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Living aboard Sea Biscuit
Waste: Do not throw anything overboard.
Be careful with napkins, Styrofoam cups, and other light weight objects that might be
accidentally blown overboard. Let the Captain or Crew know if this happens. There is a
trash receptacle in the galley and one in each of the two heads (toilets). We may place
others in strategic locations based on need. You will be shown where they are before we
depart the docks. We will keep trash bags handy and tied down on the fly bridge and main
aft deck. All waste from the cruise will be hauled ashore and deposited in designated
containers.
No oil or
oily materials discharge is permitted. All such substances must be
handled in a manner consistent with the plans written in accordance with Title 33 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 151 and MARPOL Annex V. Placards are posted on board the
boat detailing the requirements. The “Waste Management” placard is located on
the left hand (port) bulkhead (wall) in the stairwell leading to the forward cabin. The
“Oily Waste” placard is posted on the forward bulkhead above the workbench in
the engine room.
The
Head (Toilet): Please Read Before Using the Toilet
We have two electric toilets (head).
The flushing mechanism is slightly different from what you have at home.
1. Use toilet. Sit or raise seat
– boats move.
2. Push button and hold for three to
four seconds. You will hear a loud "SWOOSH” sound. This is normal.
3. Release the button.
4. Wait 30 seconds between flushes. Be a Frequent
Flusher
Please Note: Use only the special quick
dissolving toilet paper provided. There is more in the cabinet. Use minimal amounts
between flushes. Kleenex, paper towels,
sanitary napkins, etc. go in the trash can. If it gets full, just remove it and replace
the bag with one from the extras that are kept in the bottom of the trash can. You’ll
see them. Put the full one in the trash container next to the galley or elsewhere as
directed. Aside from that special toilet
paper, don’t put anything in the toilet until after you’ve eaten it!
Questions? Please ask before using or let us know if something
didn’t go according to these directions.
Washing
Up: We carry 350 gallons of fresh
water on board. Use what you need and at the same time be conservative. Turn faucets off
when water is not needed.
Medical: We’ll need access to
information about any special medical conditions that might flare up while on this trip.
Additionally, note any allergies you may have and any medications to which you might be
allergic. Put this information in an envelope marked “Medical” and let us know
where you will keep it while on board. We will only access it in case of emergency.
Medications: Prescription medications must be
in their pharmacy provided bottle or with a doctor’s prescription accompanying it.
The authorities look harshly at controlled substances on the high seas (or ICW).
Sea
Sickness: There are over the counter
medications such as Dramamine or Bonine that taken a half hour to an hour before the trip
are quite effective. Also effective are the ever popular wrist bands that send an
electrical current to the median nerve in your wrist. The photo is courtesy of Landfall
Navigation website of the Sea-Band wristbands. Sea-Bands are sold in drug chains and
pharmacies such as K-Mart, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid and Wal-Mart. Ginger gum, ginger snap
cookies, lemon drops can also help prevent and reduce symptoms. At the first sign of
becoming uncomfortable, focus on the horizon (not on the waves). Take deep relaxing
breathes, move to the center of the boat on the aft deck where the motion is less, stay in
the fresh air, don’t eat or drink except for small sips of Gatorade to replace
electrolytes and water to avoid dehydration. Get busy doing something to regain a sense of
being in control and help the brain ignore the motion messages being sent by the brain. A
turn at the helm sometimes helps. We usually carry home remedies such as ginger snaps,
saltine crackers, Gatorade, and ginger ale on board.
First Aid
On Board:
We have a well stocked first aid kit. Let us
know if you even scrape your skin or pick up a sliver on the dock.
Travel
Time Constraints: We cannot be date driven; rather we
are guided by the calendar, the seasons, and most of all the weather. If you are planning
to join us along the route, please make note that we can set target dates, but not
absolute dates. This usually means that if you fly into a city and we can’t get
there, you may need to entertain yourselves until we can. Or, be prepared to find optional
transportation to where we are located at the time. We’ll all have better luck if we
pick a location where we can spend a week or leave when you arrive. That means we’ll
at least be there when you arrive. We’ll do the same on the backend if possible. Take
care to get trip insurance – you may have to change flight locations, times and dates
to make coming and going connections. Flexibility rules!
Not to worry, we’ll have detailed discussions about places, dates, and
alternatives long before you buy your airline ticket.
Questions: Ask them. Always ask.
Nautical
Language
Port
– “left” side of the boat as you face forward (toward the pointy end). Port
and Left each have four letters
Starboard
– right side of the boat as you face forward. This way, no matter if you’re
facing, forward or backward, the port side (with the “Red” navigation light
– port red wine) is always the same side of the boat. The starboard side has a
“Green” light. This way, we can tell which way a boat is traveling at night by
the color of the light we see ¦ Aft – toward the stern (back
end) of the boat.
Bow
– front of the boat (pointy end).
Stern –
back of the boat.
Aft -
Towards the rear of the boat.
Beam -
The width of the boat, or the sides of the boat when speaking of direction.
Head
– Toilet area.
Companionway
- Stairway, Ladder, or hallway
Galley
– Kitchen.
Hatch
– openings in deck to provide access below.
Bulkhead
– wall.
Stanchion
– upright pole or support.
Lines
– ropes.
Porthole or Port light
– opening in the hull to admit light and air.
Cleat
– fittings to which you tie lines (usually dock lines).
Sampson Post –
An upright post with “ears” (a lateral rod) to which you can make lines secure.
Back porch –
term used to designate the aft deck. On Sea Biscuit this is also the “Quarter
Deck.”
Fore deck –
in the front of the boat (bow).
Windlass - Anchor winch
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