Crew responsibility - safety

[backman]

Perhaps to change the pace from captain bashing:

What does a good crew member do on an extended offshore trip ( no Tail Waggers - the bank and the SWC don't quality for offshore )

* The day before the trip
* The day of the trip
* on the water
* on return to the dock

What does that crew member bring or not bring?

What do they look for, ask for, listen for when stepping on board for the 1st time.

Hopefully some of our heavy hitters will chime in with their experiences.


Larry

[Parapapam]

I maybe a Tail Wagger, but I will throw out there what I do....

* The day before the trip: I watch the weather, temp charts, and all info available as if I was the Captain. I ask what the Captain needs for the trip
like food, ice, bait, gear, etc. I am always willing to make a run to the store for "you know I am running low on..." I ask for a rough game plan so that I can let my love ones know where I will likely be.

* The day of the trip: I show up 15 minutes early and help load the boat. I file a float plan on shore with a loved one with enough wiggle room to allow for game day changes of plan. While I may have an opinion about where to target, I only provide it if asked. Then I let the captain make the call.

* on the water: During the trip, I try to work hard in the pit. While I may not be the Old Man and the Sea, I try to either be useful or get out of the way. If I know the boat and Captain well, it helps. You know how they like to do things and you do it their way. The first couple trips are a bit difficult getting to know their way, so I pay attention to details. I let the Captain know that I am very qualified to spell them at the helm. But I also realize that they may not be comfortable with that until they know me better or they may just like to drive....

* on return to the dock: Unless I am getting a job offer (inside story) I help tie off the boat. Then I either cut up the fish or clean the boat or both. I hate leaving a dirty boat. Everyone has a different way they like to do this, so like the pit, I ask, watch and try to learn how the captain likes to do it. I also pitch in for gas.

What does that crew member bring or not bring? I ask this question up front. I have everything that may be needed and I am willing to bring it. But I would just as soon play with your toys and leave all of mine at home. I know space is always an issue on a boat. So if you need it, I will bring it. But if you don't, then all I bring is one duffle bag which contains Grundens, handheld GPS, handheld radio, PLB, fleece and a few small things like a knife, etc...


What do they look for, ask for, listen for when stepping on board for the 1st time.: I should ask for a safety walk through. Where are the life jackets, raft, etc. But I usually forget.

I run a boat "sort of" Offshore, so I try to think as if I was the Captain and anticipate their needs.

Wag, wag, wag.

Mike

[lowlands]

handheld GPS, handheld radio, PLB

You bring these without asking? Be aware that some captains, even rec's, don't like crew to carry gps's. I don't much care for offshore trips (I'll even give you the track if you ask), but some really do.

It's best to ask first. It might not be needed. And, it would be a shame to leave that gear in a sinking boat, because there is no room for your bag in a liferaft that has 6 guys in gumby suits and a fully equiped ditch bag.

[Parapapam]

You bring these without asking? Be aware that some captains, even rec's, don't like crew to carry gps's. I don't much care for offshore trips (I'll even give you the track if you ask), but some really do.

It's best to ask first. It might not be needed. And, it would be a shame to leave that gear in a sinking boat, because there is no room for your bag in a liferaft that has 6 guys in gumby suits and a fully equiped ditch bag.

If the Captain has an issues with another spare PLB or Handheld Radio, then I won't fish with him. I can see how the GPS could potentially be an issue. But it stays in the bag and is not turned on unless needed. So I am not stealling your spots. It is just for safety. If you don't trust me that I am not stealling your spots, then don't invite me. If you have an issue with spare (small) safety equipment, then I will not go with you. I should also take an inflatable life vest (people have on my boat and I have no issue with that at all) but I don't.

I fish with people I like and I trust them with my life whether on my boat or on theirs.... They are implicitly trusting me with their life as well. I don't charter, so I don't have strangers on the boat. I have friends or new found friends with me.

Mike

P.S. Ask all your clients to leave their IPhones at home.... they all have GPS on them.

[lowlands]

If the Captain has an issues with another spare PLB or Handheld Radio, then I won't fish with him. I can see how the GPS could potentially be an issue. But it stays in the bag and is not turned on unless needed. So I am not stealling your spots. It is just for safety. If you don't trust me that I am not stealling your spots, then don't invite me. If you have an issue with spare (small) safety equipment, then I will not go with you. I should also take an inflatable life vest (people have on my boat and I have no issue with that at all) but I don't.

I fish with people I like and I trust them with my life whether on my boat or on theirs.... They are implicitly trusting me with their life as well. I don't charter, so I don't have strangers on the boat. I have friends or new found friends with me.

Mike

P.S. Ask all your clients to leave their IPhones at home.... they all have GPS on them.

I already said I don't care if you bring a gps..

I also wouldn't mind you bringing whatever toys you want along. But, on my boat at least, I would have an issue with someone using a plb before I decided to use an EPIRB. That's a safety issue. I don't need the coast guard running around looking for a plb, with no information on the boat or how to contact me, instead of following my registered epirb, or maybe getting confused and thinking there are two separate emergencies.

Control of communications stays with me. Period. If you don't like that, go on another boat. Additional emergency equipment isn't a problem.

Also, don't expect to be able to bring ANY personal gear into the raft (same goes for me). It stays on the boat. If you don't like that, you are free to to find another means of flotation.

