What questions should you ask new offshore crew members

[H45DS]

I'm planning a trip that requires about 24 hours of offshore in each direction, and I have not sailed with some of the crew that has graciously volunteered to help. Some are new to sailing, some are very experienced.

My primary job is to ensure the safety of all aboard, so I've developed a few questions to ask each crew member via a private e-mail well in advance of our departure. Presently those questions are:

1. Are there any medical conditions I should be aware of?

2. Do you have any food or medicine allergies I should be aware of?

3. Not that I expect you will need to, but are you able to swim?

4. Do you have a history of seasickness?

I had a very experienced sailor aboard two years ago (and a good friend), and for some reason he didn't wear a fresh scopolamine patch and got deathly seasick just off the Columbia River Bar. I very much want to avoid that for all the obvious reasons. What's your opinion of strongly suggesting patches for crew members?

What other questions are appropriate to ask?

I very much appreciate the greater wisdom of this group.

Thanks in advance,
Gene

 

[Steve Dion]

There are no guarantees that just because one of the crew has not gotten sick in the past that they will be okay this time.

There are some precautions that they can take ahead of time and some meds, but what happens this time has nothing to do with happened last time.

 

[H45DS]

There are no guarantees that just because one of the crew has not gotten sick in the past that they will be okay this time.

Great input, Steve. The thinking was that if I have a crew aboard that has a history of seasickness I'd press that person to go the patch route. But you're right, a clean history doesn't mean a clean future.

 

[Stu Jackson]

And as we all know, from reading the ad-nauseum (pi!) posts about seasickness, everyone responds differently to different treatments.

Here's one I saw the other day:

Here are some of the qualities that they had, which I am seeking in new crewmates:

• They took initiative with routine boat chores and duties without always having to be asked. When the boat needed cleaning, they cleaned. When windows needed wiping they wiped. If someone needed to sleep in the pilot house to keep watch during an anchorage, they did so.

• They listened and followed my directions, particular to this boat. They did not lecture me on their own experience, or “yes” me and then do what they wanted. They listened to what I wanted, asked clarifying questions, and then matched what I asked for.

• They were fine with me doing most of the cooking, and fine with preparing their own food when needed. The simple fact is, I am a good cook and usually don’t like other’s cooking, so instead of complaining about it, I do most of the cooking. On the few days, I didn’t feel like it, I could say, “We are both on our own for food today,” and they would make themselves food.

• They shared expenses and were transparent about it. We split the costs of food and supplies, while I paid for marinas and all other boat-related expenses. They did not act as if they were entitled.

• They were drama-free and took nothing personally. On a boat, we sometimes have to communicate quickly and to the point, and don’t have time to choose our words carefully. Both of these crewmates understood this, responded to the need underlying the communication, and didn’t pout if things didn’t go their way. They understood the stress that the skipper is under, and acted maturely and appropriately.

Other criteria I value or actively seeking for those particular trip:

Ability to learn and be open-minded, over experience. I prefer an open-minded person who does not think they know it all. That could mean a person with less experience on boats, it could mean a younger person—but the key is being open-minded and willing to learn and consider new ways of doing things.

 

[Parsons]

I like the replies I've seen here, but haven't seen anything particular to the crew's technical abilities and desires. On similar deliveries, I've been asked by skippers who were not familiar with me about my sailing history and abilities. Also, we all have out specialties and interests. Although I can do most things adequately, I'll bow out (p.i.) of doing the foredeck work in a seaway if some young gymnast is willing and interested.

 

[Gunni]

The Scopolamine patch requires a script, so unless you are a doc you really can't compel people to use one. I like them, but some people get squirrelly on them, and other chemical seasickness meds. One that my wife takes makes me feel like I am having a heart attack, does nothing to her.

 

[H45DS]

The Scopolamine patch requires a script, so unless you are a doc you really can't compel people to use one. I like them, but some people get squirrelly on them, and other chemical seasickness meds. One that my wife takes makes me feel like I am having a heart attack, does nothing to her.

