Crew Briefings for Safe Sailing

by Cruising Editor on 7 Aug 2007 When you have new crew on board, is there a routine for their orientation to the boat? How much do they already know? Is it as much as they have said? - or are they first-timers?

For the safety of the boat and crew at all times, but particularly if an emergency arises, it's important that all crew know certain things, that some crew know others, and most importantly, that the skipper knows who knows what!

A simple check list will solve the problem. If you already have one, check it against ours, or if you don't, now's the time to start! If we've left anything out, we'd love to hear from you:

Before leaving the berth anchorage or mooring, all crew should, at a minimum:

Boat Orientation:

-Have a life jacket and, if not wearing it all the time, know where it is and how to wear it
-Have a harness and how to use it
-Know where the First-Aid Kit is, how to open it, and where simple items are inside it.
-Know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them
-Be conscious of needing 'one hand for the boat'- the habit of having hold of a rail or life line at all times when moving around the boat
-Know how to operate the head without jamming or blocking it

Personal Orientation:

-For first-timers, be conscious of the swinging of the boom, and aware of the heeling motion of the boat.
-Know how to use winches without potentially losing fingers or thumbs
-Have a jacket to put on if cold – this varies a lot depending on the temperature of your sailing region.
-Be conscious of the issue of seasickness and take a pill if necessary

Particularly for the first timer, this may be enough to absorb on their initial experience

However, all crew should also be aware of:

-The importance of all crew keeping a good lookout
-How to use the stove safely
-How to start the engine
-How to operate the VHF or HF for a distress call
-Who does what and when in case of a Man Overboard situation

Specialist training should be taken so that at least a core number of the crew know:

-How to use flares
-How to launch the liferaft

A good skipper or owner will take these elements seriously and easily ensure, by short but frequent general briefings/reminders, and some personal interaction with the crew, that crew will operate the boat safely and enjoyably.