How To Be a Better Crew
At least one crew member should know how to use the VHF radio, the basics of engine operation, and distress signals…in the unlikely event that the skipper was incapacitated or lost overboard. Check to make sure your first mate knows these basics!
A good crew member is looking for ways to be helpful, without needing constant supervision by the skipper. However, when things are NOT going well, you can either help the situation, or make things worse…usually by alarming or embarrassing the skipper in front of guests. When things go wrong, this becomes a delicate situation. We’ve all seen the skipper yelling at his crew, when really the crew is not the one at fault. This can ruin everyone’s day.
All skippers, no matter how capable, are not perfect. But sometimes, carefully worded reminders like: “Watch your stern, there, Bill.” or “Uh, you do see that dinghy, don’t you, Honey?’” can prevent a far worse embarrassment. Say it as quietly and tactfully as you can, depending upon the urgency of the situation, except in a real emergency.
A good crew member will sometimes need to bite their lip and remain silent. However, in a stressful, windy, tight-quarters situation, a few words of encouragement may help calm the nerves of a tense skipper. Should contact with boats or docks become a concern, take action early, and try not to panic, as you will make the skipper panic more. Quickly but calmly walk toward the spot where contact is likely, and be ready to fend off. Don’t wait for the skipper to ask. Rarely will one want to admit that they are in trouble, until it’s serious. Have a loose fender in hand, dangling on it’s line; or have a “boat hook” handy. The fender can be dropped in between the boats at the closest point, where they are about to touch. EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO NOT ENDANGER ONESELF when fending off. Don’t risk getting limbs caught between boats. Boats can be repaired; body parts cannot be replaced!
Better yet, the boat hook can be used to fend off with steady pressure, long before you get too close. Your “team spirit” and professionalism will help the skipper relax, knowing that you are there to help save the boat from damage if he/she cannot salvage the situation. Whenever with wind is up or you are facing a challenging docking situation, have that loose fender and boat hook ready, and be on the lookout!
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