Sailing Checklist For New Crew

[Ducati]

Just spent a full day at a Safety At Sea seminar.

I have been sailing for many years however I would like to prepare a one page checklist that would be forwarded to new crew and guests to review prior to boarding. The objective of the list would be to provide them (not scare them) of the importance of safety while sailing with me. We want them to have fun and be safe + the word "liability" also comes to mind too, however that is secondary. The real goal is to give them a review of some of the dangers on a sailboat, what to do and not + my expectations of them while on our vessel.

I am sure I could put this together however was wondering if there might be one already prepared that I could use.

Happy (Safe) Sailing

 

[Ed Schenck]

Have one. On the boat in Florida. I will see if I can find the text. I made a little booklet, maybe three pages, with a nice cover. Then I put it in one of those clear plastic covers, the kind with the hard plastic binder that slides on. All new sailing friends received one a week or so before our outing.

I remember a few things like no one out of the cockpit without a PFD, children under twelve or anyone who could not swim always with a PFD, and head instructions. Now I wonder where that document, written in 1999, might be hiding?

 

[BobM]

Sounds like a good idea. Many of us, myself included, probably do not prep guests in the safety details of our boat or even some rudimentary MOB stuff. I tend to wear my Sospenders when out alone, but not with a guest even though I am probably most likely to go for a swim and the person may not be able to handle the boat. Even some quick instructions on how to drop the boat in neutral or to turn into the wind might save me a lot of swimming! Plus some instructions on how to use the VHF and call in an emergency.

 

[Steve L22188]

Three simple rules

I used to have this spiel I gave to friends that covered all kinds of possible safety issues. And my wife told me I was scaring the bejesus out of everyone before we even left the dock. So I reduced it to to three simple rules:

1. One hand for you, one hand for the boat. Don't fall off.
2. This is called the boom. It's call the boom because that's the sound it makes when it hits your head. Keep your head down.
3. If someone falls off the boat, throw all the cushions at him or her in the water and I'll bring the boat around to get them. If I fall off, throw every cushion at me and let all the lines go. The boat will stop, head into the wind and I'll swim to the boat.

For the safety purists: I know there are a thousand other things. And I'll explain those other things if I see someone being unsafe (along with an explanation of why it's unsafe behavior).

But the fact of the matter is that most people can best remember three things. And, knock on wood, nobody's fallen off or been hurt yet.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Found old guest instructions.

Found it. Now to see if I can post it. It is a Word doc that I will have to save and post as text I think.

I like Steve's simple approach. My problem is remembering what to tell people while I am ushering them aboard and trying to get the boat ready. You can see how my memory is when you compare my document with what I wrote in the first post.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

You might check your owner's manual too. They often have safety checklists in the section none of us read.

Ed, just copy the .doc and paste it into your notepad. That will drop all rich text and allow you to copy and paste into the forum.

 

[Roger Long]

Re: Three simple rules

Item No 1:

No suitcases.

I finally gave up my quarter berth in order to have a place to accommodate the suitcases, carry on bags with wheels, backpacks with full frame, etc. that always show up regardless of what I say or email beforehand.

 

[Stu Jackson]

1. If I ask you to do something, please do it, right away. Feel free to ask any and all questions later.

2. One hand for yourself, one hand for the ship - i.e., don't fall off, it'll ruin YOUR day, not mine because I love to practice MOB.

3. If you have any question, please ask before doing something you may not understand. We'll be glad to explain anything and everything.

All the rest are details, including the don't put anything in the head. My experience is most people, on a daysail, don't want to use it, either out of fear of blocking it, admission of stupidity for a simple machine because of folklore of difficulty, or they simply just don't like small cramped bouncy spaces. Or they don't have to go...

The shorter the "list" the more it is usually adhered to.

 

[Rick D]

Guest Crew Check Sheet

I copied my Excel file into Paint, so it may not come out so good. But, this is what I developed as a memory aid. I do, of course, modify the information depending upon the nature of the sail and the crew.

 

[druid]

I have a well-practiced "spiel" similar to Steve's that I give to any new "crew". But I think it's a GREAT idea to have it written down! I'll make something up.

My main points are similar to Steve's (although I love the "if I ask you to do something..." - how many times have I been given a Blank Stare when I say "pull...that...rope"

- Instructions on how to use the head
- Where the emergency gear is
- what to do if anyone but ME falls off
- what to do if *I* fall off
- if the boat tips, it's not gonna fall over
- the boat WILL tip, so don't put things down that might fall over.

Anyway: written down - good idea.
druid



druid

 

[John]

I also tell guests, "If you see something, like another boat approaching, and you're not certain I see it, please don't hesitate to point it out. I won't be insulted."

 

[Johnb]

All of the above plus DON'T FALL DOWN THE COMPANIONWAY - Face the steps

and also DON'T TANGLE YOURSELF IN LINES.

