NautiCrews

Code of conduct at sea

What is expected of everyone, skipper and crew alike, before sharing a boat.

Version 1.0

First version drafted by the team. To be reviewed and approved before final publication.

A trip at sea is not a journey from A to B: you share a cramped space, sometimes difficult conditions, and a common responsibility. This is not one more set of rules — it is the minimum that lets a crew who have never met step aboard with confidence.

1.Safety comes before everything else

  • The skipper is responsible for the boat and the crew. At sea, their safety decisions are not up for debate.
  • Before casting off, locate the lifejackets, the liferaft, the extinguishers and the VHF.
  • Wear your lifejacket whenever the skipper asks, at night, and in bad weather.
  • Report any illness, damage or doubt immediately, however minor it seems. A problem kept quiet is paid for later.

2.Before you step aboard

  • State your real level of experience. Overstating it puts the whole crew at risk.
  • Tell the skipper about any medical condition, medication or allergy that could matter at sea.
  • Check that your liability insurance covers you while sailing.
  • Bring suitable kit: watch clothing, non-slip shoes, sun protection.

3.Life on board

  • A boat is a shared and cramped space: tidy up after yourself, keep the noise down, and respect the sleep of whoever has the next watch.
  • Take your share of the common tasks: manoeuvres, cooking, washing up, upkeep.
  • Fresh water and power are limited on board. Use them accordingly.
  • Respect everyone's privacy in a place where there is very little of it.

4.Respect for people

  • No violent, humiliating, sexist or racist behaviour, and no unwanted sexual remarks or advances, are tolerated on board.
  • Whatever you learn about someone's private life during the trip stays on board.
  • A serious breach can mean being put ashore at the next stop and having your NautiCrews account suspended.

5.Alcohol and drugs

  • Drinking is the skipper's call, and never during a watch or a manoeuvre.
  • Drugs are forbidden on board, without exception.

6.Respect for the boat and the sea

  • The boat is not a rental: treat it as a friend's boat you have been lent.
  • Report anything you break or notice wearing out. Hidden damage becomes a hazard on the next trip.
  • Nothing goes overboard. Handle black and grey water according to local rules.
  • Respect wildlife and protected areas, and avoid anchoring on seagrass beds.

7.Commitment and cancellation

  • Signing up for a trip is a commitment: the skipper plans the crew and the costs around you.
  • If something comes up, say so as early as you can so a replacement can still be found.
  • Cost sharing covers real expenses. It is neither a commercial service nor a guarantee of one.

8.If something goes wrong

  • Raise it on board first, calmly and early. Most friction comes from tiredness and lack of space.
  • Report any behaviour that breaches this charter to NautiCrews.
  • Emergency at sea: VHF channel 16, or 196 from a phone in France (CROSS).