It takes only six minutes to brief your new guests onboard your boat for a day sailing, but could save the boat or a life, and the briefing will make sure the day stays fun and relaxed.
As shared by sail-world.com, here is the six-minute safety briefing of six points, each taking only a minute:
Minute 1: Explain to your guests where the best/safest places are to sit during sailing, and if the boat is on the small side show them how a passenger's shifting weight can affect your boat's stability or exposure to waves. Explain that the boat 'tipping over' is a natural part of sailing.
Minute 2: With your VHF radio turned on, tell your guests how to call for help on channel 16. If you have a DSC-VHF radio, show them the red mayday button and explain how to activate it.
Minute 3: Bring out the life jackets and encourage your new-to-boating guests to wear one. If they are not worn, ensure they are easy to get to.
Minute 4: Point out the location of other important safety gear such as flares and fire extinguishers.
Minute 5: Show your guests on a chart where you're going, and let them know you've filed a 'float plan' so others know the boat's whereabouts and when the group should be returning.
Minute 6: Let them know what to do if someone falls overboard - having a spotter is essential as is keeping a throwable device, such as the life ring, danbuoy or PFD, handy at all times.
There, all done, and your new guests will feel a measure of control, and be confident that their skipper knows what he or she is doing. This is what makes for a relaxed day.
About the BoatUS Foundation:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a non-profit organization promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, providing innovative educational outreach directly to boaters with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities. For more information, click here.
National Safe Boating Week unfolds May 18-24. Learn more here.
