Code of Conduct/Standing Orders

The GWYC, like any organisation that is involved with minors and those under 18, should be above reproach always, and cannot and must not condone any action that may be perceived to place any individual at risk. In stating this the Club, also, must not lose sight of those adults whose actions may be misconstrued and offer advice before any problems arise.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR YACHTS

If a boat sustains damage severe enough to warrant an Insurance claim, owners must be advised immediately. If minor damage is sustained, a repair should be effected and, if it is not possible, the owner should be notified.

Both standing and running rigging should be kept in good order. For example. stays should be checked every day for tension, and strops should be inspected periodically for damage and repaired or replaced if necessary.

If any whipping is loose or missing it should be replaced. Knots in mooring lines or sail ties should be removed as these can be hazardous.

Spills on furniture and tears in awnings. etc., should be dealt with at the earliest opportunity as these tend to deteriorate rapidly.

Topsides, bilge's, cooker and all lockers must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of the cruise.

If you suspect any gear of not being up to tile job, inform the Commodore-of-the-Week immediately and do as much as possible to make it good.

The main cause for complaint always centres around the galley and its equipment. All manner of gear disappears during Club cruises, much of it into the bilges: all missing/damaged items must be replaced so that the following crew is not left deficient of any cutlery, crockery, or cooking utensils.

Yachts are usually equipped with basic essentials such as sugar, salt, herb's, spices, etc., and these must be replaced when used. "Borrowed" items must be returned to their rightful owner .

At the beginning of a Club cruise the Commodore-of-the-Week will hold a meeting of Skippers at which each Skipper will be required to confirm that his/her yacht is well-found and that all items identified on the inventory are present. This meeting is to take place not later than 2.00 p.m. on the second day of the cruise.

The Commodore-of-the-Week will check all boats at the end of the week to ensure they have been left in satisfactory condition.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CREW

Owners must ensure that the following items are included in their yacht's inventory

1. adequate fire-fighting equipment
2. adequate buoyancy aids for all crew

All Skippers must carry a basic First Aid Kit.

At the Skippers' Meeting at the start of the week, each Skipper will be required to confirm that he/she has made all necessary enquiries regarding any health problems or dietary requirements.

Skippers are responsible for ensuring that buoyancy aids are worn at appropriate times and any such instructions must be obeyed by all crew members without question.

The safety and behaviour of the crew, both onboard and on land, is the responsibility of the Skipper at all times, (although teachers in charge of school groups will obviously wish to assume overall responsibility for their students).