Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

28        ADDITIONAL CREW MEMBERS

28.1 Additional crew members should be able to demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures, how to contact assistance, and life-saving appliances carried, including how to put on a life jacket/buoyancy aid where appropriate.

28.2 It is also important that additional crewmembers are given familiarisation training for the vessel, and are capable of starting and stopping the vessel in the case of an emergency.

28.3 It is recommended that ‘emergency cards’ are displayed at all times with clear instructions on how to act in an emergency.  These cards should be placed in one area of the vessel –  e.g. at the steering consol , and remain there at all times.  Pocket-style laminated “emergency cards” may be carried by each crew member.

28.4 For additional crewmembers, the minimum age is 16 years.  If the skipper or any crewmember is under 18 years of age, health and safety regulations require that a risk assessment is carried out.  (See Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 88 and Merchant Shipping and Fishing vessels (Health and Safety at Work)(Employment of Young Persons) Regulations 1998).