Seriously though, you are making a big issue out of nothing. Bring the gear, just ask first. At least that way we know it's there. You might not be able to tell anyone when its needed. I've brought my ditch bag onto buddies boats before when they ask, but I always explain whats in it so somebody besides myself knows.

Oh and also, I have enough inflatable vests for anyone who wants to wear one, and I usually strongly recommend it to anyone in the pit on an overnighter. I also have a full spread of type 1 pfd's, and a full spread of gumby immersion suits.

You are of course welcome to bring an inflatable if you have one you like/trust.

[Parapapam]

I already said I don't care if you bring a gps..

I also wouldn't mind you bringing whatever toys you want along. But, on my boat at least, I would have an issue with someone using a plb before I decided to use an EPIRB. That's a safety issue. I don't need the coast guard running around looking for a plb, with no information on the boat or how to contact me, instead of following my registered epirb, or maybe getting confused and thinking there are two separate emergencies.

Control of communications stays with me. Period. If you don't like that, go on another boat. Additional emergency equipment isn't a problem.

Also, don't expect to be able to bring ANY personal gear into the raft (same goes for me). It stays on the boat. If you don't like that, you are free to to find another means of flotation.

Seriously though, you are making a big issue out of nothing. Bring the gear, just ask first. At least that way we know it's there. You might not be able to tell anyone when its needed. I've brought my ditch bag onto buddies boats before when they ask, but I always explain whats in it so somebody besides myself knows.

OK. Point well taken on Control of Communication. I was thinking of them as back ups in case of primary system failure not as a form of mutiny. I understand your point now. And the only thing I give a damm about getting in a raft is my body. Everything else can go down with the ship.

Mike

[JSeas]

Depending on the trip, I could be Captain or crew. In either role, I remember that once we are offshore, the Captain and crew must rely on each other both as seamen and fishermen to make a successful fun trip. I also take into consideration the skill sets and experience of the crew before I go. Not just with Fishing but with operating on a vessel offshore and dealing with an unforseen emergency situation. Experience is a huge factor. Regarding safety.. a good crew has at least 2 people very capable of operating and navigating the boat (including docking), at least 1 person knowledgable about mechanical systems and capable of making repairs at sea, several experienced crew members that know how to deploy life raft, operate VHF radio, don survival suit and can help others in an emergency.

With modern day electronics, faster boats, and better weather forecasting, more and more people are able to enjoy offshore fishing! I think that is great, but hopefully everyone keeps a healthy respect for the ocean and expects the best, but prepares for the worst!

JSeas

[beeracuda]

If the Captain has an issues with another spare PLB or Handheld Radio, then I won't fish with him.

I totally agree, I always bring my own small ditch bag with those items in it regardless of how far off I'm going. I was involved in a mayday incident about 50 miles off a few years ago and it taught me a valuable lesson. The PLB is registered to me so it would not conflict with an EPIRB deployment in any way, it would just inform the CG that I was on the boat when/if they receive both signals.

I pack a 1 gallon size dry bag with my PLB, DSC-VHF, GPS, plus a few misc things like flashlight signal mirror etc.. Obviously I'm not going to deploy the EPIRB or hail on the radio without the Captains orders but if he doesn't trust me with that I'd probably look for another boat.

I also agree with the other crew conduct items Parapapam posted above, with the exception that he missed BYOB (bring your own boots) and 15 minutes early is cutting it a little close - other than that those should be crew words to live by.

[SaltyDog]

My crew doesnt do shit before and during a trip other than step on the boat and reel the fish in! BUT.....as we cruising home they filet the fish and clean up the boat per captains orders...which is priceless bc there is nothing better than hitting the dock after a 24 hr trip and being able to step off the boat and head right home for some sleep....

[LadyB]

THE DAY BEFORE

Get a good nights sleep. Confirm what time you are expected at the dock the following day. Pack a good pair of sun glasses. Plan on being there an hour early. Dont ask the captain if he wants you to bring fishing rods and electronics.

THE DAY OF

Help load and secure everything going on the trip. Get a handle on where things are stored. If you need something you will know where to find it and you will know where it goes when you are done with it. Do your part to keep the boat in order. Bring as little as possible like clothes and dont over do it. One medium bag is enough. Make sure you are aware of all the saftey gear on board and where it is located and how it is used. Know which saftey gear is in the salon and which saftey gear is on the deck. Plan in your head the best way to access it if you are in trouble. Pretend you are upside down in the dark and plan on getting to the saftey gear in your head. Make sure you know how to use the sat phone and be able to look up the stored emergency numbers in it. Get familuar with the fishing gear for what ever style of fishing you will be doing.

ON THE WATER

Be proactive. Be up looking around for sign during the day. If trolling, watch for tangles, weed, and be able to check the baits and put them back out again often. Know how to rig the most common bait types for what ever you are fishing for. If you are chunking, get a system going help get plenty of cut chunks ahead of time. Know how to use cripping tools and rigging needles. Keep the deck washed down before any blood or fish parts dry on the deck. Dont be sleeping off a hangover from the night before. If you are experienced enough give the skipper a break at the wheel. Jig for live bait. Know how to clean fish.

ON THE RETURN

Wash Everything Before You Leave.