USCG regulations require that passengers on inspected vessels receive a safety orientation before departure. For charter crew, this is not optional and not something the captain can delegate without telling you what to cover. Here is what the regulations and good practice require.
What federal regulations specify
46 CFR Part 185 (Subchapter T vessels) and Part 122 (Subchapter K vessels) require the operator to inform passengers of the location and proper use of lifesaving equipment before getting underway. This includes life jackets, emergency positions, and exits. The exact wording varies by vessel class; the vessel's Certificate of Inspection (COI) lists its applicable subchapter.
Life jacket locations and donning
Show guests where life jackets are stowed. If the vessel is Type I, II, or III, demonstrate how to put one on — do not assume adults know. For a charter vessel with a fixed passenger limit, there must be one life jacket per person plus additional throwable Type IV devices. Know the count before departure.
Throwable devices
Point out the throw rings and their deployment locations on the vessel. On a sailing vessel the most reachable position is usually at the helm station. Know which way to throw a ring so the line pays out cleanly rather than fouling on deck hardware.
EPIRB and flares
For offshore or near-coastal operations, the vessel may carry an EPIRB and pyrotechnic signals (flares). Know where they are and whether they require manual activation. EPIRB registration must be current — an expired or unregistered EPIRB is a liability issue.
Crew assignment at departure
Before guests board, the captain and crew should know who handles the dock lines, who stations on the bow, and who stays near guests if something goes wrong on departure. A 30-second exchange before guests arrive prevents a three-person pile-up at the bow cleat in front of the charter group.
Muster station
Identify a muster area for guests in an emergency — typically the stern or widest part of the deck. Guests should know to go there if they hear the emergency signal and wait for crew direction. Keep this brief; it should take ninety seconds to cover the full briefing without boring anyone.
JADA is a 1938 65-foot yawl chartering from Harbor Island, San Diego Bay. We are looking for mates, deckhands, and licensed captains for weekend charter sails.
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