MARCO BAY YACHT CLUB CRUISER’S PLEDGE
In order to assure the safety of my crew, my fellow Marco Bay Yacht Club members and myself, I solemnly declare I will abide by the following:
· I will operate my vessel in a safe and legal manner at all times, giving due regard to the rights of others.
· I will advise the cruise captain and the captains in my buddy group if I intend to deviate from the cruise plan. If I leave the fleet, I will take full responsibility for my own and my crew’s safety.
· I will not leave a fellow captain by himself if his boat is in any way incapacitated, unless it has been otherwise decided by the cruise captain or the crew has reached a safe harbor. I will not leave a fellow captain at a dock away from home without first talking with the captain and providing, to the best of my ability, any needed assistance.
· If I cannot participate in a cruise that I have signed up for, I will advise the cruise captain prior to the designated meeting time so that the group will not have to needlessly wait for me.
· I recognize that the maritime radio frequencies are for everyone’s use, and I will not use them for trivial conversations. I will keep my radio turned on and on the proper frequency while cruising. I will periodically confirm that my radio has not been inadvertently left in the transmission mode, causing the channel to be inoperative for everyone’s use.
ETIQUETTE ON BOARD
When visiting another captain’s boat, it is an inviolable custom to ask permission to come aboard. One should never enter a boat unannounced anymore than one would enter another’s home without knocking. “Permission to come aboard” is a time honored phrase routinely heard throughout yachting circles, even among best friends, and implies no specter of stuffiness whatsoever.
Only soft soled, non scuff, non skid shoes should be worn on board, both for personal safety and for the protection of decks. Guests who present themselves in hard shoes or high heels may be asked courteously to remove them, but be mindful that bare or stocking feet, while harmless to a deck’s surface, may not afford as sure footing as the shoes that were removed.
It goes without saying that aboard a vessel “the captain’s word is law”, figuratively, if not literally. When in command of a vessel, the skipper is legally responsible for the safety of all on board. Therefore, his directions must be precisely followed. It is good for crew members to anticipate the captain’s needs, but one must never act without specific instructions. For instance, never cast a line until told to do so.
A member’s boat, whatever size, should be kept ship shape. Space is a premium on board and there is seldom room for clutter. When lines are taken in, they should be stowed in the proper place or laid out to dry. Fenders should be removed and stowed immediately after their usefulness ends. All items of gear, whether for navigation or convenience, should be returned to their proper stowage after use so that they will be out of the way and will be where the next person expects to find them.
COURTESY ON WATER
Normal courtesy should be extended to all boats while cruising, particularly in restricted situations such as inland waterways and passes. In all events, it is critical to control your wake so as not to cause damage or discomfort to anyone ashore or afloat. Maintain a safe distance from other craft in front of your boat or when passing. The Club encouragesmembers to take boating and first aid courses.
We are proud of the Marco Bay Yacht Club burgee. It means a knowledgeable and considerate skipper is at the helm who observes the rules, is aware of wake effects on others, maintains a safe distance when meeting, crossing or overtaking, and “gives way” in doubtful situations.