Good seamanship is perhaps the most important rule to know on the water, even though you are of course obliged to know all of them. In this article, you can see a number of examples of when you apply good seamanship as a pleasure sailor. In the maritime rules, the word “good” does not appear, but “ordinary seamanship”. This means that common sense, responsibility, and proper behavior are taken for granted.
Good Seamanship Definition
To show seamanship means that you think about it, use your common sense, and take responsibility – also for others.
It involves a combination of skills, behavior, and knowledge that is necessary to ensure safety, efficiency, and order at sea.
The rule goes beyond the specific situations described in the maritime rules, so they are expanded to also include common sense, helpfulness, and courtesy.
For new sailors, landlubbers, and fools, the rule of seamanship will be a surprise. You can’t just hold on to your right at sea, because water is in motion and visibility changes all day – so show caution and help where you can.
Responsibility in the maritime rules
Seamanship is included in the maritime rules, and it is actually punishable not to show consideration on the water. If two ships collide, one will be responsible because they did not comply with their right of way, but the other will also have a responsibility for not having shown good seamanship.
Keep the ship safe and functional
To sail out in a ship that is in poor condition, or you do not fully understand how it works, is downright stupid. Not only can you put yourself and your guests in bad situations, but you can also risk the safety of other boats on the water. Therefore, have a checklist before sailing, and go through the boat before sailing out.
Educate yourself
Make sure you can sail before you set out on the sea as a skipper. You are of course obliged to know the maritime rules, but you should also at least know the ship you are sailing on and be able to maneuver in all kinds of weather. Learn the concepts of wind and weather and stay informed through weather forecasts. Learn how to use the electronic aids that exist, but make sure you also have control over maps and navigation.
Planning is good seamanship
When you have responsibility for a boat and the lives of other people, you need to plan both the trip and the equipment as well as try to anticipate what it takes for things to go well along the way. Therefore, bringing, for example, extra clothes, towels, and provisions that may be expected to be needed, is also part of good seamanship. We remember, of course, that good seamanship involves us behaving responsibly and thinking about it.
Having a plan B is always a good idea as a sailor. What do you do, for example, if the engine fails, a sail blows, you fall into the water, or the weather gets bad?
Yield even if you have the right on your side
In some cases, it is proper behavior and common sense to yield to others, even though you actually have the right to hold on and others should yield. It is, for example:
- When you meet a large motor-powered vessel that is at work (pleasure viger for last).
- When the other has limited space to give way on.
- In situations where several ships must give way to each other and the situation becomes overwhelming for the others.
- The others are racing.
- The other boat is rowing with sail or motor and it is therefore a nuisance for them to use time and attention on you.
- NOTE: When you yield, even if it is actually the other ship that has the duty to do so, it is extra important to show your intention clearly and in good time.
Help where you can
At sea, we are far apart, but together when it matters. Here are some examples of situations where it is good seamanship to lend a helping hand:
- If it looks like someone is in distress, such as if a boat is taking on water or if someone is overboard.
- If you see a boat that is anchored in a dangerous spot, such as near a shoal or in the path of a shipping lane.
- If you see a boat that is disabled or in need of assistance.
- If you see someone who is injured or in need of medical help.
- If you see someone who is lost or confused.
Being a good sailor means being a good neighbor. By following these simple guidelines, you can help to make the seas a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone.