Would be nice if this post was about everyone getting together for a flotilla next week, but seeing as there seems to be a lot of experienced charter captains on this site, I wanted to take a stab at getting more sound advice. I did my ASA courses about 5 years ago with my wife who is also ASA trained and we have successfully chartered 6 times now with a different crew each time (by successfully I mean only bar stories and no boats damaged <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />)
I wanted to hear what is on your Captain's Creed on the first day with a mostly new crew i.e. what are your unique rules you put forth regarding safety and the charter in general. I usually have a list of things I run down but always feel like I forget something that they probably should know before the inevitable trouble occurs with a boat. I was hoping to start a list, as everyone has their unique style, to generate some valuable advice and experience that can be shared and easily bookmarked for future charters.
I'll start with a few basics that I try to go through (some are obvious) to get started, keeping in mind I am gearing this towards a mainly inexperienced crew:
1)Location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency gear (flares, air horns, PFDs, wood plugs, life raft, etc.)
2)Instruction and proper use of electrical panel, batteries, shore power, and the generator
3)Instruction and proper use of VHF radio
4)Proper shut-off of propane gas and ventilation
5)Instruction on mooring and docking procedures, including anchoring.
6)Winch instruction and hand protection for those that want to help with the sailing aspect (this has become less of an issue with the newer boats with all the sheets coming into the helm)
7)Proper use of marine head and water conservation (the ladies always love this one <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />)
8)Knot tying skills (at least know how to do a cleat knot, clove hitch, and half hitch; Bowline at some point but some can't seem to get this one quickly enough the first time <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />)
9)Hat, sunscreen, and proper clothing for the weather
10)I like to practice at least one MOB drill once the sails are up the first time (usually a heave to) so that everyone understands the need for establishing specific roles in a MOB situation
11)I am taking a 5 and 7 year old this spring for the first time and would love to hear kid specific rules as well.
Alright I will stop there but by no means was that meant to be an all inclusive list. Hopefully this will be a valuable thread as I certainly don't want to waste everyone's time, but truly am trying to gain more knowledge from experienced skippers over my meager experience to this point.
.