I like to mention that throwing spectacles, cameras keys or wallets overboard pleases Neptune.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Safty brief

We put on a Friday night sail every other Friday night as a team building event for work so I'm always getting new folks that are not so salty. We always give a safety brief that includes:
Determination of anybody who can't swim or is a weak or strong swimmer
Location of the safety gear
What to do in case of fire
What to do in case we take on water
MOB instructions, the primary being "he who sees the MOB first keeps his eyes on the MOB and does not stop till properly relieved"
How to operate the engine, transmission, drop/furl the sails
Where the main electric, CNG, and fuel switches/valves are.
How to activate the VHF emergency button and make a call to the CG

 

[EmmaC]

Fingers - especially little ones

We have grandchildren and have found that with ours and others who seem to just show up that reminding everyone - but especially little ones and their parents - if it moves don't put your fingers on it. Travelers, winches, lines all provide a danger to fingers. We also have a rule that you are not allowed to move any knob or switch unless an adult tells you to. This last one is after our battery switch got switched to all while on the hook for an overnight stay. When the batteries were too low to start the engine in the morning grandpa was happy that our Hunter had a crank start. It was work, but at least we were able to get back to the dock without a call to SeaTow.

 

[Three Amigos]

Checklist

Have one. On the boat in Florida. I will see if I can find the text. I made a little booklet, maybe three pages, with a nice cover. Then I put it in one of those clear plastic covers, the kind with the hard plastic binder that slides on. All new sailing friends received one a week or so before our outing.

I remember a few things like no one out of the cockpit without a PFD, children under twelve or anyone who could not swim always with a PFD, and head instructions. Now I wonder where that document, written in 1999, might be hiding?

I have a very detailed checklist that covers everything from getting on the boat to leaving the boat. It is more for me and my crew than guests. Checklists are great because one does not forget important things and only has to remember to use the checklist. Jim Huhta, Sturgeon Bay, WI S/V "SEA-130"

 

[Grizz]

What 'guests' are provided with...

...before boarding and prior to departure. The previous posts have been helpful to create a guide. I'd like to add these 4 items:

1) Non-marking footware. Blacks streaks on a white background do not a pretty picture make. If there's a doubt, try to streak a white wall at home before departure; if the shoe leaves a mark, leave those shoes at home and bring another pair. You'll have a streak to clean up when you return as a reminder of your adventure.

2) No shame in hurling, as long as it's over the side. If there's a history, or a chance, of chumming, please medicate prior to arrival w/ any concoction you think will work. Avoid extended stays below decks, because as the horizon dissapears, it's higly likely the 'Green at the Gills' feeling will appear.

3) If you must drink red wine, you're responsible for any and all spills. Looks too much like blood, is a bear to remove and just isn't a good fit while underway IMHO,

4) No Glass Containers. Aluminum = check. Plastic = check. Glass = leave it at the dock. No exceptions. If you must drink wine (see previous), a box of wine or anything in plastic is OK.

I know these aren't "safety" items, which have been covered in previous posts, but these are provided to 1st time guests in advance. They seem to help and no one has appeared offended. Perhaps it's how it's delivered...with a smile.

 

[zeehag]

1-no overnite guests!!!!
2--no newbies....
3-if ye comes to sail, ye does work first -- learn the rules as ye works....
\bring warmies and do not wear spiked heels....remember is my home not just a sailing ship...
then, ,if ye still wishes, mebbe we will go for a sail.....

oh yes--booze and moored boats do not make good mix for noobs..lol....they end up falling in....there are real rules and points to ponder, but i wont go there now....

 

[druid]

4) No Glass Containers. Aluminum = check. Plastic = check. Glass = leave it at the dock. No exceptions. If you must drink wine (see previous), a box of wine or anything in plastic is OK.

I know these aren't "safety" items, which have been covered in previous posts,...

Actually, they CAN be...

The only time the first-aid kit was used on Far Cove was when someone toasted someone else and someone else got their bare knee in the way and the glass glass broke on said knee and if you think red wine is hard to get out, try blood!

druid

 

[BobM]

Reason # 1 why my Wife is a lousy crew person

1. If I ask you to do something, please do it, right away. Feel free to ask any and all questions later.

By force of habit she always pauses to question any instruction I give her :bang:

 

[bffatcat]

checklist my 2c

I agree with zeehag. About 30 years ago before I stopped taking beginners I did have a couple of rules. 1. Dont stand up unless you check with me first. 2 one hand for the boat one hand for yourself. I have no rules anymore because anyone I sail with is an experienced sailor and they know the basics. As far as life preservers go everyone knows where they are. Anyone who wants to to wear one is welcome to. for myself Ive never put a life preserver on during the day or in under 25knts of breeze. Than again anyone who feels they need a life preserver on a nice 10 -15 knot day lacks the experience to sail with me.