 2014

Some great suggestions here that I intend to add to my schpeel.

I find it disturbing that no one mentions BOOM awareness - that's one of my big things.

Winkfish · Apr 5, 2014

topcat0399 said:
Some great suggestions here that I intend to add to my schpeel.

I find it disturbing that no one mentions BOOM awareness - that's one of my big things.

From someone who has learned the lesson the hard way? ;-). But you're right - those of us who know where the name comes from take it for granted now.

victorhoisington · Apr 5, 2014

Are you going for an long trip or just a short day say. When I have guests along for a short afternoon sail I keep it real simple:

There are 5 rules to the boat:

1. Life Preservers are located XXX, if you would like to wear one Please let me know and I'll help you.
2. People stay in the boat, Water stays outside of the boat.
3. The big thing overhead is called a Boom, it's called that for one reason, if it hits you we will all hear a big boom and you are most likely going to violate rule 2.
4. Help watch for obstacles, ships, boats, things in the water. If you see something go ahead and point it out, I like to sight see and it will ensure I have seen all of the obstacles.
5. Have fun!

Real basic, and for a short day sail plenty. If some one asks about the head or radio I'm happy to provide instructions. I usually get everyone somehow involved either in tending to sheets or steering the boat. I'm not out in heavy winds or weather, the water is warm and the lake is small so our risks are very limited.

There's lots more to learn but, I've found that the average person going for a short day sail really can't absorb much more than that. Make it too complicated, people get confused, they forget one or more of the basic rules, which will lead to problems.

These are my basics,

What do others do?

Victor

Indysailor · Apr 5, 2014

victorhoisington said:
Are you going for an long trip or just a short day say. When I have guests along for a short afternoon sail I keep it real simple: There are 5 rules to the boat: 1. Life Preservers are located XXX, if you would like to wear one Please let me know and I'll help you. 2. People stay in the boat, Water stays outside of the boat. 3. The big thing overhead is called a Boom, it's called that for one reason, if it hits you we will all hear a big boom and you are most likely going to violate rule 2. 4. Help watch for obstacles, ships, boats, things in the water. If you see something go ahead and point it out, I like to sight see and it will ensure I have seen all of the obstacles. 5. Have fun! Real basic, and for a short day sail plenty. If some one asks about the head or radio I'm happy to provide instructions. I usually get everyone somehow involved either in tending to sheets or steering the boat. I'm not out in heavy winds or weather, the water is warm and the lake is small so our risks are very limited. There's lots more to learn but, I've found that the average person going for a short day sail really can't absorb much more than that. Make it too complicated, people get confused, they forget one or more of the basic rules, which will lead to problems. These are my basics, What do others do? Victor

I like this list for a short lake outing. People unfamiliar with sailing can't take in too much info; I try to keep it as short as possible. Aside from safety and things mentioned above I politely tell them that there will situations when I need them to follow my instructions in order to sail the boat. I try to take as many non sailors out as I can because we NEED MORE SAILORS, but I also try not to scare them away with a martinet list of regulations.

rgranger · Apr 6, 2014

....
I too like to put the tiller in the hands of the newbie. Especially if they are kids. I love how their face cracks into a smile that lasts all day long. So, in addition to these things listed above,

I always explain the difference between a tack and a gybe.... and then tell them, "today we won't be doing any gybe's.".

I also instruct the helmsman to always announce a tack beforehand with

"Ready about".
... and why this is necessary so people can make sure they are not in the way of moving spars, lines and sails.... and to wait for the responses from every member of the crew...

"ready"

... BEFORE starting the tack.

"Helm's alee"

It is goofy and ritualistic and kids love it... and it has a very understandable purpose. Gets everyone involved in the overall safe operation of the boat even if you are just soaking up rays on the bow.

shemandr · Apr 6, 2014

People can only absorb a limited amount of information so I think safety instruction needs to be kept short and sweet. The major safety factors are in the hands of the skipper anyway. For instance, we choose the weather, the number of guests and their relative experience and physical abilities as well as who is wearing life jackets. On my boat, I tell guests there is nothing more important than their footing. So that when they move about they should have their balance. That's what I want. To me the boom isn't critical because I'm not going to tack or gybe until I know everyone's clear anyway. With non-sailors aboard there are no accidental gybes because I will not allow it.
If there's a cabin I want them to know where fire extinguishers are. At least one other person should know where the air horn is, how to signal for help and use the radio for an emergency. I teach non sailor's to spin a winch before putting line on it so they wrap in the right direction and how to avoid an override. That's about it.

