How did you get on with your list? Perhaps not as straightforward a question as you may have initially thought.
After the debate, the students were busy on their phones looking up various websites, forums and documents to see what they could confirm and surprisingly were able to answer many elements but did digress significantly from the initial question.
Here are my thoughts.
Duty of care to the vessel, crew and any guests onboard. Not limited to physical but emotional well-being as well.
This is a general overview of the duties and responsibilities typically associated with the role of a skipper. However, please note that specific obligations may vary depending on the vessel, jurisdiction, and type of boating activity. Here are some common duties and responsibilities of a skipper:
- Overall safety and wellbeing: The skipper is responsible for the safety of the crew, passengers, and the vessel itself. This includes ensuring the boat is properly equipped with safety gear, conducting safety briefings, and implementing emergency protocols.
- Navigation and seamanship: The skipper should possess navigational skills and knowledge of the waters they are sailing or cruising in. They are responsible for planning and executing the vessel's route, monitoring weather conditions, and making decisions to ensure safe passage.
- Vessel operation and maintenance: The skipper is accountable for operating and maintaining the vessel in a seaworthy condition. This involves conducting regular checks, overseeing repairs and maintenance, and ensuring the proper functioning of essential systems such as engines, electronics, and safety equipment.
- Crew management and leadership: The skipper is in charge of managing the crew on board. They assign roles and responsibilities, provide instructions, and ensure effective communication among crew members. The skipper should also possess leadership qualities to maintain a harmonious and efficient onboard environment.
- Decision-making and situational awareness: Skippers need to make sound decisions based on their knowledge, experience, and consideration of prevailing conditions. They should be able to assess risks, handle emergencies, and prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone on board. They should constantly assess the risks involved in all activities during a voyage and ensure sufficient measures are taken to reduce risks to an acceptable level, and avoid unacceptable risks.
- Compliance with regulations: Skippers are expected to have knowledge of relevant maritime laws and regulations and ensure compliance with them. This includes adhering to COLREGS, safety equipment, MARPOL, SOLAS chapter V and other applicable regulations specific to the operating region.
- Mentorship and instruction: In certain situations, skippers may have a teaching role, especially when sailing or cruising with less-experienced crew members or during training exercises. They may provide guidance, share knowledge, and foster the development of sailing skills among the crew.
- Ensure that all incidents / accidents are reported promptly where required and that MAIB and RIDDOR requirements are adhered to.
- Ensure ships papers (logbooks, maintenance books, insurance, qualifications and injury book (if applicable) are correctly maintained and kept up to date.
- Know your local bylaws and the bylaws for the areas you may be visiting.
It's important to note that the duties and responsibilities of a skipper can be extensive and may vary based on factors such as the size of the vessel, the purpose of the voyage, and the specific requirements of the jurisdiction.
The documents where all this can be found but not restricted to are as follows;
MCA Information on the regulations Apllicable to Pleasure Vessels
Whilst some of MGN 599 may not be relevant to you, it may give you a better understanding of those regulations you do not need to comply with.
MGN 489 (M) Pleasure Vessels - UK Regulations
MGM 538 (M) Pleasure Vessels - Guidance and Applipical UK regulations
Possibly the most readable version courtesy of Lymington Hbr Authority (thank you)
The RYA highlights of the Pleasure Craft Regulations