First-Time Crew Briefing

Before the Dock Lines Come Off

A skipper's briefing should cover all of this in a few minutes, at the dock, before departure.

• Welcomed aboard and told that safety comes first, and that questions are always welcome
• Shown the safety locker: lifejackets, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit
• Told the emergency plan: how the alarm is raised, and where everyone gathers
• Given today's roles: who handles lines, who keeps lookout, who talks on the radio
• Told who the backup is — the person who can steer, start or stop the engine, and use the VHF if the skipper can't

Emergency Plan & Gathering Point

• Know where to gather if the skipper calls an emergency
• Know the one-line plan for fire, flooding, and someone going overboard
• Know where the engine and fuel shutoffs are, even if you're not the one who'll use them

Gear Locations

• Lifejacket location, and how to put one on and adjust it
• Fire extinguisher location (find it without discharging it to check)
• First-aid kit location
• VHF radio location, and that Channel 16 is the international hailing and distress channel

Man Overboard (MOB) Awareness

The briefing only needs to cover awareness — the full recovery procedure is separate training.

• Know the first move if someone goes in the water: shout to alert the crew, throw the nearest flotation toward them, and point continuously without looking away
• Know that easing the sails, slowing the boat, and turning back for the recovery comes next
• Know who is expected to call for help on the radio, and that you can do it too if needed

Speak Up

• Ask if any instruction, location, or plan wasn't clear, before the boat leaves the dock
• Say something early about cold, seasickness, fear, or a task you can't safely do
• Repeat an instruction back before acting on it — "Ease the jib sheet?"