Sail Training Committee 14 Mar 08

Michigan Maritime Museum

 

 

Sail Training committee

14 March 2008  Meeting Minutes

 

 

Present:   Captain Jim Schneider, Marcia Flynn, Pete Matthews, Al Kempf, Jr.

                  Not Present: Eric Standen, Tim Matteson

 

 

Meeting began at 1910.

      

     Activities since last meeting were reviewed.

 

     Captain has asked for a revision of the presentation order of the training programs to concentrate on getting the vessel rigged and sailing first, and integrating new crew after the ship is in service.

 

     The Status of the Revised Seamanship I program was discussed briefly, and it was agreed that the program will begin with a 2 to 2 ½ hour morning program reviewing the Michigan Maritime Museum policies and the Crew Manual, History of the FGW, and more administrative type topics.   A lunch break will be inserted and then hands on training will be conducted in basic marlinspike seamanship, with Knots and Line handling, conducted both in the Padnos and on Deck. 

 

     The Captain has announced that we will be having a guest to the Museum on Friday March 28^th, and Saturday March 29^th, but her schedule is not finalized.   Lori Aguiar is the Program Manager for ASTA, and the present schedule is that she will meet with the Sail Training Committee on Friday Evening.   We will communicate more as her schedule is finalized, but this will be the chance to learn about other programs, and other resources available to our program.  

 

     The Topman Training program was discussed in detail.    To be rated as a Topman an individual must hold at least the rating of Ordinary Seaman.   Topman ratings are reconfirmed annually, and the Captain will be reviewing this and establishing criteria for recertification.    Topmen are appointed by the Captain upon the recommendation of the Bosn.  The sequence of training was established as first demonstrating an ability to work in the headrig at the dock, Then an ability to work in the headrig while underway.    Next a person would work aloft on the mast in the company of a Rated Topman at the Dock, then work aloft, again in the company of a Rated Topman while underway.     The Rated Topman will consult with the Bosn and with the individual in training on the progress of the training.     Due to weather and scheduling considerations this portion of the training will be conducted on an as the opportunities are available basis.   

 

    The Outline for the Topman Training was presented, reviewed, and approved as the document attached to this report.  

 

     Individuals working as Topmen may purchase and provide their own harnesses.   Marcia Flynn will be reviewing the available rating systems for commercially available harnesses and suggesting a minimum standard.

 

     Pete Matthews has prepared a sheet reviewing the duties and responsibilities of the Lookout.    He will continue this project with the preparation of a similar document for the helmsman.     These will be incorporated into the training programs and the Crew manual.    Pete will also prepare a history of the 2004 Friends Good will to be used to indoctrinate those whom interpret the vessel to the public.    It was fully agreed that anyone sailing aboard on “Foreign” voyages must be able to act as an interpreter and spokesperson for the vessel.

 

     Pete has also prepared a listing of recommended readings that will be used to assist persons qualifying for advancement of ratings.

 

       For the 2008 sailing season our program will utilize the Relative Bearing Points system of direction for reporting objects to the helm.   Marcia pointed out that this is already in the Policy & Training Manual in Appendix A.      This will be reviewed in all training programs for returning and new crew.   

 

    The meeting was adjourned at 2115.