With everything stowed, and a cold beer in hand, we spent about 60 minutes taking the crew through the initial safety briefing covering the following:
Safety Discussion: (taken directly from posts on this web site)
1. Please take care of the boat like it was your own. Our goal will be to bring it back cleaner / better than when we got it. Do not force anything, and ask if something does not work the way you think it should. There has been a $1,000 security deposit placed on the boat, be kind to her.
2. Location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, plugs, throw able flotation devices
3. Electrical panel, batteries (isolation switch) , shore power, generator, battery gauge
4. Lighting of the charcoal grill (captain needs to be on board)
5. Proper use of VHF radio, and the importance of weather (mayday procedure)
6. Docking, mooring, and anchoring procedures (never use your hands – roving bumper)
7. Winch instruction and hand placement while operating sheets (ongoing training throughout the week)
8. Toilet operation and water conservation (only things that come out of you go into the toilet), if you plug the toilet, you will need to pay to get it unplugged. Shower off the back of the boat
9. Hats, sun screen, sun burn and hydration (the wind will make it not seem as hot)
10. MOB situation, roles and responsibilities, what to expect as you may see the boat moving away from you initially. Always keep 3 points of contact with the boat , tell someone if you are going to sit on the back steps while under way
11. Proper shut off of propane gas and solenoid switch. How to light the stove.
12. Use of the spare tiller if steering goes out (not a real need with a twin engine cat)
13. Use of the manual bilge pumps on deck.
14. Buddy system for snorkeling, never leave your buddy in the water alone when snorkeling
15. Buddy system for going ashore – never leave you buddy alone on shore, be courteous – let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
16. Dinghy operation (secure all lines – watch elbows when starting engine) , outboard motor operation
17. Expectations before getting under way (shut all hatches, all laundry inside, everything stowed and put away. Look around and use your eyes. If something does not look right, say something, ask for help
18. You are on vacation, take a deep breath – enjoy. If someone does something that rubs you the wrong way, think about their intention, and let it slide. This is an adventure, and anything can and will happen.
19. Right of way: Portly / Windy always give way, motor gives way to sail (on going training throughout the week, also check out the free “Rules of Sailing” App on your I-phone)
20. In an emergency situation, the captain makes the call, follow the directions immediately, as it could save someone's life.