To be read to the assembled crew before any voyage of vessels owned by the Longship Company Limited.

Welcome aboard the Sæ Hrafn, owned and operated by the Longship Company Limited, a non-profit educational organization incorporated in Maryland, and supported by its volunteer memberships and donations.

I am your Captain _____. The Mate is _____. The Bos’n is ______.
The watches will consist of ________.

While serving aboard this vessel you are expected to obey the following regulations:

1. All crew members and officers are expected to row if physically possible. Guests MAY be excused from this requirement.

2. Personal Flotation Devices (Life Preservers) are stowed under the thwarts. If you can’t swim or are a poor swimmer, we strongly recommend that you wear one. If you are a good swimmer, be sure to keep it at hand. If you are below the age of 13, Maryland law requires that you wear one at all times. If conditions warrant it, you will all be ordered to wear them. The Mate will now demonstrate how they are worn.
3. As we are an Educational Organization, we encourage questions. Please feel free to ask questions or request help from any officer or crew member.
4. In addition, we request that you report any danger or unusual occurrences that you may observe. We can’t see everything all the time.
5. In the event that someone falls overboard, speed is of the utmost importance and their rescue shall take precedence over everything else. Shout “Man Overboard!” as loudly as you can and immediately throw a life vest, life ring, or anything that floats, towards them. Even if they are already wearing a life vest, additional flotation will still be useful. If they sink, it will mark the spot we need to return to. Under no circumstances should anyone else jump overboard, as we do not need to try to rescue two people at the same time.
6. We carry ample water aboard. Please avail yourself whenever thirsty, or in hot weather, even before you’re thirsty.
7. Please keep one hand for yourself and one for the ship.
8. Ask permission before moving from your station.
9. Please ask permission if you want to use any ship’s equipment.
10. Please do not litter. Trash is stowed ________.
11. Never jump into any vessel. They are not built for it.
12. Orders will be given by the officers and will always be clearly indicated. Any sentence beginning with “I wonder what … ” or “I think we should … ” is NOT an order.
13. You are reminded you are on this voyage voluntarily. As such, you are responsible for your own safety. Please act prudently and responsibly in all situations.

14. There will be no smoking on this vessel.
15. The use of alcohol will be strictly controlled, and at the discretion of the Captain.
16. The possession and use of any drugs not prescribed by your doctor, or any illegal substances is forbidden. If any violation of this regulation is revealed, the vessel will return directly to port, and the authorities will be notified. The Coast Guard will seize any vessels with drugs aboard, and we wish to avoid that fate.
17. Now would be a good time to ask any questions you may have.
18. Last Call for head calls. If you have to go, now is your last chance until we make port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January, 2013