Before we hoist anything or heroically gesture toward the horizon, let’s cover a few basics - because safety at sea is less glamorous than sunglasses but far more useful.

Note to the Crew (Yes, You)

It’s the captain & skipper’s job to keep the boat safe - but it’s your job to make sure you’ve heard the safety briefing.

If you arrive late, miss the first round, or catch up with the boat after a heroic ferry dash, it’s your responsibility to ask for a walkthrough. Don’t assume someone else will fill you in. This isn’t a classroom - you don’t get notes. Ask the captain Mike or the skipper Lena (nicely) to show you where the lifejackets are, how the toilet works, and what to do if someone falls overboard. We’d rather repeat ourselves than watch you guess with a flare gun.

First-Day Orientation: Topics to Cover Before Departure

1. Safety Equipment & Emergency Basics

• Where the lifejackets are and how to properly wear them
• How to use a harness, if one’s provided (not a fashion accessory, despite appearances)
• Location of lifebuoys, throwables, and first-aid kit
• Explanation of man overboard procedure (point, shout, throw, stay with them)
• Location and basic use of the VHF radio and emergency contact options more here

2. How to Move on the Boat

• Three points of contact
• Use of grab rails, caution on wet decks, seated movement when under way
• Where to be (and not to be) during docking, anchoring, or sail maneuvers

3. Toilet & Seacock Instructions ⇛

• How to use the toilet (what goes in, what absolutely doesn’t)
• Where the seacock is for each head, and how to open/close it
• The rule: seacocks stay closed in marinas/ports; only open at sea with permission

4. Boat Systems & Cabin Basics

• How to turn on/off the shower pump, cabin lights, USB charging points
• How to open/close hatches, lockers, and cabinets
• How to operate the gas stove
• Where you can charge things (USB ports)
• Where to store bags and personal items without blocking shared spaces

5. Communication & Expectations

• What “Ready” means (not “almost,” not “packing,” but ready to act)
• Who to ask for help (usually Mike or Lena), and when it’s okay to interrupt
• Emphasis on speaking up if something is unclear, uncomfortable, or broken

6. Basic Line Handling & Docking Roles

• What to never ever ever let drag in the water (lines ≠ ropes).
• Where the fenders and lines are stored
• How to coil a line, when to hold vs. when to let go
• “Standby to help” means “stand there and be ready”—not just stand there