Scotty C-M · Apr 6, 2014

I like Victors 5 rules

1. Life Preservers are located XXX, if you would like to wear one Please let me know and I'll help you.
2. People stay in the boat, Water stays outside of the boat.
3. The big thing overhead is called a Boom, it's called that for one reason, if it hits you we will all hear a big boom and you are most likely going to violate rule 2.
4. Help watch for obstacles, ships, boats, things in the water. If you see something go ahead and point it out, I like to sight see and it will ensure I have seen all of the obstacles.
5. Have fun!

I add a rule between 4 and 5 (Let's call it rule 4 1/2):

4 1/2. "If anything looks wrong or unsafe, ask me about it. Usually it's not a problem, but sometimes it's something that should be addressed, that I haven't noticed. Thanks.

Bill Roosa · Apr 6, 2014

I would certianly agree with all the posters here, you cannot overload the new folks or they will shut down. I try and keep it "light" and not try to make them expert (not that I'm one either) sailors in 5 minutes, just a "here are the things you might need to find in an emergency and take all instruction from the Captain or First mate." most important is for them to understand that it is there and to say something if they see smoke or water coming in.. my concept is that they can certainly help in an emergency but I'm the Captain and need to direct traffic.

Claude L.-Auger · Apr 6, 2014

I agree with Bill. It is my responsibility to ensure of everyone's safety at all times. If I have Newbies on board, it will generally be for a short time, like an afternoon, under pleasant conditions. I always ask them if they'd like to participate in the maneuvers or "drive the boat" ? The ones that do always seem to enjoy themselves. I never forget that as Captain, it is my decision to go out or not. So I keep the instructions light and tell them about where pfds are located, tell them about the boom, and tell them they have to report anything that strikes them as odd (i.e. water inside, smoke, heat, something in the water, etc) and I'll check into it. I also tell them what to expect (i.e. boat healing, noise from sails, etc). MOB possibility: whomever sees the person falling has to point constantly towards the person. I don't care if 2 or 3 point to the MOB, I can then assign responsibilities as required. Finally, I tell them they cannot get out of the cockpit until I tell them it's OK. On longer passages, with experienced crew, we can cover boat, it's systems, through-hull location, etc., but then it's a different venture !

Bill Roosa · Apr 6, 2014

Taking care of crew

We used to conduct a "Friday Night Sail" for the friends and co-workers. Published an OPORDER to wit.
Dang it Phil has .doc disabled
cutting and pasting

