Have you been dreaming of being a skipper, brave and sure? Well, sit right back, because we’re here to tell you all the details you need to become a confident and qualified boat captain and start skippering your way to uncharted new adventures.
Whether you’re working your way through certification or are new to this nautical journey, we’ve got the advice and insights to help you understand your captain duties and set sail with experience and know-how.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Sailboat Skipper
There’s a certain sense of achievement that comes with captaining a boat. You’re right to be proud of your accomplishments, but for skippers, arrogance can be your downfall. Open water demands respect – for nature, for your vessel, for your crew, and for others. Take that to heart, and take your skipper duties seriously. At the end of the day the skipper of any boat is responsible for the safety of the vessel and its crew. Ultimately, the enjoyment and freedom of sailing come from doing it safely and effectively. Here are the dos and don’ts of skippering:
DO Know Your Role
Your role as skipper may change depending on the size of your vessel and of your crew. On a small keelboat, you’re going to be responsible for many of the traditional sailing roles. But if you’re skippering a larger vessel or working toward eventual bareboat chartering, you’ll need a crew. In each case, the skipper must know the ins and outs of every role. In this way, you can better collaborate with individual crew members to support and encourage them. You’ll also then have the skills to perform the duties of each role when needed.
DON’T Drink and Sail
Just as you wouldn’t consume alcohol and get behind the wheel, you should never imbibe and get behind the helm. Boating while impaired is against the law, and is incredibly dangerous. Further, any infractions incurred on the water are applied to your driving record and can even result in your driver’s license being impacted. Even if you aren’t in high-traffic waters, sailing while intoxicated is a risk to your safety and that of any crew or passengers. It can also lead to grave mistakes that could jeopardize your ability to safely skipper your boat to its destination.
DO Practice Excellent Seamanship
The American Sailing Association says that seamanship is an art. It’s comprised of your unique experience, knowledge, skill-set, and awareness of the sea and its changes. Good seamanship goes beyond simple certification — it’s a practice that requires dedication, hard work, and appreciation for all the duties performed aboard a vessel. Skippers with excellent seamanship are leaders. They are knowledgeable, level-headed, and committed to safety. Good skippers make a habit of honing their seamanship and practicing it at all times.
DON’T Let Safety Procedures Lapse
When you’re sailing a vessel or waterway you know well, it’s easy to let some things slide. However, safe sailing and safe skippering means being constantly aware of your boat, your surroundings, and the sea, and never letting your standard procedures fall through the cracks. Practice safety by doing a routine count of lifejackets ensuring you have enough for all passengers and crew, performing routine maintenance and engine checks, and by staying well practiced at your emergency procedures. You’ll learn some safety standards in most sailing classes, but it doesn’t hurt to look for a dedicated boat safety course. This will add to your overall knowledge, and you can often find courses that are available online.
DO Keep an Eye on the Skys
The weather can change in an instant, and if you aren’t prepared, it can be extremely dangerous. Always check weather forecasts before setting sail, but also know that those forecasts aren’t set in stone. Create a preparedness plan for bad weather, ensure loose items are secured, and check your safety protocols before taking to the water.
DON’T Get Low on Fuel
Running out of gas and getting stranded on the side of the road is one thing. Running out of fuel and getting stranded on the open sea is another thing entirely. Avoid the risks and the potential danger by making a fuel check a part of your pre-sail skipper routine. Use the rule of thirds and try to always keep a ⅓ of a tank of fuel as a safety reserve. It never hurts to fill up the tank, so you know you’ll have enough to make it back to shore.
DO Keep Speed in Check
You may find some waters have particular requirements around speed, especially in regulatory zones. Ignoring or abusing those requirements can land you in hot water, but it can also endanger others on or near the water. Watch your speed, and make sure you’re aware of your surroundings at all times. Even in open water with few other boats around, going too fast can lead to dangerous situations, like collisions or falling overboard, and the temporary thrill is never worth the risk.
DON’T Disembark Too Soon
Pulling into port can be dangerous if the skipper doesn’t follow the proper protocol. Before exiting the vessel, prep any crew or passengers on the docking process, and make sure lines are prepped and everything is in place. Once docked, never let a passenger or crew member disembark before the boat has come to a complete stop.
DO Follow the Rules of Navigation
Whether or not you have a navigator on board, it’s critical for a good skipper to know and to uphold the rules around navigation. This helps keep those aboard your boat and those aboard others safe. Always avoid coming too close to other vessels, and be sure to keep an eye on your wake, so it isn’t impeding another boat. Do not drop anchor while mid-route, so you don’t block it for other sailors or force them off-course.
How to Become a Sailboat Skipper
Just by being here and reading this information, you’ve already taken an important step in learning how to become a boat captain. Perhaps you’ve already completed an introductory course, like ASA 101, and have learned how to command a keelboat. If not, we’re happy to help you schedule a starter class that will get you launched in the right direction. Once you’ve got that under your belt, you’re ready to level up. At First Reef Sailing, we recommend taking our ASA 103 Coastal Cruising course and working toward your certification, which you’ll earn after an exam at the close of the 3-day class. Join us and learn skippering responsibilities, good seamanship, and everything it takes to captain a larger, heavier sailboat in varying conditions. From there, you can choose to explore bareboat cruising and coastal navigation, and make the world your ocean.
Comments