The Importance of Having a Designated Skipper on a Boat

We can never underestimate the importance of having a designated skipper on a boat. While it's great to make decisions together as a crew in terms of which island you might choose to go to the next day, what time to be on anchor or a mooring ball to allow extra time for exploring ashore or snorkeling et cetera, who is actually responsible for the safety of the crew and safety of the vessel must be clearly determined before leaving the dock.

At Island sailing, we believe responsibility is freedom - the more responsibility we take for ourselves, the more freedom we attain. It is a core essential element of good seamanship that there always be a clearly designated Skipper whether it's a casual couple of hours out on the river, a trip up the coast offshore, or a sailboat race.

While the various other roles on board such as navigator, trimmer, deck crew, and who is at the helm, can be changed up throughout the day or throughout the trip, there should never be any ambiguity as to who everyone should look at and look too should things go sideways and or quick and decisive decisions be needed.

Often we find that people new to boating have not thought about this and do not realize that the skipper does not necessarily have to be at the helm. Likewise, just because someone is at the helm does not imply that they are the skipper. We do want to be clear however that here at Island sailing the skipper is the one who signs the boat out and takes the boat in and out of the slip.

To be sure for those of you participating in our Performance Sailing Program and racing on our club boats, it is appropriate for the skipper to designate one of the participants, or crew members, to drive once out on the water and away from the docks. Of course, regardless of who is at the helm, if there is an incident the skipper is ultimately still responsible. In the world of professional mariners this is not up for discussion.

What follows below is referenced directly from the US Coast Guard, BoatUS, and MARPOL and spells the basics out very clearly as to why a designated skipper is so important:

Safety First: The primary reason for having a designated skipper is safety. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a significant number of boating accidents result from operator inattention, inexperience, or impairment[1]. A designated skipper ensures that there's always someone experienced and attentive at the helm.

Legal Requirement: In many jurisdictions, it's a legal requirement to have a designated skipper or captain when operating a boat. This person is held accountable for the vessel and everyone on board.

Decision Making: In situations where quick decisions are required, such as in bad weather or when faced with an obstacle, a designated skipper's experience and training can be invaluable. They can make the difference between a close call and a disaster.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Skipper:

Navigation: The skipper is responsible for navigating the boat safely. This includes understanding charts, using navigation equipment, avoiding hazards and collisions, and ensuring the boat stays on course.

Weather Monitoring: Before setting out, the skipper should check the weather forecast and continue to monitor conditions. If the weather turns bad, it's the skipper's responsibility to decide whether to continue or seek shelter. It is also the skipper's responsibility to determine based upon changing conditions if conditions have become too much for the given crew and or boat based upon the skill level of the crew and the particulars of the given boat.

Safety Equipment Check: The skipper must ensure that all safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers, are on board and in working order[2].

Communication: In case of emergencies, the skipper should know how to send out a distress signal and communicate with the coast guard or other vessels.

Rules and Regulations: The skipper must be familiar with and adhere to local boating regulations, including speed limits, right of way, and restricted areas.

Crew Management: If there's a crew on board, the skipper is responsible for assigning duties, ensuring everyone knows their role, and maintaining discipline.

Emergency Procedures: In case of emergencies, such as a man overboard or a fire, the skipper should know the procedures to follow and ensure everyone else does too.

Environmental Responsibility: The skipper should ensure that the boat doesn't pollute the water, adhering to regulations about waste disposal and being mindful of marine life[3].

In conclusion -

In regard to The use of club boats for cruising or for racing with our Performance Sailing Program It is important that the skipper is the one who fills out the boat check out sheet and is the one who fills out a boat report if needed or necessary.

Ultimately, the role of a skipper goes beyond just steering the boat. It's a position of responsibility, requiring experience, knowledge, and leadership. Whether you're setting out for a casual day sail or embarking on a longer voyage, or heading out to the race course, having a designated skipper is not just a good idea—it's essential for the safety and enjoyment of everyone on board.

Sources:

[1]: U.S. Coast Guard. (2020). Recreational Boating Statistics. [Link]

[2]: BoatUS Foundation. (2019). The Role of the Skipper. [Link]

[3]: International Maritime Organization. (2018). MARPOL Annex V - Regulations for the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships. [Link]