P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; } OPERATION Friday Night Sail (FNS) 2011
References
USCG Chart #1 Symbols
Current USCG Notices to Sailors
NOAA maps; 122001, 122002, 122003
USSV “Bardi Sea” Standard Operating Procedures
1. Situation
A. Enemy Forces: DoD staffing elements and other hard working folk are being assaulted by numerous enemy elements attempting to destroy our moral, disrupt staffing operations, ruin teamwork initiatives and subvert mental sharpness. Enemy forces are active throughout the area of operations (AO) and will remain active for the foreseeable future.
(1) The dispersed enemy forces of boredom, apathy, poor lighting, low bandwidth network connections, and not well understood or documented command relationships have joined forces in an attempt to reduce unit effectiveness. Numerous attacks are being conducted daily throughout the AO. Enemy forces have not demonstrated any one preferred means of attack and appear to be taking advantage of all targets of opportunity. A high incidence of attacks is taking place during meetings and conferences. Enemy forces are known to use the following phrases: “We’ll have to get back with you”, “We are not the lead for that action”, “We’d have to get a formal tasker from HQDA to proceed”, and “The JCIDS manual clearly states…..”
(2) The weather will be variable throughout duration of this operation. Periodic weather intel will be made available prior to each FNS operation and a weather call will be made the Friday morning before each FNS. Winds can typically be expected to be in the 5-15 knot range from the west with waves ranging from 1-3 feet. Thunderstorms can be expected at any time but pose little risk to operations.
B. Friendly Forces: Moral is generally high but varies by day of the week. Mondays appear to be the worst days for moral and Friday being the best. There is also a notable increase in moral daily after approximately 1530.
2. Mission: Friends of the Captain or First Mate will partake in sailing on the Potomac River activities, vic latitude 38 deg 30’ North, longitude 077 deg 20’ West, every mid-month Friday Night (see Annex A: FNS schedule) to defeat enemy forces common to all.
3. Execution
A. Concept of Operations:
(1) Captain’s Intent: Enemy forces can be reduced or eliminated by a concerted effort to build strong teams among the personnel participating (crew) in FNS operations. To that end, the Captain and First Mate (best a guy could want) will provide the U.S. Sailing Vessel (USSV) “Bardi Sea” for crew team building operations.
(2) Scheme of Maneuver: Crew will land navigate from various start points at various start times to Quantico Marina, Virginia using the strip map in Annex B in time to arrive at Dock A, Slip 28 prior to 1700 on the night of the FNS. Operations will commence on or about (OOA) 1700 hours. Operations will conclude when the Captain has determined (or crew states) enough fun has been accomplished for tonight or 2400 whichever is sooner.
B. Subunit subparagraphs:
(1) Captain: Will provide; One 40.5’ USSV with three staterooms, head, galley, and salon in seaworthy condition, safety brief to crew prior to departing the slip, primary navigation and sail trim oversight, primary “shop talk” squelching, Personal Flotation devices (PDF) for all personnel, liquid refreshment, finger foods for the crew, be the final authority in determination of all “fit to drive home” questions, and will be solely responsible for all ships communication via VHF radio.
(2) First Mate (best a guy could want) will provide; coordination of all activities “down below,” secondary navigation and sail trim oversight, secondary “shop talk” squelching, be the final final authority in determination of all “fit to drive home” questions.
(3) Crew will provide; individual transportation to and from Quantico Marina, food or drink they wish to partake of during FNS operations, appropriate individual clothing for the operation (no black soled shoes please), and keep a weather eye out for obstructions/danger during FNS operations.
C. Coordinating Instructions: Crew will; notify the Captain or First Mate (best a guy could want) of their intention to participate in FNS activities No Later Than (NLT) 1400 the afternoon of the operation, notify the Captain or First Mate (best a guy could want) via cell phone of delays in arrival at Quantico Marina so we can wait for them, notify the Captain or First Mate (best a guy could want) by the Wednesday before the FNS of any small children attending so he can procure PDFs as needed,
4. Service Support
D. Emergency Procedures: All emergency procedures shall be in accordance with USSV “Bardi Sea” SOP. Procedures will be addressed during the safety brief.
A. Supply: BYO food and drink. Limited finger foods and cold liquid refreshments will be provided by the Captain and First Mate. Microwave, refrigerator, and gas stove/oven will be available throughout FNS operations for food storage and preparation. No replenishment operations will be conducted during FNS operations.
B. Transportation: Transportation to/from the Quantico Marina will be accomplished via personally owned vehicle and is the responsibility of the individual. Parking is free.
C. Medical Evacuation: During transit from work place to Quantico Marina local EMT can be reached via 911 call on your cell phone. While conducting FNS operations VHF Channel 16 will be used to contact the US Coast Guard for assistance. Operation of the VHF radio will be covered in the safety brief. First aid equipment use and location will be addressed during the safety brief.
D. Personnel: No personnel replenishment is planned. All pregnant personnel will refrain from birthing during FNS operations.
E. Prisoners of War: Should anyone be caught performing the following acts one (1) warning will be given. Upon the second infraction that person will be declared Enemy Prisoner Of War and subjected to various forms of socially acceptable abuse and general mistreatment. Infractions include, but are not limited to, shop talk, “bad mouthing” any leadership figure except political figures during a political discussion, or “guy” or “girl” talk in the presence of the other sex. The Crew shall be the final approving authority in determining all infractions and determination of suitable mistreatment of the offending individual/group.
F. Billeting: There are 3 staterooms available on USSV “Bardi Sea” should the need to arise to stay later than usual. Breakfast and coffee will be provided as needed.
5. Command and Signal
A. Signal
(1) Primary means of communication during transit to Quantico Marina will be cell phone. Alternate means will be ham radio (144.2 MHz). Primary means of communication during FNS activities will be marine VHF radio. Alternate will be cell phone.
(2) Contact information: Captain xxx-xxx-xxxx, KJ4LYH on 144.2 MHz, First Mate xxx-xxx-xxxxx.
(3) Marine VHF emergency/calling channel is 16. Working channel is 72.
B. Command
(1) Location of the Chain of Command: The Captain will be located vic the helm or cold beverage locker throughout the operation. The First Mate will be located vic the helm, a sail trim location, the galley or salon throughout the operation.
(2) Chain of Command: Bill Roosa (Captain), Beverly Roosa(First Mate), others as designated in the safety briefing.

rgranger · Apr 6, 2014

Hungh?

Safety Checklist For Guests

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