Safety Brief Day Skipper

1. Lifejackets & Personal Safety

• • Location of all lifejackets

  • Demonstrate correct fitting

  • Explain when lifejackets must be worn:

    • At night

    • In rough weather

    • On deck when sailing or manoeuvring

    • By children at all times (if applicable)

  • Show how to activate light, whistle, sprayhood if fitted

  • Explain jackstays and safety lines if carried

2. Safe Movement on Deck

• • One hand for the boat, one for yourself

  • Move only when necessary

  • No running

  • No standing in loops or bights of rope

  • Keep fingers clear of winches and blocks

  • Stay seated during manoeuvres unless instructed

3. Man Overboard Procedure

Crew must know exactly what to do immediately:

• • Shout “MAN OVERBOARD”

  • Point continuously at the casualty

  • Throw flotation if instructed

  • Do NOT jump in unless told by skipper

  • Explain briefly how recovery will be done (no detailed drill required)

4. Fire Safety

• • Location of fire extinguishers

  • Type of extinguishers carried

  • Location of fire blanket (if fitted)

Engine fire procedure:

• • Stop engine

  • Fuel off

  • Close engine air supply

  • Use extinguisher through fire port if fitted

  • Do not open engine compartment

5. Seacocks & Flooding Awareness

• • What a seacock is

  • Which ones are critical:

    • Engine cooling intake

    • Heads inlet/outlet

  • When to close seacocks:

    • Leaving the boat

    • If flooding occurs

  • Location of bilge pump(s) and how to operate them

6. Heads (Toilet) Use

• • Demonstrate correct operation

  • Explain what must NOT be put down the toilet

  • Explain how to avoid blockages

  • Advise crew to ask if unsure

7. Engine & Propeller Safety

• • Engine control location

  • Explain danger of propeller:

    • Never go near prop when engine running

    • Never enter water without skipper’s permission

  • Explain neutral, ahead, astern awareness during manoeuvres

8. Electrical & Gas Safety (if applicable)

• • Battery isolator switch location

  • Gas shut-off location (if gas fitted)

  • No naked flames below decks

  • Smell of gas = report immediately, do not operate switches

9. Emergency Equipment

• • Location of:

    • First aid kit

    • Lifebuoy / horseshoe / danbuoy

    • Torch

  • Explain who may access equipment

10. Communication

• • Location of VHF radio

  • Who is allowed to use it

  • Basic instruction:

    • In an emergency: inform the skipper immediately

  • No need to teach procedure unless appropriate to crew

11. General Conduct

• • Alcohol policy (normally none while underway)

  • Smoking policy

  • Seasickness advice:

    • Tell skipper early

  • Any specific boat rules