Emergency Procedures/Boat Rules Card

Posted By: Jim B., Mac 26x, Black Hills,SD/Port Isabel, TX
Date: 1/11/01 7:28p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

A few days ago, I sent a post to the ts forum regarding a card we made up for the boat for new passengers (non-sailors) to look over while we are getting the boat ready. One side has graphics taken from the Mac brochure, telling a bit about the boat. The other side tells our passengers what to expect, boat rules, and emergency procedures. The following is a text file, the actual cards look much more "put together" (see the photo). I laminated the card for permanence. People who have seen it say it has a professional, but friendly feel to it and makes them feel more at ease. That was the goal... we want people to enjoy our sport. Here's the text... In Case of Emergency Welcome aboard Dream Chaser... The plan is to have an enjoyable sail. So far, Dream Chaser has a perfect record: our number of departures is exactly equal to the number of returns. We don’t anticipate any problems, but just in case, here is some important information... About the boat... You are sailing aboard a MacGregor 26x, water-ballasted sailboat. The boat is built with positive foam flotation, and is considered “unsinkable”. Unless instructed by your skipper, always stay with the boat. Heeling (when the boat leans to one side) is a normal part of sailing. You will be more comfortable sitting on the “high” side of the boat. A crew-member will advise you when to move. The 26x has over 1500 lbs. of water ballast and is self-righting; i.e. even if it heels beyond 45 degrees, it will right itself. If you are uncomfortable with the heeling, please let us know. Usually, we can sail in a different direction or reduce sail to reduce the amount of heel. A bathroom on a boat is called the “head”; and, yes, we have one. It’s small, but efficient; and a bit different from your toilet at home. Nothing scary, but since we aren’t hooked to city water, we have to run it a bit differently. If you need it, please ask and we’ll show you how it works. Boat shoes/sandals only on board - black soles don’t mix with our white deck. Barefoot is fine. Life-jackets... or personal flotation devices. There are 6 pfd’s aboard, plus 2 throwable devices. Two (zip-up vest types, yellow & blue) are located to the port (left) side of the cabin, just behind the entryway to the cabin. Four (traditional type, orange) are located on the rear berth in a white case labeled “Life jackets.” (Pretty clever, huh?) There is a white throwable horseshoe near the back of the boat and an orange throwable cushion on board. If you would feel more comfortable wearing a PFD while sailing, please ask. What do you want me to do? Please don’t help with a task unless you are asked. If you would like to get a “hands on” feel of sailing, we will be more than happy to oblige. For the safety of all on board, it is important that one person be in charge and direct the sailing activities. Usually, the skipper will call for an action, wait for a “ready” response, and then say when to do it. The situation on the water can change quickly; if you are directed by a crew member to “do something NOW”, please comply. In case of crew incapacitation... it hasn’t happened, yet... but here’s what you need to know: To Stop While Sailing: turn the nose of the boat into the wind; the boat will stop. The sails will make a “slapping noise”. The mainsail can be dropped by uncleating the line on the mast. The headsail can be rolled in by releasing the heavy line controlling the sail and pulling the thin line on the port (left) side of the cockpit. To Start The Motor: lower the motor (if up), by pressing the small rocker switch (down) on the outside of the large throttle lever. Turn the key one click. Choke the engine by lifting the small handle alongside the throttle lever. Turn the key and hold to start. Release the key when started. As the engine warms, release the choke lever. To Go Forward: pull the red grip on the throttle lever in and push the whole lever up. Pushing farther will make the boat go faster. To Go In Reverse: pull the red grip on the throttle lever in and push the whole lever down. Pushing farther will make the boat go faster backwards. This can also be used to stop forward motion. To Steer: turn the wheel, just like a car. Keep in mind that the steering motion happens from the back of the boat (where the rudders are). To Call For Help On The Radio: be sure the radio is tuned to channel 16. Push and hold the PTT button and say: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is the sailing vessel Dream Chaser. Repeat, this is the sailing vessel Dream Chaser, a white 26 foot sailboat. We are located______ “ (give a direction from an obvious landmark or read the latitude/longitude from the GPS just in front of the wheel). State the emergency. Release the PTT button. Wait for a response. If no response in 20 seconds, repeat the above. To Call For Help On The Cell phone: dial 911, press “send”. Flares: located under the port (left) settee, in a round orange case; pistol-type and hand-held. They only last for a few seconds, so only use them when help is in sight. Anchor: located in the locker at the bow (very front of the boat). Be sure the bitter end of the line (the end of the line the anchor is NOT attached to) is attached to a cleat before releasing the anchor. First Aid Kit: located in the gray bag in the cabin. The other side has the graphics. Thanks for the interest in this little project. It has been useful for us, hope you enjoy it. Happy Sails to You, Jim B. Dream Chaser 26x