Difference between revisions of "Bluewater Crew Rating"

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This is a list of the bluewater ratings and the skills required to obtain them.  This document is a work in progress. Once it stabilizes, the official ratings and checklists will be posted at the sailing.mit.edu site proper.
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The Bluewater Crew Rating was implemented to provide an educational opportunity to sailors at MIT who are interested in learning more about coastal sailing. A sailor who has attained the Bluewater Crew Rating has demonstrated that he or she is familiar with the boat and can assist the skipper in its safe operation.  
  
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These are the bluewater ratings:
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The Bluewater Crew rating is a proof of competence that the holder can serve in a position of responsibility, such as a first mate, on Mashnee. While you are not expected yet to have the skills to skipper an entire sail on your own, as Mashnee's Bluewater Crew you must be confident to act, should the captain ever become incapacitated. For example, you must know how to call for help on the VHF radio, how to keep the rest of the crew safe and the boat afloat until help arrives, etc. Think of this rating as a vote of confidence rather than "certification", and take all the time you need to complete the requirements.  There is no specific time schedule that fits all in building the necessary skills and experience. For reference, without substantial prior experience in charge of a large keelboat, completing the course often takes a full summer.
  
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'''Crew.'''  The crew rating indicates that you are familiar with the ship's systems and have at least basic skills in operating them.
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NOTE: this page contains up to date information on the Bluewater Crew Rating, which has evolved over the years. It supersedes any other prior descriptions of the rating. If you notice discrepancies between this page and other published materials, please notify the bluewater skippers.
  
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'''Basic Skipper.'''  With a basic rating you are authorized to skipper within Boston Harbor during daylight hours.
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The core competencies expected of a bluewater crew are on the [[Media:2023_Bluewater_Crew_Rating_Progress_Sheet.pdf‎ | Bluewater Crew Rating Checklist]], with full descriptions available on the [[Bluewater_Crew_Class_Syllabus|bluewater crew syllabus ]].
  
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'''Night Skipper.'''  With a night rating you are authorized to skipper within Boston Harbor during daylight and night hours.
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= Procedure =
  
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'''Intercoastal Skipper.''' With an intercoastal rating you are authorized to skipper anywhere along the New England coast.
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To become '''Bluewater Crew''', the typical procedure is as follows:
  
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* (mandatory) obtain the Provisional rating '''before''' taking a bluewater crew class
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* successfully complete the curriculum of the Bluewater Crew Class on Mashnee
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* crew on Mashnee for five or more harbor sails, one of which may be the bluewater crew class
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* obtain endorsements by two skippers (one of whom may be the class instructor) for every skill on the bluewater crew checklist
  
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= Procedure =
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NOTE: the above requirements are designed for sailors who are learning bluewater skills primarily through the MIT Bluewater program. Except for first obtaining the Provisional, which is mandatory, individual requirements may be waived for new MITNA members with substantial prior sailing experience in coastal, offshore, and/or ocean waters. If you are an experienced sailor who would like to be considered for the bluewater crew rating, please speak directly with one of the captains or with the sailing master.
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Process recommendation for new or inexperienced sailors learning through our program: obtain the Provisional rating, crew on Mashnee five or more times, then take the bluewater crew class. Then continue crewing, while checking off one by one all items on the bluewater crew checklist.
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Process recommendation for sailors with substantial prior experience: obtain the Provisional rating, then register for harbor sails and notify the skippers of your prior experience and your interest in the bluewater crew rating. Evaluation for experienced sailors is on a per case basis.
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= Bluewater Crew Class =
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The Bluewater Crew Class will be taught on ''Mashnee'', MIT's Buzzards Bay 30, usually over the course of a full day. To maximize opportunities for students to learn and practice new skills, the class is limited in size: typically, three to five students, who have met all prerequisites and have been confirmed by the instructor.
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Before taking the class, students must complete the following:
  
