MCA Editorial·July 2026
Uncomfortable people make bad decisions. Tired, cold, seasick, dehydrated people make worse ones.
Looking after the crew is looking after the boat.
The Two-Minute Briefing
PFDs. Where the safety gear lives. How to call for help. Who does what if the skipper is out of action. Two minutes at the dock, every trip, no exceptions.
Children on Board
PFDs on before they step aboard, off only in the cabin. Shade, snacks, hats, sunscreen. A rested skipper watches kids better than a tired one.
Fatigue, Seasickness and Heat
Water before thirst. Food before hunger. Sunscreen before sunburn. Preventive is always cheaper than reactive.
A great skipper notices the quiet crew member before the loud one.
Things to Think About
- Do you brief every crew, or just the new ones?
- Would your crew know what to do if you were unconscious?
- Is your boat set up for comfort as well as capability?
Key Takeaways
- Comfort and safety are the same thing on the water.
- A two-minute briefing pays for itself many times over.
- Prevention beats reaction — always.