This is the briefing I run through with every crew, when we go aboard, it is about getting to know the boat, where equipment is stored and how to use it.
- Engine starting and stopping proceedures and checks.
- Electrical power operation, switches and batteries.
- Instrument operation, VHF, GPS, Depth sounder, Navtex, Autopilot.
- Stopcock positions, Heads operation and Bilge pumps.
- Fire fighting equipment and Gas valve operation.
- Safety equipment, lifejackets, harnesses, all weather gear, first aid box.
- Spare fuel, spare anchor, spare linage, spare engine oil, tools.
- Stowage for navigation kit, clothing, bedding, food and drink.
- Watch Rota System for 2,3 and 4 crew.
Engine pre-checks, oil, water, inlet filter and stopcock, grease stern gland, morse out of gear quarter throttle, switch batteries on, Turn key 10 seconds for heater plugs, turn further to start, if not starting after 20 seconds rest starter for a minute.
Engine running checks, Warm up engine at 1500 rpm, check cooling water from exhaust, keep eye on water and oil gauges until stable at 60 degrees.
When sailing and the engine has run that day, just turn the key to start.
To stop the engine when sailing, return morse to neutral/tickover, press stop button then turn key off.
When leaving boat for more than a day, all stopcocks off, batteries off, grease stern tube, leave morse in gear.
Batteries are left on day and night while we are aboard, and both off when leaving the boat over night.
All instruments are on while sailing, at anchor the GPS can be used to keep watch in case the anchor drags, the depth sounder might also be set with shallow alarm on. On a mooring or pontoon instruments are off.
While sailing the heads inlet and outlet stopcocks should always be off, turned on to flush and off when flushed.
The engine inlet is turned off together with the battery switch when leaving the boat over night.
The operation of bilge pumps shown on board.
Because gas is heavier than air and sinks into the bilges, it is important to operate two valves each time one uses the cooker. The knobs on the cooker can be turned on accidently in the wilder motions of the boat, so a second valve is near by.
The fire extinguishers and blanket are shown on board.
Everything else is shown on board at the time.