For those not used to chartering, or being crew on a bareboat charter, I try to give a standard list of things to watch out for when onboard, or underway. It helps to remind people that the environment is inherently risky, but with the right level of awareness and care those risks can be mitigated enough to make for a really enjoyable and relaxing holiday. Fore-warned is definitely fore-armed!
# 1 - When underway, hang on. As you move around the boat take your time and make sure you have a good grip on something strong. When the boat is underway, this is really important. The boat will move on the waves unpredictably, and slipping or falling is a real risk. Avoid the risk of a hard fall, an injury, or a man overboard situation and keep a good hold on the boat as you move.
# 2 - Watch the man in the water. If someone does fall overboard, especially in any sort of sea state, don’t lose sight of them. One member of the crew should always have the sole job of keeping an eye on the person in the water until the skipper can turn the boat around and go back for them. The other members of the crew should heave all the high visibility things like the life ring, and life jackets into the water as well to give the victim something to hang onto, but never lose sight of them!
# 3 - Let the boat do the work. It’s tempting when operating in tight quarters to think that you can help the skipper by reaching out to fend off the dock when coming alongside, or to hang onto the buoy rope when the wind catches the vessel before you are secured. Don’t do it! The skipper has control of the engines and he or she should use those to stop the boat or avoid a crunch. However strong you may feel you absolutely won’t be able to prevent an accident with your bare hands. By all means use a fender, but don’t try and get in the middle of the problem with your limbs.
# 4 - Take care around winches. Jib sheets or main sheets on winches are under huge loads. Be cautious handling these ropes and ensure that you have enough turns on the winch BEFORE releasing the clutch on the line, and always look to have someone back you up on the rope as you haul in. Loads on the sail and therefore the controlling sheets are huge, and real damage can occur to fingers, hands and legs if you get caught in a loose sheet.
# 5 - Know where the safety equipment is… and how to use it. Lifejackets for non swimmers, flares and emergency equipment, flashlights, fire extinguishers of various types, as well as the emergency frequency on the VHF radio are all there for safety. Everyone should be familiar with their location and how they are used. A quick walk around the equipment at the start of the charter is time well spent, and could save a life later on.
All of these tips have a serious tone, and it makes sense that they do. Being on a boat is an environment with unfamiliar risks for many, so to get the most out of time onboard and enjoy the trip to the fullest, spend a little time thinking about how to deal with the things that can go wrong.
All that said - you are there to enjoy yourselves. Maximize your enjoyment by being as familiar as you can with the risks, and have a wonderful time on the water!