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To become bluewater crew, you must:
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* Attain the MIT Provisional rating.
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* Complete the Nauticed.org [http://www.nauticed.org/course/view/Skipper Skipper course], and email your certificate of completion to bluewater-skippers@mit.edu. MITNA has arranged a discounted $25 rate for this online course. See the [[Media:2023_Bluewater_Crew_Rating_Progress_Sheet.pdf‎ | Bluewater Crew Rating Checklist]] for the discount code. When you email your certificate, it is best to copy at least one of the [http://sailing.mit.edu/bluewater/skippers.php current skippers] directly to avoid delays of email from a non-member to the list. 
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* Read '''very thoroughly''' the [[Media:486.PDF | U.S. Coast Guard guide to navigation markers]].
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* Please print out the [[Media:2023_Bluewater_Crew_Rating_Progress_Sheet.pdf‎ | Bluewater Crew Rating Checklist]] and bring it with you to the class, and to future sails.
  
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* obtain the Provisional rating
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For more background, any of these books may be used:
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* illustrate your comprehension of the [[Systems_Descriptions | ship systems]]
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* participate as crew in at least two [[Bluewater Training Cruises | training cruises]]
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* demonstrate your mastery of [[Bluewater Skills | ocean sailing skills]]
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To become a bluewater skipper, you must:
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* [http://www.amazon.com/Annapolis-Book-Seamanship-Edition-Revised/dp/0684854201/ref=pd_rhf_dp_shvl2 Annapolis Book of Seamanship]
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* [http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Cruising-National-Instruction-Certification/dp/1882502973/ref=pd_cp_b_3 U.S. Sailing's "Basic Cruising"]
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* [http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Fundamentals-Harry-Munns/dp/0877423342 American Sailing Association "Cruising Fundamentals"]
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* [http://www.amazon.com/Coastal-Cruising-American-Sailing-Associations/dp/0982102518 ASA "Coastal Cruising Made Easy"]
  
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* obtain the Helmsman rating
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In the class, sailors will be expected to learn and demonstrate understanding of:
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* obtain the Bluewater Crew rating
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* teach at least one sailing class session at the pavilion each season
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* demonstrate your ability to direct a crew
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* participate as captain in at least two [[Bluewater Training Cruises | training cruises]]
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* actively participate in the maintenance, upkeep, and improvement of the boat
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* obtain approval from two other bluewater skippers after acting as captain on trips with them
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* complete a licensed sailing course such as:
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** ASA basic coastal cruising certification (http://www.american-sailing.com/asa_standards/standard_basic_coastal_cruising.html)
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** ASA advanced coastal cruising certification (http://www.american-sailing.com/asa_standards/standard_advanced_coastal_cruising.html)
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** US Coast Guard Captain - OUPV (6-pack) or Master (http://www.uscg.mil/NMC/cb_capt.asp)
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* be approved by the MIT Sailing Master
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* Basic operation of our 47-foot cruising vessel
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** Mooring approach and departure
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** [[Bluewater_Crew_Class_Syllabus#Raising_and_lowering_the_mainsail|Raising and lowering the mainsail]]
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** [[Bluewater_Crew_Class_Syllabus#Unfurling_and_furling_the_foresail|Unfurling and furling the foresail]]
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** Reefing the mainsail
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** Basic mainsail and foresail trim
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** [[Bluewater_Crew_Class_Syllabus#Tacking.2Fjibing_a_large_vessel|Tacking/jibing a large vessel]]
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** Assisting with docking
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*** Tying fenders (round turn and two half hitches)
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*** Preparing bow, stern, and spring lines
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*** Safely stepping off boat at shrouds
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*** Handling bow, stern and spring lines on dock
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*** Leaving the dock
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** Proper use of the head
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** Dinghy driving
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*** Tying dinghy to stern or to mooring
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** Tying and using at least the following knots:
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*** bowline
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*** cleat hitch
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*** figure-eight knot (stopper knot)
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*** clove hitch
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*** sail tie slip knot
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*** rolling hitch
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*** round turn and two half hitches
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** Coiling and heaving a line
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** Using the diesel engine
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*** Checking oil and coolant
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*** Checking gauges
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*** Starting the engine
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*** Checking for exhaust water
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*** Stopping the engine
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*** Safe use of the engine (lines/people in the water)
  
