FBYC Duty Officer Guide 2022 Season

FBYC schedules a Duty Officer throughout the sailing season. Shifts are comprised of evenings on weekdays, and afternoon & evening on weekends. The scheduled Duty Officer shift times are: Green (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm); Red (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

If you are unable to attend your assigned shifts, you are responsible for finding a replacement. If you are unsuccessful, email the Secretary as far as possible in advance of your shift.
Responsibilities:

1. Check the Duty Officer log from the previous shift to see if there's anything to be aware of.
2. Take the handheld VHF radio from beside the log book and monitor channel 68.
3. Wear the High-Visibility vest to let people know you are the Duty Officer.
4. Complete the Watch List sheet in the log book at the completion of your shift.
5. Call the next Day Officer and remind them they are on the next shift.
6. IMPORTANT: Make a round of the club house and Junior Sailing School Areas to make sure all is in order. Unless it is in use, check that the stove and oven in the kitchen are off. Walk all docks checking that boats are tied up securely, fenders are not up on the fingers/docks. Check the club/sailing school boats and bail them out if needed.
7. Look after Incoming boats. Visiting boats need to be assigned and helped to a dock. Once tied off, please have guest sign in on the guest book beside the pop machine. Inform visitors of the visitors gate code (the code can be found under Duty Officer Resources in the members-only section) and how to get in and out of the club. (There is also a button to open/close the gate next to the Duty Officer desk.) Point out the locations of the various local stores/facilities if needed.
8. Make sure people are not breaking house rules.
9. Unless displaying proper permits, please keep an eye on cars parking in handicapped spots or obstructing entry/exit areas.
10. If you notice strangers wandering around, ask if they need help and/or ask them politely to leave. This is private property.
11. If a storm is approaching, recheck that boats are secure in their slips.
12. While on watch, Duty Officers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the responsibilities of the office and the image of the club. In certain cases (Sailpast, Regatta, etc.) it is appropriate to be dressed for the occasion. While not a directive it is hoped the D.O. will give thought to the significance of the day/event.
13. Except for the Club Burgee lower and remove any flags at sunset. Place them on the D.O. logbook to be raised the next day.
14. Keep an eye out for dinghies or boats in trouble in the bay. If necessary, take another club member to assist. Be sure the gas tank matches the motor, as we have both 2 and 4 stroke motors.
15. If there is a special event or private function in progress, this should be noted in the log. If the gate is in the HOLD OPEN position (the code can be found under Duty Officer Resources in the members-only section) this should also be noted and left. 
16. If there are no special event functions, please make sure the gate is closed. At the end of the evening shift, if there are no visitors please make sure all exterior clubhouse doors, Junior Sail buildings and sheds are shut and locked. (The door facing the bay has a keypad which uses the same set of codes as the entry gate.)
17. Please ensure all BBQ’s and their tanks are shut off and closed. If there are no functions underway upstairs in the clubhouse, ensure stove, water taps and lights are off.
18. If needed water the plants and flowers.
19. Empty all garbage containers and place the bags in the large outdoor garbage bins. (Replacement bags are in the utility closet)
20. Be sure you have your club entry key with you!
21. The assistance of the Vice-Commodore or any Flag Officer should be sought when aproblem is beyond the scope of the Duty Officer.

Safe Harbour (also known as Safe Haven)
This is a term one hears around the lake from time to time, especially with the advent of bad weather. Basically, it is a tenet of maritime life which says that for certain events a harbour facility should permit the temporary mooring of a vessel for a limited time period. Examples of this would include weather (windstorms, thunderstorms, or similar), equipment failure making continued safe passage impossible, and injury or illness to crew. This principle is in place all the time, not only during the current pandemic.

In the case of severe weather, this allows the crew to stay on their vessel in safety until the
danger has passed.

In the case of an equipment failure, this keeps the crew and vessel safe as repairs are made.

In the case of a medical issue, this allows for the proper treatment of the injured person(s).

Knowledge of this is important as FBYC is a port where we may see such requests. They need to be looked after in a sensitive and caring manner as the requestor is usually in some danger.
In 2020 we had three such incidents, one with a storm, one with a single-hander on the verge of exhaustion, and the third with an engine issue. In the first two the crew remained on their vessels and departed when it was safe for them to do so. In the third, the crew left the vessel temporarily to get the parts/equipment to affect the repairs.

When you are on a Duty Officer shift, this is something that you may occur. Just as crucial is when we do not have a duty officer on deck, and there are “regular” club members around, we may also be in the position of handling a request. Remember to treat the situation as you would like to be treated if you were making the request.