Bytown Brigantine Standing Orders

(As of January 2008)

1. Foundation’s Objectives

Bytown Brigantine Inc. (BBI) is a federally registered charitable foundation incorporated under letters patent in the Province of Ontario. The foundation is dedicated to providing education and training in a demanding and rewarding environment to allow participants to develop qualities of leadership and self-reliance through the medium of sailing vessels and shore based programs.

2. Programs

The successes of Bytown Brigantine’s programs are measured as much by the development of the personal qualities of the participants as by the degree of their sailing proficiency.
Learning is a two-way process requiring the active participation of the learner, supported by the crew who will lead by example and demonstration as much as by lecturing. To this end, programs will be carried out in a structured environment recognizing that learning is both an individual and team process.
The programs are based on Christian values; notwithstanding, Bytown will not discriminate on the basis of religion. Participants are free to abstain from taking part in religious observances.

3. Syllabus

BBI will offer, as a minimum, programs covering the levels of training set down by the Canadian Sail Training Association (CSTA). All vessels while engaged in sail training will be operated in accordance with the recognized applicable regulations governing the operation of sail training vessels in Canada.

4. Privacy Policy

All Members of the ship’s company agree to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) as follows:

I acknowledge that I am obliged to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, S.C. 2000, c.5. (referred to as herein as “PIPEDA) and with the Bytown Brigantine Inc. privacy policy (the said privacy policy being available in print form at 2700 Queensview Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 8H6 at the Bytown Brigantine Inc. office). I acknowledge and agree that for the term of my association with Bytown Brigantine Inc. I shall ensure the protection of personal information (as that term is defined in “PIPEDA”) while that personal information is in my possession or custody in accordance with the policies and procedures of Bytown Brigantine Inc. I agree to collect and use only the personal information necessary to fulfill my obligations to Bytown Brigantine Inc. and its programs. I agree that I shall not by any means or in any format sell, distribute, disturb or otherwise publish any such personal information collected, created or handled by me.

5. General Standing Orders


5.1 Purpose

Standing Orders are provided for the safe and efficient operation of the crew, ships and programs in accordance with the foundation’s principles.

5.2 Definitions

A participant is any person (trainee, crew or volunteer) participating in a sail-training program. Member of the ship’s company includes participants, guests of the captain or owner and charter.

5.3 Participation
  • All participants taking part in a program or passage exceeding 4 hours or overnight is required to sign aboard acknowledging their acceptance and understanding of Bytown Brigantine Standing Orders.
  • All participants agree to be actively involved in the ship’s operations.
  • All Members of the Ship’s Company shall respect the authority and rank of the officers and crew and follow their orders and directions.
  • BBI’s personal Sail Training Log books will be issued to trainees who sail aboard for five or more days in which their progress and sea time will be recorded.
5.4 Acknowledgement of Orders

Orders will be acknowledged with the words "Aye Aye" and the orders repeated.

5.5 Safety Policy

Bytown Brigantine Inc. is vitally concerned with accident prevention. We do not expect any person to work with defective tools, gear or equipment nor do we expect anyone to take chances that may result in personal injury and/or property damage. For reasons of safety, participants should be neat, alert and, within reason, physically fit.

5.5.1 Personal Safety and Security

For reasons of personal safety and security, the minimum allowable number of people in a group working or conducting and activity is three (3). The intent is to prevent inappropriate behaviour or abuse and, in the event of serious injury, to allow one person to remain with the accident victim, and another person to go for help.

5.6 Incidents and Accidents
  • Incidents (i.e. near accidents) involving personnel or property shall be reported to the Officer of the Watch.
  • Personal injuries and/or accidents involving the ship, equipment or BBI property must be reported to the captain, first mate, or program leader.
  • Any accident will be viewed as a serious matter and will be thoroughly investigated.
  • A person suspecting an incident of physical abuse or sexual harassment shall report it to the captain or program leader.
5.7. Personal Safety Equipment

Every participant must provide his or her OWN personal safety equipment as follows:

  • Proper rigging knife (with lockable blade, marlin spike and shackle opener) with lanyard, must be maintained and worn at all times;
  • Proper footwear (non-skid, non-marking, hard rubber shoes/boots) must be worn aboard ship at all times; sandals and flip-flops are not appropriate.
  • Proper foul weather gear;
  • Flashlight, properly maintained and at hand after dusk.
5.7.1. Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

All participants must wear a life jacket or a PFD:

  • Prior to entering, while in and departing from all small craft, ship's boats and whalers;
  • At all times while on deck if participant cannot swim; and whenever ordered to do so by the Officer of the Watch.
5.7.2 Chest Harnesses

Every Member of the ship’s company shall be assigned his/her own numbered chest harness (except operations in minor waters) and life jacket. The participant will be responsible for the proper care and stowage and shall report any damage or defect in the gear to the Officer of the Watch.

