This is the complete script of the skipper's first-morning crew briefing. Read it before you arrive — when you already know this material, the live briefing becomes a confirmation, not a lecture, and you can get sailing sooner.
Before we start: This briefing takes approximately 45 minutes. It is mandatory for all crew before leaving the dock. No exceptions, no shortcuts. The skipper holds legal responsibility for the safety of every person aboard — this briefing is how everyone starts from the same page.
1. Welcome & Overview
Welcome aboard. Before anything else — before charts, before planning the first anchorage, before cracking a beer — we do this briefing. Every trip, every crew, every time.
This isn't a formality. The sea is a genuinely unforgiving environment. Most sailing trips are completely uneventful. But when something goes wrong on a boat, it can go wrong fast, and the difference between a scary story and a tragedy is usually preparation. Today we make sure everyone on this boat knows where things are, what to do, and who's in charge.
We'll cover: the layout of this boat and where all the safety equipment lives; how to use a life jacket and harness; what to do if someone falls overboard; how to use the VHF radio; fire procedures; the life raft; EPIRB and flares; and the rules for living and working on deck and below. We'll do a practical walk-around after the briefing so everyone can put their hands on everything.
Please ask questions. There are no stupid questions in a safety briefing. If something's unclear, ask now — not when you're mid-channel in a squall.
2. Boat Layout — Safety Equipment Locations
A typical 42-foot cruising yacht has a centre cockpit, two double cabins aft, one double cabin forward, a nav station to port, and a galley to starboard. The skipper will confirm the exact layout of this boat. Here is where the critical equipment lives:
On deck
- Life jackets — starboard cockpit locker (one per person + 1 spare)
- Safety harnesses — port cockpit locker, hanging on hooks
- Life ring / dan buoy — mounted on the stern pushpit, starboard side
- Life raft — canister on deck, forward of the mast, port side
- Flare kit — cockpit locker, red waterproof case
- Grab bag — cockpit, clipped to the base of the companionway
Below deck
- VHF radio — nav station, port side, always on Ch16
- EPIRB — nav station, mounted in a bracket — yellow unit
- First aid kit — nav station, large orange Pelican case
- Fire extinguisher #1 — companionway, port side, top of the steps
- Fire extinguisher #2 — galley, under the sink, starboard
- Manual bilge pump — cockpit sole, red T-handle
- Gas shut-off — starboard cockpit locker, red valve labelled GAS
- Sea cocks — under each through-hull fitting; the skipper will show each location
- Engine stop — red button, engine panel at the helm
- Anchor — bow roller; chain locker access via the forward cabin hatch
Important: We will do a physical walk-around after this briefing. You will put your hands on every piece of safety equipment. You must be able to find the life jackets and fire extinguisher in the dark, without help.
3. Life Jacket Fitting & Use
We carry inflatable life jackets rated 150N. They are designed to keep an unconscious person face-up in the water. They only work if worn correctly and if the gas cylinder is not expired or punctured.
How to don the life jacket
- Put it over your head like a bib — the bladder faces forward.
- Pass the waist strap around your back and clip the buckle — pull it snug, not just hand-tight.
- If it has a crotch strap, clip and tighten it — without this, the jacket can ride up over your head in the water.
- Check: you should be able to fit two fingers under the waist strap but no more.
How to inflate
- Auto-inflation: most jackets have a water-activated bobbin (Hammar or similar) that inflates the jacket automatically within seconds of immersion. Check that the green indicator is intact and the bobbin is fitted.
- Manual pull: grab the red handle (usually on the lower left) and pull down and outward in one sharp, firm tug. This fires the CO₂ cylinder.
- Oral top-up tube: the grey or black tube at the top lets you top up inflation by blowing into it. Use this after firing the cylinder if you need more buoyancy.
Whistle and light — each jacket has a whistle clipped to the front; use it to signal your position to rescuers. A water-activated light on the shoulder activates automatically in the water. Test your whistle now — blow it, know where it is.
When wearing is mandatory
- Night sailing (always, no exceptions)
- Forecast winds above 20 knots, or waves above 1.5 m
- Any time the skipper says so — no debate, no delay
- Children under 16: whenever on deck underway
- Non-swimmers: whenever on deck underway
- When you feel uncomfortable — this is not weakness, it is good seamanship
4. Safety Harness & Tether
A safety harness, worn with a tether, clips you to the boat so that if you fall or get knocked down, you stay with the boat. In heavy weather at night, a harness and tether can be more important than a life jacket — because if you're clipped on, you won't end up in the water in the first place.