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= Bluewater Skills =
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* Safety information
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** Familiarity with the inland navigation rules
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** VHF radio operation and distress call procedure
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** Safe line handling including safe use of winches
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** Location and proper use of navigation lights for sailing and motoring
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** Location and proper use of fire extinguishers on board
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** Location and proper use of personal flotation devices (PFD)
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*** Repacking and rearming of inflatable PFDs
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** Location and proper use of visual distress signals
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** Location and proper use of sound devices: danger and low visibility signals
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** Location and proper use of bilge pumps, checking and emptying the bilge
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** Assisting the skipper with crew overboard maneuvers
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** Knowledge of boat's draft (5'4" centerboard up, 8'4" centerboard down)
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** Location and proper use of the depth meter
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** Working with new sailors unfamiliar with the above
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** [[Bluewater_Crew_Class_Syllabus#Winch_Operation|Winch operation]]
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** Running Backs
  
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* knots including bowline, clove hitch, rolling hitch, taut line hitch
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* Navigational skills
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* cleating and coiling lines for various situations
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** [[Bluewater_Crew_Class_Syllabus#Familiarity_with_layout_of_Boston_Harbor|Familiarity with layout of Boston Harbor]]
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* motoring onto and off of a mooring
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** Familiarity with aids to navigation (ATONs) in Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay
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* sailing onto and off of a mooring
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** Visual harbor piloting using ATONs and following all rules of the road
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* docking against a floating dock
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** Coastal piloting using the nautical paper charts on board
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* docking against a fixed dock or piling
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** Using the GPS chartplotter and other electronic charts
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* proper use of lines when docking
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** Knowledge of the boat's draft
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* anchoring skills
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* proper use of dinghy and outboard engine
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* proper use of winches and general line handling
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* understanding of mainsail and headsail trim, including proper use of sheets, traveler, vang
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* sail reefing techniques
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* reading nautical charts
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* navigation techniques, such as dead reckoning and determining a fix
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* identification of bouys, lights, daybeacons, and other aids to navigation
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* understanding of tides
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* understanding of weather patterns, monitoring, and forecasting
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* proper use of the ship's compass
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* proper use of GPS
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* proper use of Radar
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* VHF radio protocols
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* knowledge of distress signals and other emergency procedures
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* comprehensive knowledge of U.S. and international Navigation Rules
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* understanding of state and federal boating laws
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* understanding and proper use of ship systems
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** electrical systems (12v and 110v)
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** diesel engine
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** head, pumping out
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** freshwater system
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** refrigerator
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Latest revision as of 06:09, 2 May 2023

The Bluewater Crew Rating was implemented to provide an educational opportunity to sailors at MIT who are interested in learning more about coastal sailing. A sailor who has attained the Bluewater Crew Rating has demonstrated that he or she is familiar with the boat and can assist the skipper in its safe operation.

The Bluewater Crew rating is a proof of competence that the holder can serve in a position of responsibility, such as a first mate, on Mashnee. While you are not expected yet to have the skills to skipper an entire sail on your own, as Mashnee's Bluewater Crew you must be confident to act, should the captain ever become incapacitated. For example, you must know how to call for help on the VHF radio, how to keep the rest of the crew safe and the boat afloat until help arrives, etc. Think of this rating as a vote of confidence rather than "certification", and take all the time you need to complete the requirements. There is no specific time schedule that fits all in building the necessary skills and experience. For reference, without substantial prior experience in charge of a large keelboat, completing the course often takes a full summer.

NOTE: this page contains up to date information on the Bluewater Crew Rating, which has evolved over the years. It supersedes any other prior descriptions of the rating. If you notice discrepancies between this page and other published materials, please notify the bluewater skippers.

The core competencies expected of a bluewater crew are on the Bluewater Crew Rating Checklist, with full descriptions available on the bluewater crew syllabus .

