Ship's Manifest/Safety aboard Neis Kah 1
Welcome aboard NEIS KAH 1; An ocean going Clipper Schooner designed after the East Coast Fishing Schooners of the mid eighteen hundreds, part of Canada's heritage.
We want your sail with us today to be an enjoyable experience, one that will bring fond memories. We hope that you enjoy this "Introduction to Schooner Sailing" course and that you will further your knowledge of sailing by taking additional C.Y.A. Sailing Courses.
Neis Kah 1 is extremely seaworthy and there are certain conditions that you must be aware of to ensure your safety while aboard our vessel:
1. The action of wind and waves can cause sudden and unexpected movement of the ship.Therefore, always secure your position while standing or moving about the boat by holding on to some stationary part of the boat, (post, railing).
2. Mother Nature, (wind, waves), may also cause the "booms" to suddenly swing. So, to avoid injury, be aware that you have not positioned yourself in the path of a "boom".
3. Please note that this vessel employs low overhead bulkheads, (doorways) and hatches so mind your head!
4. Be aware,the deck is not all on one level. It has steps, so watch how and where you walk so you don't trip.
5. Be careful of swinging rigging, slapping sheets, (lines that control tension on sails). especially when tacking or gybing, (changing direction). They can cause a nasty slap! Be prepared when the Captain orders, "prepare to tack"or "prepare to gybe".
6. The Man Overboard Procedure is very specific, (C.Y.A.) and must be followed to the letter by all aboard. Make certain that you understand it when it is explained to you by
Neis Kah's crew:
Raise an immediate alert: The instant there is an M.O.B., the one who sees the person fall overboard shouts loudly "MAN OVERBOARD". This person becomes the spotter.
The duties of the spotter are:
1. To keep their eyes on the M.O.B. and arm pointed at the victim until the victim is safely secured to the side of the vessel.
2.To assist the helm by keeping the helm informed of the location of the M.O.B.
Do not change the spotter as the M.O.B. can be easily lost from view in the process. The head of a person in the water is extremely difficult to keep in sight, even in very small waves. Once the M.O.B. is lost from view the chance of sighting the victim again is drastically reduced. Additional spotters may be designated if available.
Also: Throw buoyant objects to the victim. Immediately, when "MAN OVERBOARD" is heard, the nearest person throws the lifebuoy, (with a light attached), to the victim. The M.O.B. pole is thrown also. Other buoyant items may be thrown overboard as well to "litter" the wake which asists in marking the area.
The captain will stay in close proximity to the M.O.B. while maneuvering for the return. There is less danger of losing sight of the victim and time is critical. The victim is in shock from immersion and very quickly becomes unable to assist in their own recovery. Also, it is a comfort to see the boat nearby.
The captain will tack rather than gybe when maneuvering for the return, (a gybe can be an uncontrolled maneuver), or the captain may choose to return under the power of the engines.
The captain will keep the M.O.B. on the ship's windward side as he approaches. If the victim is to leeward, there is a danger of being run over or injured by the boat.
A closer approach can be made with the victim to windward. The helm can usually better judge the approach from a windward position. The M.O.B. will automatically turn their back to the wind, waves, to make breathing easier.
The victim can see better to leeward and so has a better chance of seeing the boat's approach.
7. Every passenger is encouraged to wear a P.F.D. for their own safety. If you decide against wearing a life jacket make certain that you know that they are easily accesible under the life boat. However, we strongly urge everyone to wear a life jacket while aboard and insist on it during times of bad weather: high, gusty winds, in fog, or while sailing at night. Young children must always wear a life jacket while aboard.
8. Always walk, don't run, jump or climb the rigging while on board.
8a. This is a working schooner with many necessary obstructions on deck. So, for your own safety please do not go barefoot. Open toed sandals are strongly discouraged.
9. Please be aware of the location of the life boats and oars: one is hanging over the stern on davits and one is laying in front of the pilot house. Both can be easily lowered into the water before boarding. A boarding ladder is located under the large lifeboat.
10. Children must be under constant suprvision by their parents or guardians while aboard.
11. Please be aware of the location of fire extinguishers: There is one located in the pilot house, on the immediate right upon entering the main cabin, and at the entrance to the sleeping quarters. Please ask for instructions on their use if unsure.
11a. For your safety please be aware of the escape hatches inside: 2 in the main cabin, 1 in each guest cabin, 1 in the forward head, 1 in the aft cabin.
Please be certain that you have read this or listen carefully while the ship's crew reads this aloud, and fully understand each item before signing this document.
Also, please feel free to ask the captain or crew about any concerns and questions you may have during this cruise.
Thank you for your attention, now "Lets Sail"!