Th is is not intended to be a complete source for safe boating practices, but instead a reference for specific information and suggestions relating to the Atlantic Challenge gigs. Although Captain Bligh successfully navigated a ship’s longboat across several thousand miles of open sea, these boats were not intended for such purposes and indeed the Atlantic Challenge gigs are rarely crewed by such experienced crew. All who go to sea in small open boats are well advised to observe all elements of local weather conditions and forecasts, wind, sea, conditions, and to govern their actions appropriately. As well as the standard safety equipment including life jackets, charts, compass, tidal, current information and other navigation and safety items; the use of modern communications methods and safety and support craft, are all (highly recommended) essential on any open crossing or expedition.
CREW QUALIFICATIONS
Each Atlantic Challenge organization should establish appropriate training procedures to instruct seamanship and identify levels of competency as follows.
Coxswain: The person in charge of and responsible for the boat and its crew. This person will have completed training as an Able Crew. The individual should have successfully completed national seamanship, sailing, and navigation programs as deemed appropriate to undertake responsibilities as a coxswain. They should also be approved by the local association as a competent person to take charge of an Atlantic Challenge gig. A system for selection and evaluation of potential coxswains should be established to ensure that the individual has a sound working knowledge and safe working practice in command under oars and sail, and demonstrates good seamanship and awareness both in and outside the boat.
Able Crew: These individuals should know the following:
1 the rowing and sailing orders and be competent in the use of an oar and in the management of sails.
2 know the knots, everyday use of the lines aboard, and methods for securing the gig to a dock or mooring
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demonstrate a sense of "watermanship" and ability to anticipate problems before they arise
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the ability to be relied upon in a crisis, by the coxswain, to do the "right thing"
5 sufficient ability to act in place of the cox in an emergency
6 be familiar with safety procedures, use of flares and VHF radio procedures
Novice Seaman: This is an individual training for the position of Able Crew.
The Basic Checklist Before Heading Out to Sea:
The following checks are to be completed by the coxswain or able seaman under the coxswain’s supervision.
Boats and Equipment – The Basics:
10 Oars (minimum)
Rudder with Tiller or Yoke
Minimum three bailers - 2 Buckets and a bilge pump (preferred- 6 buckets secured by lanyard)
Suitable Anchor and min. 50 metre rode
2 Boat-Hooks
Ensign and Staff
2-4 Fenders
Four dock Lines (bow & stem lines and spring lines)
Long Towing Line
Appropriate Charts
Compass, and timepiece
Life buoy and buoyant heaving line
One life preserver for each crew member
First Aid Kit, knife
Complete rigging and sails
A sound signaling device
Distress flares of a type and quantity as regulated
Other items as legislated in each nation
Optional and Expedition Equipment
Rudder with Yoke, steering oar
Additional anchor(s) and lines
Support and safety craft
Cellular phone, VHF or other communications methods for open passages or expeditions
Portable navigation lights. Lights must comply with Collision Regulations if permanently fitted
Other Checks
- weather forecast
- VHF radio check
- bilge dry
- each crew appropriately dressed and wearing a lifejacket
- check if there is any crew aboard with relevant medical
history
- consider the state of the tide, and the effect of the current and
forecast wind on sea state
How to wear, adjust, (and inflate) life jackets
Keep your weight low in the boat. Move about the boat with care and avoid walking on thwarts
NEVER secure main and foresheets, Always held in the hand
Warn crew of danger of being struck on the head by a swinging yard, either when hoisting or lowering the main and fore sails. One member of each mast crew should be briefed to hold the luff of the sail under tension to keep the peak of the yard aloft and clear of heads when both hoisting and lowering.
Sailing Positions - Each crew member has a sailing position and a specific duty. The mast captains have the job of repeating the coxswain’s orders so that those in the bow hear what is said. No one else should speak during these orders as it is a cause for confusion.
Anchoring and Weighing Anchor: Proper procedures should be explained for anchoring and weighing anchor and the importance of good communication
Explain reefing procedures
If disabled crew is aboard, advice must be sought as to what adaptations are required
Life Jackets for all crew, worn and properly secured
All required gig gear aboard, masts and sails
Safety equipment aboard
Bailers secured to thwarts with a lanyard
Navigational equipment aboard
Crew have received instruction re “crabs”, crew overboard, and capsizing
The coxswain is responsible for the safety of the crew, the safe operation of the vessel and the condition of the boat.
No hard soled shoes aboard, bare feet or sandals have also proven to be dangerous
A tidy boat is a safer boat, organize your gear
Listen to commands, you will be shown what to do, avoid unnecessary chatter
Ask permission of the coxswain if you need to stand up, avoid standing on thwarts
Exercise extreme caution when shipping or boating oars to avoid personal injury to others.
Crabs - A crab occurs when the water resistance on the blade of the oar "pinches" the loom in the oarlock, causing the loom to knock into your chest very abruptly. If allowed to go too far, the oar becomes incredibly hard to remove from the oarport, and may crack both oarport and the sheer plank. The trick to successfully dealing with a crab depends on you being well prepared, so that it doesn't catch you by surprise.
