Standing Orders


Sailing Yacht REBOOT


 

Owner/Captain: Roger J. Jones
Home Port: Shorewood, Wisconsin, USA
US Flag, Federal Documentation Number: 1046300
Radio Call Sign: WDB8435

 

STANDING ORDERS


 

It is the responsibility of every crew member aboard Reboot to understand and comply with these orders at all times.

 

1)      The Captain: Roger John Jones is the Captain/Owner of Reboot. He is ultimately responsible for everything that occurs on Reboot. He can not delegate nor assign this responsibility. This responsibility derives from maritime tradition. It is enforced by the maritime courts. He therefore reserves the right to make the final decision about anything and everything. He is open to, and frequently takes, the advice of people on board. However his decisions are final and are not to be revisited. His priorities in order of importance are:

a.       The safety and security of the crew,

b.      The safety and security of Reboot including safe navigation and anchoring,

c.       That everyone is having a good time.

Please keep in mind that Reboot is the Captain’s home. He expects you to treat it with the same respect you would if visiting someone’s home on land.

2)      Underway Guests: On rare occasion the Captain will invite someone aboard as a guest. Although exempt from watch standing they are expected to comply with the remainder of the standing orders. You will know you are an “underway guest” if the Captain designates you as such to the Crew.

3)      Crew: If you have not been designated by the Captain as an “underway guest” you are part of the crew. Crew responsibilities:

a.       Handle the sails, winches, halyards, sheets, and whisker pole as necessary.

b.      Handle the anchor, anchor rode, mooring lines, and/or dock lines as appropriate.

c.       Launch and retrieve the dinghy

d.      Prepare meals, clean up after meals

e.       Keep Reboot clean inside and out – deck, counters, stowage, bunks, heads, overhead, etc.

f.       Keep Reboot in an orderly and safe condition – secure gear that is adrift,

g.      Make sure the Executive Officer (XO the Wonder Cat)) is fed, has water, is loved and his box is clean (the Captain will do the cleaning if you don’t care to)

4)      Life Jackets: Life jackets shall be worn in the cockpit and on deck at all times between sunset and sunrise. Life jackets will be worn in the cockpit and on deck in heavy seas (more than 6 feet) and/or strong winds (more than 20 knots.) Life jackets shall be attached to the jacklines.

5)      Standard Watch Schedule (Underway) All times are in the local (Longitude) time zone. The time will be reset to the local time at the beginning of the “Afternoon” watch after crossing a time zone line.

a.       First Mid: 0000 – 0200

b.      Second Mid: 0200 – 0400

c.       Morning: 0400 – 0700

d.      Forenoon: 0700 – 1100

e.       Afternoon 1100 – 1500

f.       First Dog 1500 – 1900

g.      Second Dog 1900 – 2200

h.      Evening 2200 – 0000

6)      Standing Watch (Underway) The primary purpose of the watch stander is to monitor current conditions and to notify the Captain if those conditions change. The Captain does not stand watch as he is available 24 hours a day to the watch stander. The watch stander should be in the cockpit during the entire watch. Leaving the cockpit for brief periods to use the head, get something to eat or drink, or to check the interior condition is permitted. Dress appropriately for the weather. Do not bring blankets, pillows, books, music players or anything else that will distract you or make you too comfortable or sleepy to the watch. The rest of us are depending on you to keep us safe! As the watch stander at least once every ten minutes you will:

a.       Make a visual sweep of the surrounding area for “contacts” (other boats, land, lights, buoys, etc.) and/or impending weather changes,

b.      Verify the course (the Monitor wind steering vane follows the wind, if the wind changes the course will change,)

c.       Review the wind speed, direction, and gusts,

d.      Make sure that the sails are trimmed properly.

e.       Check the barometer

f.       If the engine is running check the tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge and water temperature gauge to make sure they are within operating limits.

7)      Notifying the Captain (Underway) As the watch stander on duty it is your responsibility to notify the Captain under any of the following circumstances no matter what his state (awake, asleep, etc.) Do not assume that since you understand the situation that you do not need to notify the Captain! The Captain is always available to the watch stander. Make sure that he understands what you are telling him. Notify him immediately if:

a.       If  you are concerned, confused, and/or uncertain that Reboot and its crew are safe.

b.      If you are not sure that you completely understand the current sailing plan and orders.

c.       You are feeling sleepy, sick, or there is anything that is making it difficult for you to stand a competent watch,

d.      Any crew member becomes ill,

e.       When a new “contact” (ship, land, etc.) is sighted visually, via AIS, or via radar. You should know the distance to the contact, its course and speed, and its predicted closest point of approach.

f.       When a contact is within 3 nautical miles even if you have previously reported the contact,

g.      When the sky or the barometer suggests an impending weather change,

h.      Before making any sail configuration changes (trimming is OK,)

i.        Before making any course changes in excess of 10 degrees (except if necessary to avoid a collision, act first, yell loudly, tell me later,)

j.        If the wind speed changes by more than 5 knots or the gusts exceed 5 knots over the base wind speed,

k.      If the sea state (wave height) increases or decreases by more than 3 feet,

l.        If you are unable to maintain the ordered base course plus or minus 15 degrees, or if the cross track error (offshore) exceeds 10 nautical miles,

m.    If we are called on the radio by another ship or station,

n.      Before changing the state of any electrical or navigation equipment,

o.      When you have been relieved of the watch, or if your relief has not shown up for watch.

