Meeting online

Just like in person, when meeting online, try to find out as much as you can about the person you’re meeting. Use your instinct - if someone does not feel right to sail with, they unlikely are that. You can also ask the other party to provide references from crew/skippers from their previous sailing trips. We recommend that you do a video call before committing to go sailing with anyone if you can't meet them in person prior to the trip. You can message safely via Seilii as much as you like until you feel comfortable exchanging contact details.

Suitability of the parties and vessel for sailing

Make sure you are comfortable with the level of expertise and skills when going sailing with someone, and that they are capable of doing the trip you're planning to do with them. You can ask for references, qualifications and certificates to evidence this. Also satisfy yourself with the suitability of the sailing vessel for the planned trip and any potential emergencies.

Safety introduction

Before you leave the marina, the skipper should give a boat safety introduction. This could include things such as what safety gear is onboard and how to use it should you need it, how to get in touch with coast guards or other boaters, personal safety devices and how to use them, how to keep the boat safe for its crew, first aid.

Coast guard, police

Before sailing, be clear on how to get in touch with a coast guard, medical help and also police should you need them, and which communication tools to use at different scenarios. Mobile signals don’t work far out at sea. Due to the possibility of remoteness of where you may travel, emergency evacuation and/or search and rescue may be delayed or unavailable, and medical facilities and supplies may be limited.

Alcohol and drugs

In general, drugs are considered illegal in many countries, so don’t put yourself, your crew or your skipper in danger by bringing drugs onboard. Agree what are the rules for alcohol consumption before starting the trip.

Roles onboard and unexpected incapacity

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the crew and the boat. The crew must follow the safety instructions. In the event the skipper becomes unable to lead the boat for various reasons (e.g. injury, illness), agree before the trip on what to do should this happen.

Insurances and covers

If you're crewing on a boat, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for personal injuries, sickness, emergencies, and loss or damage to property and items, regardless of where you plan to travel, even in remote places. If you're taking crew on your boat or a charter boat, ensure you have the necessary insurance to cover everyone onboard and any potential damages to property and the boat. We recommend that all parties discuss insurance and coverage before embarking on a trip.

Novice sailors

If you haven't sailed on a boat before, familiarise yourself with the type of sailing you're planning to do. Watch sailing videos, talk to friends who may have done it before, read about people's experiences on discussion forums. Start with shorter trips to see how you and your body reacts to being at sea and challenges it may bring.

Sexual harassment onboard

If you experience sexual harassment on your trip, try to gather as much evidence (e.g. photos, recordings, messages, physical evidence) and contact the local police. If you encounter harassment on trips found via Seilii it's important that you report it to us by getting in touch with our support. We monitor reported patterns of behaviour, or take immediate action depending on the case. Seilii has zero-tolerance for harassment that has been reported to police and evidenced, and it will lead to a removal of the harasser from the platform.

You can read more about risks and responsibilities in our T&Cs here.