2.1.6 Lookout
Reports anything which may affect the ship or the voyage. Usually stationed at the bow. This position is especially important while the sail is up, since it may obscure the view from the helm. It is a legal requirement that the lookout have no other duties. The lookout should not be chatting on their cellphone, playing video games or flirting with the person seated on thwart #6. Other crewmembers should respect this by not distracting the lookout with matters not related to the immediate situation, or flirting with them from thwart #6. Additionally, all crew members are expected to report anything of possible consequence. Never assume someone in command sees a possible danger. Also, never assume they heard you the first time. It is the responsibility of the captain or helmsman to acknowledge every report of danger. It is your responsibility to repeat your report until it is acknowledged. There should be an air-horn within reach of the lookout, for use in situations where shouting is insufficient.

2.1.7 Coxswain (cox’n)
Establishes the rowing rhythm to be followed by the rest of the crew while rowing, by chanting or singing. The coxswain is the aftmost rower on the port side, unless otherwise appointed by the captain.

2.1.8 Bilgemaster
Generally responsible for the condition of the bilge. Bails, or appoints and supervises other crew members to bail the ship as needed. Inspects and maintains bilge pumps, and removes foreign objects (i.e. potato chips) from the bilge before they can clog the pumps.

In situations where we do not have enough crew, some of these offices may be combined or not explicitly appointed.

Orders are given by the captain or the mate, with the captain having final authority. In addition, orders may be given by other Crewmembers supervising particular tasks, such as the steersman issuing rowing commands, or the lookout issuing emergency commands to avoid an obstruction. Orders will always be clearly indicated as orders. Any sentence beginning with “I think we should  … ” or “I wonder what would happen if  … ” is not an order. Orders may be preceded by a qualification such as “port side” or “first thwart” to indicate that the order applies to only certain crewmembers. For this reason, it is important to always know where you are within the ship. This may sound silly, but when things get chaotic, it’s easy to lose track.

Everyone is expected to row if physically possible, however noone will be asked to exert themselves beyond their capabilities. It is the responsibility of the captain to be aware of the limitations of the crew, and not risk a situation where he must depend on abilities which the crew doesn’t have. The captain and mate are expected to row occasionally as well. Guests may be excused from this requirement.

While under way, the crew will obey any order by a ship’s officer, instantly.

The crew has a voice in the conduct of the voyage. The captain should consider their opinions in his overall plans, and if the consensus is to return to port, or discontinue a voyage after adverse conditions, he should follow that opinion. The ability of the crew is more important than the ability of the captain.

All crew members are responsible for the proper stowage of their gear, and the maintenance of any ship’s equipment they are using. Crew members who are not rowing, are encouraged to take a turn at the tiller, under the supervision of an officer, or to serve as lookout or yeoman.

The use of alcohol during a voyage will be controlled, and at the discretion of the Captain. The boat gets a lot more cramped when somebody’s drunk, and the captain has one fewer effective crew members to rely on.

Cigarette smoking is prohibited, unless permitted by the Captain, and is best saved for shore. Cigarettes burn holes in nylon sails, life jackets, waterproof bags, clothing, etc. This is especially important because the ship is frequently subject to unexpected abrupt movements.

The use of drugs not prescribed by your doctor is forbidden.

Crew and officers will treat each other with due respect, as equals with assigned responsibilities. It does no good to bully the crew or give the captain a bad time, when next voyage the situation may be reversed.

In order that captains may better know the abilities of their crew, the following classification has been established:

2.4.1 Non–Rated
People who haven’t been on the ship, or whose qualifications are otherwise unknown.

2.4.2 Ordinary
Two day trips or one overnighter; follows rowing commands in proper terminology. Approved by one captain.

2.4.3 Able
Three voyages per year; shows fair knowledge of sail handling, knots, ground tackle, etc. in a practical exam, and be capable of giving or translating commands. Needs approval of two captains.

2.4.4 Mate
Rating of able plus an emergency first aid course and the capability to independently operate the Gyrfalcon and to operate the Sæ Hrafn enough to get to port in case of a captain’s incapacitation. Needs approval of two captains.

2.4.5 Captain
Rating of mate plus a current (taken within the last three years) first–aid course; the Coast Guard or USPS course; captaincy voyage; passage of a written exam; dues not more than one year in arrears. Three captains must approve this rating after a notice that this person is pending approval, has been posted.

Bosun, Cox’n, Lookout and Yeoman will be appointed from able or higher rated crewmen by the captain in charge of the voyage.

1	If a person is one year behind in dues, and has been inactive for one year, his rating will be dropped to ordinary.
2	Persons can be demoted for malfeasance by three–captain courts martial after posted notice. A person so accused has the option of accepting a published notice of the demotion in lieu of the court martial. (equivalent to entering a “guilty” plea)

Ratings lost through a category (1) demotion may be restored by complying with the standards for that rating. Ratings lost through a category (2) demotion may be restored by the captains.