|
Tips For Onboard Guests
Temperatures on the water are often cooler
than inland, so let your guests know if they
should bring any special gear. Non-skid, non-marking
shoes will save you time spent scrubbing the
deck later. Many people think a boat is the
same as a house and may need reminding that
there is finite space for personal gear on board.
Duffel bags and soft luggage should be used
instead of square, non-collapsing luggage. Sunglasses,
suntan lotion, and a hat may be a few of the
things you suggest. Extended voyaging to foreign
ports presents a unique set of conditions for
guests. Make sure the proper crew lists, passports,
and other boat documentation are on board before
having to explain things to a Customs official.
Other cultures may have a vastly different way
of life that should be researched before leaving.
Impress upon the less traveled that the rest
 of
the world is not like home. By assigning a space
for guests and their gear, you will eliminate
missing items later. Explain the importance
of things being where you can find them quickly
and ensure that items like flashlights, handheld
compasses and radios, and dividers are returned
to the places where they belong. |
The expression "you missed the boat" is
surely nautical in nature. Little is more frustrating
than waiting for missing or late crew as a beautiful
sunny and breezy day ebbs by. Make sure guests
are aware of departure times and know that weather
conditions, tides, and currents are constantly
changing and need to be incorporated into a
nautical outing. Explain also that the time
to rise and shine is based on the convenience
of everyone aboard and the cruising plans for
the day. You, as skipper, should be the first
to rise and the others should follow shortly
after. Make guests aware of the limited washing
and toilet facilities on the boat and instruct
them to be time considerate to others. Also
instruct them thoroughly on the use of the marine
head, the fact that there are no plumbers at
sea, and the importance of water conservation
when cruising between destinations. Familiarize
your guests with safety and emergency procedures
before leaving the dock. Explain fueling procedures,
docking and departing plans. Make sure someone
on board is able to take over for you and operate
the VHF radio to ask for help should you become
disabled. By being up front, honest, and direct
with your guests, everyone on board will have
a safe and pleasurable trip. |
|
|
