It is important that the people on board, crew or guests, are comfortable with the plan for the voyage.
The voyage could be an ocean crossing or it could be a day trip or trip around a harbour. It is also important that the crew or guests have the knowledge and ability to look after the vessel and themselves in various situations.
During the briefing there are a number situations that need to be covered without turning the brief into sea survival training session or to take away from the pleasure of the time on board with an overload on worst case scenarios. There is a level of knowledge that everyone on board needs to be aware of and a level of knowledge that a person other than the skipper needs to have who would become the lead if the skipper is unavailable for any reason.
The nominated person to lead will as a minimum need to know:
• The procedures and operation of radios on board, it may be that minimal instructions for various situations can be positioned next to the radio set
• The location and use of pyrotechnics most pyrotechnics have visual explanations on how to use them. A glove is worth having stored with the pyrotechnics, they do get hot
• The method for starting, stopping and controlling the main engine(s) and
• The method to navigate to a safe haven or port of refuge
• The procedures for the recovery of a person from the sea
• The location of navigation and other light switches
• The location and use of firefighting equipment
• The location of life rafts and the method of launching
• The location of Stability Guidance Booklet, and Stability Information Booklet if applicable
All of the crew or guests on board will need to know prior to leaving the dock:
• Where the safety equipment is stored on the vessel
• The use of personal safety equipment:
o Lifejackets
o Thermal protection aids o Lifebuoys
o The procedures to be followed in the case of emergency
In many cases safety cards are available to provide a quick reference to the use of and procedures for above.
During the brief prior to leaving the dock you should point out to the crew and guests any “standing orders”. The standing orders can cover many headings below are a few.
• The use of alcohol
• The use of lifejackets
• The use of facilities on board
• Swimming
• Changes in weather / wind direction…..
• General plan for the day
• Safe haven