Fitting the harness
- Put it on like a waistcoat — shoulder straps over both shoulders.
- Clip the chest buckle and tighten so it sits firmly across your chest.
- Clip the waist/crotch straps if fitted — the harness should not be able to slip upward over your arms.
- The tether clips to the large D-ring on the front of the harness, at sternum height.
Jackstays are webbing straps or wire cables running fore-and-aft along each side deck, from the cockpit to the bow. When moving on deck, clip your tether to the jackstay and slide it along as you move — so you are never unclipped for more than a second. The clip points in the cockpit are the U-bolts at the base of the coamings. Always clip on before leaving the cockpit.
The golden rule of clipping on: clip on BEFORE you move, not after you arrive. Never be unclipped while standing on a moving deck. To transfer your tether from one clip point to another, clip the second point first, then unclip the first.
When harness use is required
- All crew going forward of the mast in winds above 15 knots
- Night sailing — always
- Any time the skipper requires it
- When you feel at all unsteady or uncertain
5. Man Overboard (MOB)
This is the most critical section of the briefing. Every crew member must know the immediate actions by heart. In a MOB situation, the first 30 seconds determine everything.
Immediate actions — everyone must know these
- Shout "MAN OVERBOARD!" — loudly, repeatedly, so the whole crew hears.
- Point at the person in the water — one person is assigned this job and does NOTHING ELSE. Keep your arm pointing, eyes locked on. Never look away.
- Press the MOB button on the chartplotter — this marks the GPS position instantly.
- Throw the life ring — pull the dan buoy from the stern rail and throw it as close to the person as possible.
- Shout to the skipper if they are not already on deck.
Never do these things
- Never jump in after them — unless as an absolute last resort with a tether, and only on the skipper's explicit instruction. Two people in the water is twice the problem.
- Never lose visual contact — the person pointing does not look away for any reason.
- Never throw the entire life ring line at once — it can tangle and injure.
The Quick Stop recovery method (the skipper executes this; understanding it helps you assist):
- Immediately put the helm over to windward — the boat gybes around.
- After the gybe, bear away and run downwind briefly.
- Head up into the wind, approaching the MOB from downwind, stopping the boat 2–3 metres to leeward.
- Drift down onto them — engine running but in neutral as you approach closely.
- Throw a line, get them to the boarding ladder on the stern, or use a halyard to lift them if exhausted.
Recovery: a person who has been in the water, even briefly, is likely cold, shocked and exhausted. After recovery: bring them below, remove wet clothing, insulate with blankets, treat for hypothermia (see First Aid), do not give alcohol, monitor for shock.
6. VHF Radio
The VHF radio is the primary communication and distress tool aboard. It is permanently mounted at the nav station and is always on. There is also a handheld VHF in the grab bag.
Basic operation
- The radio is always tuned to Channel 16 — the international distress and calling channel, monitored by the coast guard and all vessels.
- To transmit: press and hold the PTT (Push To Talk) button on the side, speak clearly into the microphone from about 5 cm away, release to receive.
- Speak in complete sentences. Don't interrupt — wait for the other station to say "Over" before you transmit.
- Volume and squelch are set by the skipper — don't adjust them.
The Mayday call — word for word. If there is an immediate threat to life:
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
This is [vessel name] [vessel name] [vessel name]
MAYDAY [vessel name]
My position is [GPS coordinates from chartplotter]
[Nature of distress — e.g. "Fire on board" / "Man overboard" / "Taking on water"]
[Number of persons on board — e.g. "Six persons on board"]
[Any other relevant information — e.g. "White 42-foot sailing yacht"]
Over
Transmit on Channel 16 at full power (25W). If no response after 1 minute, repeat. Continue transmitting at intervals.
Pan Pan call (urgent, not life-threatening):
PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN
All stations, all stations, all stations
This is [vessel name] [vessel name] [vessel name]
My position is [GPS coordinates]
[Nature of urgency — e.g. "Medical emergency, require assistance"]
Over
Use Pan Pan for situations needing assistance but not immediately life-threatening — a medical emergency, or a vessel disabled but not in danger of sinking.
7. Fire
Fire on a fibreglass boat is extremely dangerous and moves fast. The most common causes are the gas cooker, an electrical fault, and the engine bay. Prevention is everything.
If you discover fire
- Shout "FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!" — everyone on deck immediately.
- Do not open any hatch toward a below-deck fire — this feeds oxygen and turns a smoulder into a blaze.
