being on the sea is exhilarating but
make sure your craft is up to it
CREW
Photo: Richard Langdon
Being the skipper of a vessel means taking spare spectacles, harnesses, and do they
responsibility for your actions. Your safety and need to take a seasickness remedy?
the safety of the crew are in your hands. You • switching on and operating the VHF radio
must match your knowledge to the conditions or activating the digital selective calling
and never put either the crew or the vessel (DSC) button
at risk. Crew members suffering from cold, • man overboard drill
tiredness and seasickness won’t be able to • how to read the latitude and longitude off
do their job properly. Take into account the the global positioning system (GPS)
experience and physical ability of your crew, • operating gas appliances, including isolating
the type of journey proposed and weather the gas supply
conditions. When briefing your crew include: • where the flares are stowed, and when and
how to fire them
• when the skipper should be called
• sending a distress message – keep the
• the location of the first aid kit
emergency procedures stickers from this
• onboard dangers – including the boom,
booklet beside your radio
winches and windlasses, cleats, propeller,
• what’s in the grab bag and where to find it
engine/shaft
• use of fire extinguishers, fire blanket and
• lifejackets and harnesses – how they should
other fire safety equipment
be worn
• when and how to launch the liferaft or
• safety procedure for going on deck
inflatable dinghy
• starting and operating the engine including
• leaving/returning to a mooring or berth,
how to use the kill-cord
use of fenders and warps (not arms or legs)
• how to switch on/off the boat’s batteries
• how to anchor
and ancillary equipment
• where to find spare/waterproof clothing.
• are the crew ready to sail? Do they have
suitable clothes, lifejackets, shoes/boots,
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