| Author | Message | |||
     Ted Lavino Moderator Username: tlavino Post Number: 239 Registered: 01-2006 |
Hello Folks, a great reference for creating a vessel safety diagram from an article published by Viki Moore in the New Zealand publication Insights: https://www.noonsite.com/report/insights-making-a-boat-safety-equipment-diagram/ Here in New Zealand, there are strict rules on the safety equipment that boats need to carry on board if they are competing in any yacht races and also if they are intending on sailing offshore (both racing and cruising). One of the regulations requires the vessel to have a diagram showing the location of all the safety equipment on board. This should be laminated and displayed in a prominent position on board. That way if there are any issues, someone who is unfamiliar with the boat can quickly locate things like the fire extinguishers, first aid kit and that kind of thing. Internationally registered vessels are exempt from these requirements, however I would imagine any prudent seafarer would want to ensure that they had all the correct gear on board to enable them to best handle any situation that came their way. Some of the things you should include on your diagram are: First aid kit Life jackets Harnesses Life buoys Heaving line VHF Radio EPIRB GPS Flares All thru-hulls/sea cocks Bilge pumps Buckets Emergency bungs Fire extinguishers Fire blanket Fuel shut off Batteries Gas locker Rig cutting tools, bolt cutters, axe etc Bosuns chair Storm sails Sail repair kit Tool kit Emergency steering gear Torch Foghorn Radar Reflector Day Shapes Life Raft Grab bag Knife Anchor & spare anchor Drogue Sea Anchor Here is the diagram of the safety equipment on my Young 88 keelboat that I race and cruise around beautiful Banks Peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. You can use the diagram when doing safety briefings for new crew coming on board. If you would like to make your own safety diagram, here is a blank template you can print off and use. | |||
| Ted Lavino Senior Member Username: Tlavino Post Number: 436 Registered: 01-2004 |
Greetings folks, for those interested a sample crew briefing I used earlier this year for the Saddleback 214 class
| |||
| Ted Lavino Senior Member Username: Tlavino Post Number: 177 Registered: 01-2004 |
Greetings All, the following comes from Ocean Navigator and should be part of any crew briefing: Title: The Onboard Safety Briefing: A Spring Ritual By: Jeffrey Isaac, PA-C The calendar says spring, even if the snow in the backyard does not. Somewhere in the upper reaches of the Northern Hemisphere mariners are fitting out, launching and beginning the sailing season. It’s a good time to dust off the onboard safety briefing. That is, what you are going to tell your crew, guests and family about staying safe and alive in case of maritime disaster. Why bother, you may ask? You’re the captain and have everything under control. You know all of the safety procedures if anything happens. So why ruin the fun with what ifs and just in case? Because if something really goes wrong you can’t handle it alone. Because you may wake up incapacitated or no longer onboard. Because it is good seamanship and respectful and courteous to your passengers and crew. The experienced mariners will appreciate your expertise, and the inexperienced will be reassured by your concern. And finally, you may learn something by putting it all together. The curriculum, even for a small yacht, is impressive. For a long voyage you may want to produce copies for each crewmember. The content of a predeparture briefing includes, but is not limited to: The location of PFDs and harnesses, and the description of conditions under which you expect them to be used Instructions for deploying the life raft, ditch bag and signaling devices The location and use of fire extinguishers The location and operation of fuel and propane shut-off valves The location, access, operation and bunging of all through-hull fittings Instructions for activating EPIRBs and conditions under which they would be used Emergency radio distress calls and who is authorized to make them How to quickly determine position from the GPS or plot The location of emergency medical equipment and who is expected to use it The location and use of bolt cutters and collision mats Instructions for deploying man-overboard floats and markers Location and operation of the main battery switch The location and use of manual bilge pumps and buckets How to use the head without flooding the bilge With crews of three or more, you should assign specific tasks for specific emergencies. For example, for a fire onboard, crew number 1 deploys the aft fire extinguisher and stands by the diesel-fuel shut-off. Crew number 2 grabs the forward extinguisher and medical kit and stands by on the foredeck for sail-handling. Crew number 3 ensures all others are clear and fights the fire. The captain stays at the helm and radio. For abandon ship, crew 1 deploys the life raft, dinghy and anything else that floats. Crew 2 takes the ditch bag, hand-held radio and ship’s log. Crew 3 grabs extra food and water and the medial kit. The captain handles last-minute maneuvers and radio traffic. You need a similar regimen for man-overboard and a clogged head. Responsibilities for declared emergencies should be memorized and rehearsed. This is serious, life-saving business. Your job as captain is to make sure that your crew understands and accepts this. You can always change the plan if there is time to do so. But when everything is happening very fast, you can bring order to chaos by saying in a calm but firm voice, "Go to your station." There is a good reason naval ships in combat have strict procedures and rehearse them often. Fire, sinking or man-overboard on your small ship is no less serious, especially to you. So return your tray tables into the full upright and locked position and bring your seat back forward. Put your oxygen mask on yourself before assisting your children, and enjoy your sailing season! |
Sample Crew Briefing