- Shut off the gas valve (starboard cockpit locker).
- Shut off the engine if running (red stop button at the helm).
- Grab the nearest fire extinguisher — aim at the base of the flames, not the top.
- Head the boat upwind of the fire if possible — keep the fire downwind.
What NOT to use water on
- Never use water on an electrical fire — it conducts electricity and can cause electrocution.
- Never use water on a fuel or gas fire — it spreads the burning fuel.
- Water is only appropriate for solid-material fires (wood, fabric) and only when you are certain there is no electrical source.
We carry two dry-powder extinguishers; they discharge fully in about 8–10 seconds — aim well before you pull. There is also a fixed extinguisher in the engine bay (automatic activation). The inspection date is on a tag — tell the skipper if it is past its service date.
If the fire cannot be controlled: seal the companionway hatch, get all crew into life jackets on deck, prepare to deploy the life raft, transmit Mayday. Do not sacrifice lives trying to save the boat.
8. Life Raft
The life raft is a last resort. Only deploy it if the boat is definitely sinking or on fire and uncontrollable. In all other situations, stay with the boat — it is much larger and easier to spot from the air or sea than a raft.
Deployment
- The life raft is in a hard canister on deck, port side forward of the mast, held by a hydrostatic release and a lashing.
- Throw it over the leeward (lower, downwind) side of the boat.
- Pull the painter (the thin line connecting canister to boat) firmly and repeatedly — this triggers inflation.
- The raft inflates in 15–30 seconds.
- Do not cut the painter until all crew are aboard the raft — it holds you alongside.
- Board the raft — help injured or weaker crew first.
- Cut the painter and paddle away from the vessel.
Grab bag contents (take it into the raft): handheld VHF radio (charged); handheld GPS or phone in a waterproof case; flare kit (parachute and handheld flares); emergency water rations (min 1.5 L per person); high-energy emergency rations; knife, whistle, mirror signal; first aid kit; warm layers and space blankets; ship's papers and crew passports in a waterproof pouch.
9. EPIRB & PLBs
An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), when activated, transmits on 406 MHz to satellites, which relay your GPS position to the nearest rescue coordination centre — usually within minutes. It is the nuclear option of distress signalling.
- The yellow unit is mounted at the nav station in a bracket with a hydrostatic release.
- If the boat sinks, the hydrostatic release triggers automatically at 1–4 m depth and it floats free and activates.
- You can also activate it manually — twist the cover and press the button for 5 seconds.
- The EPIRB is registered to this vessel with the national authorities — they know who we are immediately.
Only activate the EPIRB in genuine life-threatening emergencies. A false activation triggers a full search-and-rescue response, endangers rescue crews, costs tens of thousands of euros, and is a criminal offence. Activate when the boat is definitely sinking, there is an uncontrolled fire, someone is critically injured and needs evacuation, or you are in the life raft. After activation, shelter the EPIRB from waves with the antenna upright, and leave it activated.
10. Flares
Flares are visual distress signals. They work best when a vessel or aircraft is within visual range. The flare kit is in the red waterproof case in the cockpit locker.
- Parachute rocket — red, fires 300 m high, burns ~40 seconds. Long-range signalling, only when a vessel is known to be in range.
- Handheld red flare — burns ~1 minute, very bright. Short-range, once rescuers are close. Hold at arm's length, downwind.
- Orange smoke — best in daylight for aircraft, highly visible from the air, ~1 min. Throw or hold over the side.
How to use flares safely
- Read the instructions on the side of each flare before an emergency — they vary by type.
- Hold handheld flares at arm's length, downwind and away from the vessel.
- Aim parachute rockets vertically (or 15° downwind in strong winds) — never horizontal, never toward people.
- Flares burn extremely hot — do not touch the burning end, do not drop them on deck.
- After use, cool spent flares in seawater before stowing.
Flares are not toys. Never fire a flare as a test, a joke, or to signal a marina arrival. Check expiry dates — expired flares can misfire.
11. On-Deck Rules
- One hand for the boat, one for yourself. Maintain three points of contact when the boat is moving.
- Never sit on the guardrails. They are not seats. A wave or gybe can put you over the side instantly.
- Tell the skipper before going forward of the mast — so they don't tack, gybe or bear away while you're up there.
- Wear shoes when underway. Bare feet slip on wet decks.
- Life jackets as per the rules above — night sailing, winds above 20 knots, skipper's instruction.
- Harness on, clipped to the jackstay when going forward in any significant conditions.