You are correct on the need for the prescription. I'm going to be communicating with the crew now so that when we depart on June 14 everyone will have had time to properly prepare.

 

[Benny17441]

I would just take a small experienced crew. Would not need or want to have to worry about non-experienced sailors in offshore conditions.

 

[IH82BL8]

On a boat, we sometimes have to communicate quickly and to the point, and don’t have time to choose our words carefully.

I've often thought it would be efficient to ask the entire crew "Please" at the beginning of the sail and say "Thank you" at the end with the understanding that those go for everything they do along the way.

Maybe I'm a cynic but have you thought to ask each crew member if they feel the need to fill silence with chatter.

I would ask the newer members if they want the more experienced members to teach them (verbally) during the trip or are they mostly just interested in the experience?

 

[LloydB]

Some are new to sailing with you in your boat but even the old timers might want a reminder how you like it done. The first question that popped up that wasn't on your list is do you know how to use the head and what to do after?

 

[Jackdaw]

Well,

There are questions you should ask them, BEFORE you accept them as crew.

Once they are crew, there are things you TELL them, as skipper's or boat's standing orders.

 

[Ded reckoner]

My wife sometimes gets seasick and airsick. Her experience is that Zofran (anti-nausea medication not uncommonly prescribed for cancer patients) works quickly once she starts to feel ill. So it doesn't have to be taken a priori. Also, it's non-drowsy and doesn't impede vigorous activity.

You may ask your prospective crew anything. But Diogenes would wager against receiving honest replies. Some other pertinent questions might include: Do you work and play well with others? Do they recognize your house rules and agree to abide by them? Do they recognize your authority as captain when underway? Do you have any dietary restrictions (i.e. going beyond allergies)? Do you have any physical limitations? Are you on any prescription medication(s) (i.e. going deeper into the medical side)? Are you addicted to any substance? Have you ever experienced claustrophobia? (For you to understand system redundancies better), Do you intend to bring anything on the trip valuable to sailing (e.g. charts, portable chartplotter, SPOT phone, SAT phone, handheld VHF radio)? Did you bring enough appropriate and clean clothes? Do you practice good hygiene?

 

[H45DS]

All good suggestions, and I've adjusted my Q&A accordingly. The proof of the pudding will be how it all works out.

 

[Jumpstart]

A couple of more things to consider. Medical history and medications. Ask them for a brief medical history and list of medications. Tell them to put the info in a sealed envelope with their name on it. Put all the envelopes in a a waterproof bag. You return the sealed envelope to them after the trip. If the proverbial "s***t hits the fan it helps to have medical information when talking to emergency personnel.

Provide them with a suggested gear list. Foul weather gear, waterproof socks, wicking shirt etc can make the trip more comfortable in less than ideal conditions. Nothing worse than having a wet and cold crew.

Also ask if any have take then the safety at sea class. It helps to know who you can count on if trouble arises. Also find out who has experience operating your VHF radio and who knows how to navigate.

These are all things that are considered when we do distance racing like the Mac races. Usually 2-4 days offshore. Having been on a boat where a crew was seriously injured during a storm with a complex fracture you really want to be prepared.

 

[H45DS]

A couple of more things to consider. Medical history and medications. Ask them for a brief medical history and list of medications. Tell them to put the info in a sealed envelope with their name on it. Put all the envelopes in a a waterproof bag. You return the sealed envelope to them after the trip. If the proverbial "s***t hits the fan it helps to have medical information when talking to emergency personnel.

Provide them with a suggested gear list. Foul weather gear, waterproof socks, wicking shirt etc can make the trip more comfortable in less than ideal conditions. Nothing worse than having a wet and cold crew.

Also ask if any have take then the safety at sea class. It helps to know who you can count on if trouble arises. Also find out who has experience operating your VHF radio and who knows how to navigate.

These are all things that are considered when we do distance racing like the Mac races. Usually 2-4 days offshore. Having been on a boat where a crew was seriously injured during a storm with a complex fracture you really want to be prepared.

Great suggestions - my thanks!