Before casting off for the first time at the start of the cruise, the skipper must conduct a safety briefing with his crew so that every person on board knows what is where, when it will be used and how it works. The same applies to the theoretical procedure for the most important manoeuvres. The briefing is therefore divided into two parts:
Boat and equipment
Firstly, it's about the boat and its equipment. The most important thing should come first - the personal lifejackets. The way they are worn and their function must be fully understood, especially by newcomers on board. This is followed by the other emergency and rescue equipment available: what equipment is available, where is it located and when (and above all how) is it used effectively?
It must also be clear exactly what an emergency is and when the alarm must be raised. If a dinghy is available, whether in davits or on deck, it is demonstrated how it is made ready for use.
In addition, the following safety-relevant systems and equipment must be shown and also explained: the power supply with fuses and batteries, the distribution and operation of the bilge pumps (also on automatic models), the anchor gear with winch (with special reference to the risk of injury during operation), the gas system with stopcocks and, of course, the correct use of the toilets, the shower and the relevant sea valves.
Behaviour during the journey
The second part of the briefing deals with behaviour on board during the voyage. In addition to general instructions such as safe movement on deck, the main focus is on manoeuvres. This is particularly important if the skipper is partially or even completely dependent on the assistance of inexperienced persons.
The most important manoeuvres should then be discussed "dry" before casting off. Even at this stage, a clear division of roles should take place based on the individual suitability of the crew members.
This is the basis for explaining how to take off and put on the line - and what aggravating factors can occur. How is the line guided and what are the risks of a line under tension? How is a cleat correctly attached? A short crash course in knot tying can't hurt, especially if the time on the water is also used for practising. The role of the fenders must also be made clear - and at the same time the iron rule of never using your hands or arms to hold on when travelling.
What mistakes should be avoided? Even if there are locks during the day, the crew must be prepared for these procedures. Very important: What happens in the event of a man-overboard situation? There must be clear instructions, especially in the event that the skipper himself is involved.
Until everyone has understood it
This is a lot of new knowledge, and not just for inexperienced crew members. You should ask questions yourself if you have the feeling that something has not been understood and answer questions in detail. The meaning of the most important commands must of course also be explained, and in clear language.
The skipper must ensure that his plan is understood and can be followed by all persons on board.
If experienced crew members are on board, they can be used as additional reference persons. Incidentally, you should also take the time to practise the harbour and MOB manoeuvres extensively on the first day of the trip. With increasing familiarisation and routine, not only will the group feeling grow, but the crew's efficiency and sense of safety will also increase.
Daily briefings
However, it is just as important as the general safety briefing to calmly discuss every upcoming manoeuvre before the start of the trip. After all, the conditions in different harbours and with regard to wind are never completely the same. Particularly in difficult conditions and in confined spaces, the procedures must be clear - as must the back-up plan in case the manoeuvre actually planned proves to be too unsafe in the conditions.
At the beginning of each day, the upcoming stage should also be presented and explained. This is best done using the relevant nautical charts.
Distances, courses and times are also important information for the crew and are thus comprehensible. This also applies to the expected weather, as not only must the clothing be appropriate, but everything on and below deck must also be prepared accordingly. It is not only in the event of heavy swell that it is mandatory to state that all equipment and the boat itself must be "seaworthy"
