Onboard

    • Obey all commands from your Skipper.

    • Know where fire extinguishers and emergency flotation devices are stowed.

    • One hand for you, one for the boat. Always hold on to something, particularly while underway.

    • Be aware of where others are in relation to you. A sudden step backwards could knock drinks flying or put someone in harm’s way.

    • Use the heads properly as instructed.

    • Use the stove properly as instructed.

    • Keep fridge and freezer doors closed.

    • Drink plenty of bottled water – important to stay hydrated.

    • Help to keep the boat tidy.

    • Volunteer: steering, trimming, coiling lines, scrubbing the decks, cooking and dish washing are all activities that benefit from a team mindset.

    • Ask lots of questions.

    • Have a ridiculous amount of fun!

    • Drink to the point of blacking out and NEVER be drunk while boat is underway.

    • Leave any lines in the water, particularly when anchoring. Reversing over a line will entangle it in the propeller which will require a diver to come out and repair = wasted time + $$$.

    • Leave water faucets running or take long showers onboard. Some boats have water makers, however everyone should get into good boating habits where water is concerned (i.e., preservation!).

    • Crowd the helm station.

    • Get close to the jib or jib sheets when tacking.

    • Put anything in the head other than what comes out of your body. Baggies are used to dispose of all paper waste.

    • Generate or foster ill feeling with your crew mates. Let it go and get back to having fun. There is absolutely no room for drama on a boat.

    • Leave wet clothes or towels strewn about common areas. Clothes pegs are supplied to hang wet items on the lifelines for drying. Some people bring Command Hooks which are a good way to create additional hanging space. They stick to walls well and do not leave any damage when they are removed.

    • Call immediately at the top of your voice “Crew Overboard!!” and point to the person in the water. Somebody keeps pointing at all times.

    • Throw life ring and other floating items such as seat cushions to create a debris field.

    • Never stop pointing, and relay position of COB to the helmsman.

    • Main engines can be used to maneuver quickly to the COB but must NEVER be in gear when close.

    • Dinghy can be used to aid COB recovery – again, keep propeller well away from COB.

Boat Safety Briefing