What Does Being a 'Good' Crew Mean

[fishwife]

From the Skippers point of view and from fellow crew, what do you think goes into being a 'good' crew person?

P.

[YourOldNemesis]

• Does what they're told.
• Doesn't break anything.
• Finds useful things to do when not busy doing what he's told.
• Knows how to fix engines, rigging, sails.
• Can cook at sea
• Doesn't fall asleep on nightwatch
• Has useful experience of passagemaking
• Calm in a crisis
• Can do MOB
• Easy to get on with
• Entertains your kids
• Knows how to tie knots

[shipofools]

makes a stellar margarita

[barnakiel]

1) serious,
2) serious,
3) serious,

- about what they do, how they do it, and why they do it.

A sense of humour of sorts helps too.

b.

[David M]

A good crew knows enough to leave the boat if the captain is a jerk, incompetent or dangerous.

[DeepFrz]

A good crew member must be able to communicate well with others on board and to live up to their billing (whatever skills they may have). They should also recognize that they are sailing on someone Else's boat and that the captain makes the rules.

And what David M says...

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by David M

A good crew knows enough to leave the boat if the captain is a jerk, incompetent or dangerous.

I had excellent crew for my last delivery....lol

[jeswhite]

Absolutely #1 is to listen and act on the captain's requests without argument or delay. Don't get your feelings hurt. If you cannot do this, then get your own boat. Second, anticipate and act on your next move without falling overboard or dropping the vessel's equipment in the drink. Third, follow the vessel's protocols and finally, enjoy the moment rather than fear it.

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by shipofools

makes a stellar margarita

WOOOHOOO! I'm in!

[David M]

For recreational vessels, in my experience there are far more captains needing to learn how to be a better captain than crew needing to learn how to be a better crew. Owning a boat does not necessarily make one a good captain. Someone needs to write a book on this topic.

[anjou]

Originally Posted by David M

For recreational vessels, in my experience there are far more captains needing to learn how to be a better captain than crew needing to learn how to be a better crew. Owning a boat does not necessarily make one a good captain. Someone needs to write a book on this topic.

Sounds like a good winter project for someone then.

Like a job interview, life always focuses on what the job and employer are getting. Maybe its time to tun it round and see what the applicant is getting. Its a two way street and has to suit both parties for best results

[fishwife]

Originally Posted by David M

For recreational vessels, in my experience there are far more captains needing to learn how to be a better captain than crew needing to learn how to be a better crew. Owning a boat does not necessarily make one a good captain. Someone needs to write a book on this topic.

I'm ahead of you there see http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post516418

p.

[David M]

Great point Anjou. It is indeed a two-way street and a relationship that has to work equally well for both parties. The captain must be conscious of and to be able to serve the crews needs just as well. Because although it is a dictatorship, it is also a team and teams break down when one of the elements is not functioning effectively.

[anjou]

Yeah, it reminds me of the time when prince harry enroled at sandhurst officer training and the regimental seargent major was showing him round, explaining the protocols etc and said

We will both be calling eachother Sir, but only one us will mean it.

That was so flippin tactful and spot on.

[David_Old_Jersey]

For me it's:-

someone willing to muck in.

who understands that their is a difference between Skipper and Crew even if not entirely sure what (and that it's not simply about the Skipper wanting to be the No.1. It's a role with a purpose, not just a job title).

who understands that the boat / sea thing has the potential to go badly wrong (even if not knowing all possible scenarios) and that the Skipper has primary (but not exclusive responsibility) to ensure that it doesn't all go Pete Tong.

Not taking any instructions personally (see above)

Willingness to learn / adapt - even if not exactly the same way as always done on your boat / TV

Some degree of tact when telling Skipper he's a donut or seeking to learn ("why are you doing that?" can come accross many ways and be asked for different purposes).

Not needing to be entertained 24/7 (yer crew, not a guest )

Not too many strange personal traits (but I am probably more relaxed than many - pot & kettle? )

Willing to be relaxed about the strange personal traits of the Skipper Chill, yer crew not my betrothed

But most importantly (IMO ) good crew is someone who has confidence in me to do the right thing.............but that is largely down to me to acheive, so over to the good Skippers thread