Onboard House Rules
Many first timers that come to a sailing boat are amazed by the comfort that newly made yachts may provide, but it is wrong to consider it a floating hotel. Exactly the opposite!
We all have to change our everyday behaviour and adjust it to what we call – life at sea.
It is considered polite and caring that only one person (usually the skipper – the one who possess skipper’s license) comes to the office to do the paperwork. Yacht charter offices at the marinas are usually not spacious enough to accommodate all the crew, while most of the paperwork is done by a responsible person – either one with a license or one who has paid for the trip. In most cases, it is the same person. Other crew members are usually directed to the first bar for refreshments or to the nearest supermarket for supplies.
Once the paperwork is done, it is most practical that the same person does technical check-in with charter staff (also called a skipper or a mariner) aboard a chartered yacht. After a technical check-in, the rest of the crew is good to embark, load the luggage and accommodate. This is a good time for a skipper to explain to the others the dos and don’ts. Basically, it is about onboard safety and a few tricks and tips on how to make the stay on the yacht more comfortable and fun.
Every crew member must know where to find and how to use life vests. Many people bring their own personal life vests, so fire protection rules can be explained first. All crew should know where fire extinguishers are positioned and how to use them. It is worth explaining how gas installation functions, along with positions of safety gas valves and galley stove and oven.
Boat toilets are specific not only for their (small) size, but also for their flushing system. Most of them use manual pumps which bring the water into the toilet and pump out faeces after natural needs are done. Take toilet flushing very seriously and do it carefully and thoroughly. If your sailing yacht is not equipped with a waste tank, try not to use the toilet while someone is swimming around the boat or when moored at the marina. Also, you should not unload it unless you are in the open sea. The only material that is allowed in onboard toilets is food processed by your body and toilet paper. All other items lead to a clogged toilet and you being in big and unpleasant trouble. Electric flushing toilets cannot flush toilet paper, so one should be even more careful when using them.
Generally, always try to avoid any damage (of the boat or the inventory) and/or injury!
Keep in mind that a boat can get very rocky in a moment, so it is important that at least one of your hands holds something solid in order to keep the balance and avoid injuries. There is rigging and lifelines on the deck and railings on the inside of the boat. Store the luggage and especially kitchen items in a way that they do not fall when the boat is rocking. It is also important to hold your cup or glass in your hand when drinking on board. Even if the boat is safely anchored at the calm bay, only two waves brought by the boat passing by could be enough to break the glass of wine left on the edge of the table.
Other Boat and Marina Rules
It is considered impolite to anchor too close to other boats. Keep a safe distance and try not to disturb your neighbours. They want to enjoy the calmness as much as you, so try not to be too loud. The same rule applies for overnight stays at the marinas. In order to extend your stay at sea without unnecessary dockings at ports or marinas, it is important to spend your water supplies responsibly and efficiently. Reduce the number of showers and try to use as little water as possible by doing it. The same applies for doing the dishes, and the same principle should be followed about electric power. If not plugged into the chore power source, the entire boat’s electric installation relies on its batteries. They are being recharged when running the engine, so be gentle with electric consumption.
Final Words
Last but not least, try to think one step ahead. That means that whatever you do or decide to do, you must be aware of the consequences of your actions – from pulling the ropes and opening jammers to route planning. It should be emphasized that checking the weather forecast several times a day is crucial for a pleasant and safe sailing trip. Although you are vacationing, you must be focused on what you are doing – that’s life at sea.