Every participant shall use a chest harness when:

  • The vessel is underway at night while on deck
  • The vessel is underway and the participant is outside of the bulwarks, life lines or out on the bowsprit
  • Ordered to do so by the Officer of the Watch
5.8 Bowsprit

Permission must be obtained from the Officer of the Watch prior to going out on the bowsprit.

5.9 Going Aloft – 5 Point Harness

Maintain one hand for the ship and the best hand for yourself. Any Member of the ship’s company going aloft shall:

  • Seek permission from the Officer of the Watch;
  • Put on a five-point fall arrest harness, in a safe environment;
  • When ascending or descending the ratlines always maintain a three-point contact (two feet, one hand; two hands, one foot);
  • When working aloft have at least one lanyard from the harness secured to a fastening point at all times.
5.10 Swimming

Permission must be sought from the Officer of the Watch prior to swimming. There will be no solo swimming or swimming without supervision. There is no headfirst diving from the vessel; Enter the water feet first, only when it is safe to do so.

5.11 Gear Stowage

"There is a place for everything and everything in its place.” Good housekeeping is necessary for safety. Maintain proper stowage of gear at all times and return all equipment to its proper place. To make your adventure as rewarding as possible, you’ll want to ensure that you have the appropriate clothing and accessories. Your gear will be repacked into a duffel bag or sea bag (depending which program you’re in) upon registration on the first day of your program.

5.12 Hygiene

As a result of the close living conditions and an environment conducive to bacterial growth found aboard sail training vessels (related to the high humidity level), strict practices for the maintenance of health and cleanliness will be observed. Participants must pay strict attention to their personal hygiene and must actively participate in the ship’s husbandry (cleanliness) on a regular basis.

5.13 Decorum and Conduct

In the time honored traditions inherent in square rigged sailing and, to encourage mutual respect among trainees and crew, surnames and/or rank will be used in the form of address.

  • To maintain order and discipline in the close confines of a sail-training vessel, fraternizing amongst participants is forbidden.
  • To foster an "Esprit de Corps" amongst the participants particular attention must be paid to personal grooming and dress.

    Participants shall present a clean and respectable appearance. Proper manners and etiquette shall be observed at all times (e.g. no foul language, good table manners).

  • All participants must be respectful of the personal property of their shipmates and of restricted areas as posted.
  • All participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments and play during evening programs (mug up).
  • Trainees are not permitted to bring personal electronic entertainment devices such as MP3 players, CD players and cell phones (offshore and winter programs excluded).
  • No junk food, chewing gum, sunflower seeds or pop are to be brought aboard by trainees (offshore and winter programs excluded).
  • Horseplay, running on deck and fighting are forbidden.
5.14 Prescription Medication

Must be handed over to the captain, the program leader or a delegated person for dispensing.

5.15 Smoking

For reasons of fire safety smoking anywhere on the ship is strictly prohibited at all times.
All participants are prohibited from smoking while engaged in a sail-training program.

5.16 Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol by participants is not permitted during a sail-training program while aboard except for ceremonial purposes designated by the captain.
Underage drinking will not be tolerated at any time.

5.17 Drugs, Weapons, Laws of the Land

There will be zero tolerance of illegal drugs, possession of alcohol by minors, weapons or infringements of the laws of the land. Violators are to be dealt with by the appropriate authorities as determined by the captain or program leader.
For reasons of safety, security, customs, contraband or suspected breach of Bytown Standing Orders, participants will consent to the captain or program leader, as witnessed by two additional members of the ship’s company, searching their personal belongings and gear.

5.18 Shore Leave

Permission must be obtained from the Officer of the Watch prior to embarking or disembarking from the Ship. During periods of the program, shore leave may be granted to the participants who will be expected to be on their own recognizance and be responsible to:

  • Report back aboard at the appointed time or earlier, or when the international code flag "P", Papa (Blue Peter) is hoisted;
  • Reflect the good name of the ship and Bytown Brigantine Inc.;
  • Be properly dressed when in uniform.
5.19 Ships Standing Orders

Every member of the ship’s company will make themselves aware of the posted Ship’s Standing Orders, Daily Orders, Watch and Quarter Bill and Safety Procedures prior to getting underway or standing watch.

5.20 Safety Drills

Every member of the ship’s company will make themselves aware of the Man Overboard, Abandon Ship and Fire drills as posted aboard ship.

5.21 Compliance

Failure to abide by the Standing Orders may result in the expulsion of the individual from the vessel and/or program without refund and without liability for any related costs for returning the individual to the point of embarkation or return home.

 

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BYTOWN BRIGANTINE INC.
2700 Queensview Drive, Ottawa, ON K2B 8H6 CANADA
phone: (613) 596-6258
contact us by email

Copyright © 2008 Bytown Brigantine Inc. a non-profit charitable foundation (Charitable Registration #118822253 RR0001) dedicated to providing adventure, education, and training in a demanding and rewarding environment.