He will show you where all the equipment is stored, especially safety equipment, and how to use it in case of emergency situation. Listen to him carefully and ask to explain it again if something is not clear. Although it can last up to one hour, you should seriously approach to this procedure and not speed it up. Ultimately, you don't wan't to play with your and safety of the crew.
Essentials
It is important that you familiarize with the boat before cruising starts and all of boat systems in order to manage the boat completely and navigate safely with as fewer worries as possible. It is also of utmost importance that you understand how some of the pertinent systems are functioning.
Before departure you also need to leave a security deposit to the charter company, which usually amounts from 1000 to 2000 euros, depending on the boat size. It can be settled in cash or with a credit card. If you, for example, break a glass or lose a pillow, charter company will charge you for that amount from security deposit. If after returning to the charter base everything is in order, they will return you money.
You should especially have in mind that embarkation commonly takes place on Saturday afternoon around 17 hrs, while return of the boat is on next Saturday morning until 9 hrs. The reason for early disembarkation is that boat needs to be cleaned and prepared for the next crew.
Checklists to help
In order to check really all of the boat parts and systems, charter company employee will bring printed checklist to carry out the procedure precisely and correctly. Write down all your observations and possible failures, damages or other problems on board and ask them to be solved as soon as possible.
Almost the same procedure you will have to go through on return to charter base, just after disembarkation. Diver will check underwater part of the hull for damages, while you should inform charter company about possible damage or equipment loss. If everything is in order they will cancel money reservation on your credit card or return you the cash. Otherwise they will charge you for the amount of repair.
Here is the sample of common checklist for the boat:
Deck:
- Mainsail and genoa
- Instruments
- Anchor and winch
- Bimini top and sprayhood
- Gangway
- Gas bottles
- Boat hook
- Deck brush
- Oars and pump for tender
- Fenders
- Liferaft and lifebuoy
- Dinghy (tender)
- Water hose
- Emergency tiller
- Shorepower cable
- Shower
Interior:
- VHF radio
- Control panel with swithces
- Nautical charts and pilotbooks
- Boat documents
- Flashlight
- Winch handles
- Binoculars and hand-bearing compass
- First aid kit
- Flares
- Toolbox
- Lifejackets
- Fire extinguishers
- Hand bilge pump
- Gas valve
- Marine toilet
- Fuel and water tanks
- Engine hours
- Crockery and cutlery
Extras:
- Outboard engine for tender
- Spinnaker or gennaker
- Wi-fi Internet unit
Here is the list of of things that every charter guest should take on board to ensure a pleasant and safe cruising holiday:
- Waterproof jacket
- Boat shoes and boots if available
- Cap or hat
- Sailing gloves
- Light and appropriate clothes
- Suncream and repellent against insects
- Enough water and food for all crew members
- Tablets for diarrhea and seasickness
- 12V charger for mobile phone
- Insurance for skipper's responsibility