8)      Relieving the watch (Underway) You should be prepared to relieve the watch no more than 10 minutes and no less then 5 minutes before your scheduled watch. Note that this means you are briefed and ready, not that you will show up 5 minutes before your watch. Prior to relieving you should know:

a.       The ordered base course,

b.      The current and predicted weather and sea state conditions,

c.       The sail configuration,

d.      The location of any contacts (ships, etc.) within 10 nautical miles, their course, speed and predicted closest point of approach,

e.       The battery state (voltage, charging or discharging)

f.       The bilge pump count, the state of the bilge pump manual - auto switch, and that the high water bilge pump is armed and ready,

g.      That the VHF radio is tuned to Channel 16. Sometimes XO the Wonder Cat changes the channel

h.      Any radio schedules that will occur on your watch,

i.        The location of the Captain and his condition (awake, asleep, exhausted)

j.        Any special orders from the Captain

9)      Darken Ship (Underway) From sunset to sunrise we set the condition “darken ship.” Light, in particular white light destroys night vision. A brief flash of light can destroy the night vision of the watch stander for as long as 30 minutes. Red light is better but not perfect. It is important that no light be shown into the cockpit area at night. If light is needed in the interior of the boat take steps such as inserting the companionway hatch boards to make sure it does not bleed or shine into the cockpit. Instrument lights in the cockpit are to be kept at minimum intensity. Unfortunately the cockpit chart plotter is very bright at night. It should not be turned on at night without the permission of the Captain.

10)  Anchor Watch: While at anchor the watch will be 12 hours long and will start at the expiration of the underway watch. The primary purpose of the anchor watch is to have someone on board who can react quickly in the event that Reboot starts to drag anchor. You can read, relax, nap, etc., as long as the anchor drag alarm is armed and operating. In settled weather and good holding anchorages the anchor watch will be suspended at the discretion of the Captain so we can all go ashore together. Responsibilities are:

a.       Making sure that Reboot remains within the designated anchor circle,

b.      Making sure the anchor light is lighted at night,

c.       Monitoring the weather,

d.      Monitoring the radio

11)  Ship’s Log: Reboot’s Log is kept in UTC (Zulu) time. Mandatory log entries are at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800. A log entry will also be made:

a.       When changing base course more than 10 degrees

b.      When changing the sail configuration (furling, reefing, hoisting or lowering, shaking out a reef)

c.       When starting or stopping the engine.

d.      When anchoring, weighing anchor, landing at or getting underway from a dock.

12)  Compass: The ship’s electronic compass is located in the main bilge compartment in the salon area. This compartment is under the main saloon table. Do not put anything metal within 3 feet of the cover for the bilge! This will disrupt the compass.

13)  Ship’s Electrical and Navigation Equipment: Power is at a premium on Reboot. In general we operate during the late afternoon and night with a minimum of equipment powered to conserve the batteries for the night. We schedule heavy use electrical equipment (e.g. making water, pumping the holding tanks, making coffee, using the microwave, vacuuming) for the early morning hours unless it has been overcast for a couple of days. Then we suspend heavy use activities. Don’t assume that because it is morning you can run heavy use electrical equipment. Ask  the Captain first.

14)  Fresh Water: Fresh water is a critical resource. Do not leave the water pump powered, XO has been known to hit a faucet at night and drain an entire tank while the Captain slept.  Do not run the water. Wet, soap, and rinse (a Navy shower.) Wash yourself and dishes in salt water, rinse in fresh.

15)  Personal Electrical Equipment: Do not plug in your personal electrical equipment (e.g. laptop, cell phone) without first checking with the Captain. Computers use a remarkable amount of electricity when powered by a 12 volt battery and an inverter.

16)  Sweepers: It is the responsibility of the morning watch to “give the ship a clean sweep fore and aft.” There are “Swifter” pads under the sink in the galley. This includes either reminding the Captain to scoop the cat litter or doing it yourself.

17)   Berthing:

a.       Underway: There are only two bunks hence we will “hot bunk” when underway for more than 24 hours You will have a place to stow your gear but sleep in whatever bunk is unoccupied when you come off watch.

b.      In port: The forward half of Reboot (the forward cabin and head) is the private domain of the Captain.. You should ask permission of the Captain before you go forward.

18)  Preparing meals:

a.       Underway: The “Forenoon” watch stander is responsible for the crew lunch which will be served during the “Afternoon” watch. The “First Dog” watch stander is responsible for the crew dinner which will be served during the “Second Dog” watch. When done with the clean up please wipe down all the surfaces with disinfectant wipes. Bugs are a problem if we don’t keep the kitchen clean.

b.      In Port: Everyone (except the Captain) will be responsible for preparing food. The responsibility will rotate each day. The schedule will be posted in the main cabin.

19)   Refrigerator: The refrigerator uses a lot of electrical power to keep cool. Please open it only when necessary and for as short a time as possible.

20)   Securing for Sea: It is not unusual for Reboot to roll +- 25 degrees in a beam (from the side) sea. Anything that is not tied down will go flying around. Make sure that all of your gear is in a locker or secured with straps so it stays in place.

21)   Adrift Gear: We all share the limited space. Please be considerate of the rest of us:

a.       The chart table, both the top and the inside, are for the use of the Captain/Owner. Please do not place anything on top or inside as the area is used for navigation, computer radio email, log entry, etc.

b.      The salon area is shared by all. Please pick up after yourself and leave the table empty for the next person.

c.       Do not spread your personal gear all over the boat. Wet clothing belongs in the “wet locker” aka the rear head. Everything else that you are not using should be stowed away with your personal gear.

d.      When you leave the cockpit take your stuff with you. Don’t make the next person bring your empty coffee cup down to the galley. The winch pockets are for winch handles. Don’t put your personal gear in them. It most likely will get wet or tossed across the cockpit in the event someone needs a winch handle in a hurry.

22)  Yellow and Brown: Marine heads (aka the toilet) are notorious for clogging. “If it isn’t yellow or brown it doesn’t go down.” We hang a plastic bag in the head for used toilet tissue that gets emptied when it gets full or starts to smell. If you are not sure how to use the head ask, there are thru hull valves you need to open and close. The ship’s rule is you clog it, you unclog it. You do not want this experience.

23)   Photography: As courtesy to the other crew and/or guests please get their permission before taking pictures of them.

24)  Nudity: As long as all on board agree nudity is permitted – for swimming, sun bathing, and washing oneself in the ocean,. However this is not a “nature camp.” The Captain prefers his crew clothed when not engaged in the above activities.

25)   XO (the wonder cat): XO (for “Executive Officer” and “Hugs and Kisses”) is permitted free reign on Reboot as long as we are not tied up to a dock. He is a cat. The Captain loves him dearly but under no circumstances should you endanger yourself, the crew, or Reboot on his account. Please do check that he has water and food. He will not overeat so it is OK to keep his food dish full.

26)  Smoking: Smoking is permitted on deck and downwind of non-smoking crew members. Do not smoke near the fuel jugs attached to the rail. Each crew member is individually responsible for the costs of their smoking materials.

27)  Drugs and Alcohol: The possession or use of “recreational” drugs is prohibited both on Reboot and on shore. Personal possession of alcohol is prohibited.

28)  Cleanliness: It is difficult to keep bugs off Reboot. Many marinas have cockroaches and other undesirable pests. It is imperative that Reboot be kept immaculate and all food stored in sealed containers to minimize the possibility of infestation.

29)   In Port Guests: In general we love guests on board. However, in some places “guests” are actually “casing” boats for future theft. Please clear any potential invitations with the Captain prior to extending them.

30)  Posting: A copy of the most current standing orders shall be posted in the salon area and available for review at all times.

 

/s/

 

 

 

/s/

 

Captain Roger J. Jones, USN (ret.)

Owner/Captain Sailing Yacht Reboot

 


Crew Certification and Limitation of Liability

 

I have read and understand that I am responsible to comply with these orders and any additional verbal or written orders of the Captain/Owner at all times. I understand that I am a guest of the Captain/Owner and that he has the right to ask me to leave at any time without any reason.  I further understand that sailing and in particular ocean sailing is a very hazardous activity. I recognize that I may be seriously injured or killed while on board Reboot. I have accepted the danger of my own free will and hold Roger John Jones, Captain/Owner, harmless from any liability for any event that may happen on Reboot. In the event I am unable due to injury to communicate my desires I authorize Roger John Jones to take whatever actions in his sole opinion he deems appropriate to sustain my life.

 

I understand that I am fiscally responsible for the following:

  1. My transportation to and from whatever port sailing yacht REBOOT is in at the time of my joining or leaving sailing yacht REBOOT,
  2. My share of food consumed on board to be calculated as the total cost of stores divided by the number of persons on board without refund for unconsumed stores,
  3. Any smoking materials and/or any alcohol consumed,
  4. Any moneys or proof of fiscal responsibility required by government authorities such as but not limited to customs and immigration,
  5. Any medical costs incurred on my behalf.

 

Name and Address:

 

 

 

 

Nationality and Passport Number

Dated:

 

/s/

 

 

/s/

 

Emergency Contact Information: In the event of an emergency please contact:

Name & Address:

 

 

 

Relationship:                           Phone:                         Email:

 

Do you authorize this person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate your desires?

 

¨  Yes

¨  No