- No sudden moves near the helm. Don't grab the wheel unless invited or in an emergency.
- Stay alert on watch. Look around every few minutes — ships, fishing buoys, debris, weather changes.
- Keep the cockpit clear. Stow bags, lines and kit so they don't become trip hazards.
12. Below-Deck Rules
- No smoking below deck. Ever. If you smoke, go to the bow, downwind. Dispose of butts responsibly.
- Sea toilet: pump only what you put in there. Use modest amounts of paper (or the bin provided). Check the inlet and outlet sea cocks are open before pumping; close the sea cock after.
- Close all hatches before sailing. A wave over the bow will fill the forward cabin in seconds through an open hatch.
- Stow everything. At sea, anything not stowed ends up on the floor. Cups, bottles, phones, tools, bags — all of it.
- Water conservation. We carry typically 200–400 litres of fresh water. Shower briefly (30 seconds), use the tap sparingly. Never assume water is unlimited.
- Gas usage. Turn on gas, then ignition; turn gas off as soon as you're done. Shut the gas valve at the bottle between meals. If you smell gas, use no ignition source — ventilate and find the skipper immediately.
- Move carefully below in a seaway. Use handholds. The galley has a strap for the cook when underway.
13. Seasickness
Seasickness is real, common even in experienced sailors, and can be debilitating. It is caused by a mismatch between what your inner ear senses and what your eyes see. The good news: it is almost always temporary.
Prevention — before you feel sick
- Take medication before you need it. Antihistamine-based tablets (Dramamine, Stugeron/cinnarizine) take 1–2 hours to work. Take them the night before your first sail, or at least 2 hours before departure. Once you are seasick, oral tablets won't help.
- Avoid heavy, greasy or spicy food in the 12 hours before sailing.
- Avoid alcohol the night before. Get a good night's sleep.
Treatment if you feel sick
- Stay on deck. Going below to lie down makes it worse. The deck has air and the horizon.
- Look at the horizon — the distant line between sea and sky gives your inner ear the reference it's missing.
- Sit or lie in the cockpit, near the centre of the boat (it moves least).
- Small sips of water. Light snacks (dry crackers, ginger biscuits) help some people.
- Tell the skipper — they won't judge you, and they need to know to adjust watches and workload.
- Scopolamine patches (behind the ear) work well for many — apply 4–6 hours before sailing.
If you vomit, do it downwind over the leeward side, rinse your mouth, and stay on deck. Most people feel significantly better within a few hours once the body adapts.
14. Night Sailing
Sailing at night is one of the most beautiful experiences on the water — and when the risk of an accident is highest, because visibility is reduced and fatigue sets in. The rules for night watches are stricter and non-negotiable.
- Life jackets are mandatory for all crew on deck at night. No exceptions.
- Harness and tether are required for anyone leaving the cockpit after dark.
- Use red lights below deck. White light destroys night vision (20–30 min to recover). If you come up from below, pause 2 minutes to let your eyes adjust before taking a watch.
- No white lights on deck — not your phone torch, not a head torch on white. The watchkeeper must see ships' lights clearly.
- Quiet watch handovers. Brief the incoming watch: course, ships/hazards seen, wind and sea state, anything the skipper said. Then go below quietly.
- Wake the skipper for any doubt. Unsure about a light? Weather changing? Uncomfortable? Wake the skipper. Better a slightly grumpy skipper than an incident.
- Stay alert. Night watches can feel hypnotic. Stand up periodically, scan all around, check the instruments. Ships can appear within 10–15 minutes at cruising speed.
15. The Skipper's Authority
Under maritime law, the skipper — the person holding the licence — bears full legal and moral responsibility for the safety of this vessel and every person aboard. This is not a role assumed lightly.
- Navigation decisions are the skipper's — route, departure time, destination, whether to enter a harbour or anchor out. Input is welcome; arguments underway are not.
- Weather calls are the skipper's. If the skipper says we don't sail today, we don't sail today.
- Safety instructions are immediate. If the skipper shouts "harness on" or "get below" — you do it. Discuss it later if you feel it was unnecessary.
- This is not a democracy at sea. Ashore: equal voices. On a boat underway: one skipper, everyone else crew. This structure exists because it works and because it saves lives.
A note on tone: the skipper is not a dictator and this boat is not a military vessel. We are here to have a wonderful trip together. The skipper's authority is a safety mechanism, not a personality trait. In a normal passage it rarely needs invoking — and when it does, everyone working together is what gets us home safely.