There are three steps to dealing with a crab: First, shout "CRAB!!" - this alerts both your coxswain and the rest of the crew, in case the boat needs to be stopped immediately. Second, lift the loom of the oar up, so that it comes completely out of the oarport and slides aft (towards the stem). Once the oar is freed from the oarport press down on the handle to bring the blade out of the water. Third, slide the oar back into the oarport . If you follow these three easy steps, you can successfully deal with a crab. Remember, the trick is to not let it catch you by surprise. Be Prepared!
CREW OVERBOARD
You need to be prepared both for falling in the water and for rescuing someone else. Keep in mind - it could be your coxswain that falls in - be ready to take over the command of the gig immediately.
If You Fall In:
DO NOT PANIC - Your PFD will keep you afloat. Keep your head above water. Wave your arms so that the spotter in the gig can see you. Once the gig gets close enough, swim towards the gig. The easiest place to get “hauled aboard” will be amidships. Two crew at this station can easily assist with this operation. Once aboard, you are prone to hypothermia. The longer you were in the water or continue to stay wet, the greater this concern. Take off your wet clothes and put dry ones on. Borrow dry clothes from other crew members if you don't have any. This is a must!! However uncomfortable it seems, you must get warm again. Hypothermia is a serious issue.
If Someone Else Falls In: DO NOT PANIC - you must be well co-ordinated to retrieve a crew overboard.
Rowing:
Yell "CREW OVERBOARD!”
Appoint a spotter. They are to point straight at the person and never stop until the person is back aboard. This can be done by either the passenger or the bow watch (not the coxswain!)
Stop the gig - "Hold Water".
Back up to the person - "Backwater" (If you are at the helm - keep in mind you are making stem way.
Retrieve the crew
Immediately check for injury, then make them change into dry clothes, otherwise they will catch-.hypothermia.
Take a deep breath – your crew is safely aboard.
Sailing:
Yell CREW OVERBOARD!!
Appoint a spotter (this is even more important when sailing - the person can get out of sight much faster).
Toss a life jacket or lifebuoy to the person.
Drop sails immediately, ship oars alter course and row towards the person – as you approach – mind your oars to avoid injury to the crew in the water. Remember the momentum of the boat will bring you closer.
Row towards the person - either forwards or backwards, depending on their position and distance. Retrieve them amidships
Check for injury - then make them change into dry clothes to avoid hypothermia.
Take a deep breath – your crew is safely aboard.
If The Coxswain Falls Overboard
Someone must take immediate control of the gig. This may be an able seaman.
Capsizing
Capsizing occurs either when the gig fills with water uncontrollably or when the gig overtures. Remember - the gig is made of wood. It will float, though barely above the water. DO NOT PANIC!! STAY WITH THE BOAT It requires a well co-ordinated crew to deal with a capsizing.
If The Gig Fills With Water
Stay quiet - a lot of shouting doesn’t accomplish anything. Let the coxswain take control of the situation.
Get to the centre of the boat - this helps stabilize the gig and prevents more water from entering into the gig.
Immediately start removing water once the gig is stabilized, using pumps and buckets.
If the gig is unstable and more water is washing over the gunwales with each wave, the cox will order all crew into the water on both sides of the gig. Try to retain as many oars as possible in the gig but do not swim off after oars or other gear that may have drifted away from the boat.
The crew will approach the gig “belly on” to the oar ports to block water from entering via the oar ports and begin bailing with all bailing buckets. Once the gig is bailed below the thwart level, have two crew enter the boat from each end and once aboard these crew will continue to bail with good speed from aboard. Other crew will come aboard as circumstances permit.
Once the boat has been pumped out, start gathering up gear that has floated away
If anyone has any dry clothes in a sea bag, change into them. You must avoid hypothermia.
Row back to the nearest dock or shore as quickly as possible - hypothermia is a major time concern.
Every wet crew member must do something physically to try to warm up - such as rowing, Switch positions so that everyone has a chance to stay warm. Coxswains and Bow watches must be particularly careful of hypothermia.
Once into shore or at a dock - secure the boat - then get everyone into warm, dry clothes.
Heavy Weather
Heavy weather is extreme wind or wave conditions, such that it poses significant danger to either the gig or the crew. Avoid taking the boat out in stormy weather. If you are already out and caught in a sudden storm you must take certain precautions.
Head towards the nearest protected harbour.
If not possible, row upwind towards a protected shore.
If unable to reach a protected harbour or shore secure loose equipment, drop an anchor and chain, and keep the boat into the wind, either using oars or by using the mizzen as a weather vane (this may require most of the crew to go forward).
If in close proximity to a lee shore, row like mad upwind, to avoid being blown onto the shore. Remember Lt. Proteau’s fateful mission in Bantry Bay on Christmas eve 1796!
Safety Drills:
Crew are highly encouraged to develop specific safety drills to better prepare for dealing with certain situations. Make it a point to practice these drills every time you go out - it will improve your response time. For example the coxswain may discretely throw the life ring overboard and designate one crew (or himself) as the person in the water. Don't worry about hypothermia with the life ring!
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