Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or have never set foot on a boat before, your safety is our top priority. Please get familiar with the following guidelines.
General Safety
- Listen to the Skipper: Always pay close attention to any instructions given by the Skipper. His directions are for your safety and the smooth operation of the boat.
- Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look out for ropes (lines), changes in the boat’s movement, and other people on deck.
- Ask Questions: If you are unsure about anything, no matter how small, please ask us. There are no silly questions when it comes to safety!
- Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear with good grip when helping with manoeuvres.
- Hydration & Sun Protection: Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Movement of the Boat: The boat will move! Be prepared for rolling and pitching, especially in rougher seas. Always try to have “three points of contact” with the boat at all times — 2 hands and 1 foot, or 1 hand and 2 feet.
- Heads (Bathrooms): We will provide instructions on how to properly use the marine heads (toilets) to prevent blockages. Limit toilet paper to the strict minimum.
- Waste Management: We are committed to protecting the marine environment. Please put all trash in designated bins and never throw anything overboard except food waste when we are at least 3 nautical miles from the coast.
- Emergencies: We are trained to handle emergencies. Your role is to listen and follow instructions quickly and calmly.
- Security Map: Get familiar with the location of safety equipment on the boat — valves, gas, water, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, etc. This map is also available in the drawer underneath the navigation equipment when you enter the saloon.
Fire Safety
- No Smoking: Absolutely no smoking on the boat.
- Galley (Kitchen) Safety: When using the galley, be mindful of hot surfaces, open flames, and the gas stove. Never leave cooking unattended. There is a fire blanket by the kitchen to use to quickly shut off a fire in the galley.
- Engine Room: Keep clear of the engine room unless instructed by the Skipper.
- In case of fire: Follow the Fire Checklist.
Leak / Flooding
- Alert Immediately: If you notice any unusual water in the boat (more than a few drops), or hear strange gurgling sounds, tell the Skipper immediately.
- In case of a leak or flooding: Follow the Leak / Flooding Checklist.
Man Overboard (MOB)
- Shout “MAN OVERBOARD!” If you see someone fall into the water, immediately and loudly shout “MAN OVERBOARD!” while pointing to the person in the water.
- Keep Eyes On Them: Do not take your eyes off the person in the water. Continue to point to them and call out the boat’s distance from them (1 boat length, 2 boat lengths, etc.).
- Throw Flotation: The U-shape buoy and other flotation devices are easily accessible — throw them towards the person in the water.
- Follow Skipper’s Instructions: He will initiate the MOB recovery procedure. Do not try to jump in after them.
Sailing at Night
- Clip In / Tether: When moving around the deck at night, please “clip in” or “tether” using a safety harness and line. The Skipper will show you how to do this. This keeps you securely attached to the boat.
- Limit Movement: Unless necessary, try to stay inside the boat, in the cockpit, or on the flybridge. No walking to the front or the sides of the boat without telling someone and without being clipped in.
- Headlamps: Use the headlamp provided in your cabin.
- Visibility: Be aware of your surroundings, as visibility is significantly reduced.
Evacuating the Boat
- Life Jackets: The Skipper will show you the location of all life jackets. In an emergency, everyone will put on a life jacket.
- Life Raft / Dinghy: The Skipper will explain the location and deployment of the life raft and/or dinghy in an extreme emergency.
- Stay Together: In an evacuation, it’s crucial to stay together and follow the Skipper’s lead.
- Emergency Grab Bag: The Skipper will have an emergency “grab bag” with essential items.