Procedure

To become Bluewater Crew, the typical procedure is as follows:

  • (mandatory) obtain the Provisional rating before taking a bluewater crew class
  • successfully complete the curriculum of the Bluewater Crew Class on Mashnee
  • crew on Mashnee for five or more harbor sails, one of which may be the bluewater crew class
  • obtain endorsements by two skippers (one of whom may be the class instructor) for every skill on the bluewater crew checklist

NOTE: the above requirements are designed for sailors who are learning bluewater skills primarily through the MIT Bluewater program. Except for first obtaining the Provisional, which is mandatory, individual requirements may be waived for new MITNA members with substantial prior sailing experience in coastal, offshore, and/or ocean waters. If you are an experienced sailor who would like to be considered for the bluewater crew rating, please speak directly with one of the captains or with the sailing master.

Process recommendation for new or inexperienced sailors learning through our program: obtain the Provisional rating, crew on Mashnee five or more times, then take the bluewater crew class. Then continue crewing, while checking off one by one all items on the bluewater crew checklist.

Process recommendation for sailors with substantial prior experience: obtain the Provisional rating, then register for harbor sails and notify the skippers of your prior experience and your interest in the bluewater crew rating. Evaluation for experienced sailors is on a per case basis.

Bluewater Crew Class

The Bluewater Crew Class will be taught on Mashnee, MIT's Buzzards Bay 30, usually over the course of a full day. To maximize opportunities for students to learn and practice new skills, the class is limited in size: typically, three to five students, who have met all prerequisites and have been confirmed by the instructor.

Before taking the class, students must complete the following:

For more background, any of these books may be used:

In the class, sailors will be expected to learn and demonstrate understanding of:

  • Basic operation of our 47-foot cruising vessel
    • Mooring approach and departure
    • Raising and lowering the mainsail
    • Unfurling and furling the foresail
    • Reefing the mainsail
    • Basic mainsail and foresail trim
    • Tacking/jibing a large vessel
    • Assisting with docking
      • Tying fenders (round turn and two half hitches)
      • Preparing bow, stern, and spring lines
      • Safely stepping off boat at shrouds
      • Handling bow, stern and spring lines on dock
      • Leaving the dock
    • Proper use of the head
    • Dinghy driving
      • Tying dinghy to stern or to mooring
    • Tying and using at least the following knots:
      • bowline
      • cleat hitch
      • figure-eight knot (stopper knot)
      • clove hitch
      • sail tie slip knot
      • rolling hitch
      • round turn and two half hitches
    • Coiling and heaving a line
    • Using the diesel engine
      • Checking oil and coolant
      • Checking gauges
      • Starting the engine
      • Checking for exhaust water
      • Stopping the engine
      • Safe use of the engine (lines/people in the water)
  • Safety information
    • Familiarity with the inland navigation rules
    • VHF radio operation and distress call procedure
    • Safe line handling including safe use of winches
    • Location and proper use of navigation lights for sailing and motoring
    • Location and proper use of fire extinguishers on board
    • Location and proper use of personal flotation devices (PFD)
      • Repacking and rearming of inflatable PFDs
    • Location and proper use of visual distress signals
    • Location and proper use of sound devices: danger and low visibility signals
    • Location and proper use of bilge pumps, checking and emptying the bilge
    • Assisting the skipper with crew overboard maneuvers
    • Knowledge of boat's draft (5'4" centerboard up, 8'4" centerboard down)
    • Location and proper use of the depth meter
    • Working with new sailors unfamiliar with the above
    • Winch operation
    • Running Backs
  • Navigational skills
    • Familiarity with layout of Boston Harbor
    • Familiarity with aids to navigation (ATONs) in Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay
    • Visual harbor piloting using ATONs and following all rules of the road
    • Coastal piloting using the nautical paper charts on board
    • Using the GPS chartplotter and other electronic charts
    • Knowledge of the boat's draft
Retrieved from "https://sailing.mit.edu/wiki/index.php?title=Bluewater_Crew_Rating&oldid=6526"