Why Crew Selection Matters in Offshore Passage Planning
Preparation, Documents, Sustenance, and Legal Compliance
why is passage making different to coastal sailing?
why is passage making different to coastal sailing?
Following on from proactive maintenance is the broader issue of preparation. Finding crew who are the right operational fit can be extremely challenging.
Friends and family, in particular, may struggle with the level of structured authority required to maintain safety onboard, and can sometimes take offence when clear instructions are given.
There are also documented cases where crew relationships have broken down completely as a result.
For effective operation, crew should have a basic level of hands-on experience with the vessel, including navigation awareness and fatigue management.
Anyone who has worked consecutive night shifts will understand the impact of fatigue, including reduced concentration, slower decision-making, and increased reliance on rote-learned procedures rather than critical thinking under pressure.
Reading about these issues is helpful, but without practical exposure, the information is often quickly forgotten.
For this reason, it is strongly recommended to seek out specialist training such as the Pacific Cruising Offshore Preparation Course designed by John Hembrow, which provides practical insight into these realities and significantly improves situational awareness.
Crew require clear guidance and instruction to meet the offshore safety standards mandated by law. But what exactly are these standards? They are defined within the maritime legislation of various countries.
In Australia, for example, legislation explicitly outlines the vessel owner’s duty-of-care and the obligation to ensure the well-being of the crew. Importantly, these responsibilities apply regardless of whether the crew are paid or volunteering.
Compliance with these requirements is best achieved through a informal document. For this purpose, we have developed a Crew Manual specifically for offshore operations.
While some may view this as excessive, once crew complete our training modules, they understand the necessity of having such a manual. We refer to it as the “How to… Manual.” It's 'read-and-do'.
In the event the captain is incapacitated, crew can confidently access the manual and follow the instructions step by step.
The goal is to foster a safe, cooperative, and team-focused environment, starting with leadership. When crew feel positively guided, they are far more likely to embrace direction and maintain safety standards at sea.
The chances of quickly cooking some fish or making a stew, will be extremely limited to days of smooth waters.
Diets present a huge issue, in fact on Liberty2, offshore crew with diets present a huge challenge.
Chancing cooking food over gas or boiling water in pots whilst on passage, is fraught with danger. A burn will severely hamper the team and their morale. To a lesser extent, using a sharp knife can cause cuts to the feet if it falls.
Being proactive with food management is key. Cold liquids with cordial additives provides fluids and sugars.
Pouring boiling fluids can only be done in our sinks. If you want a coffee, you make it in the sink.
Meals are pre-made and heated in a microwave. The throw away container leaves little to wash. These meals include stews, macaroni, curries and braises.
This needs careful thought, preparation and planning.