ABOUT

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PURPOSES

The purpose of this agreement is to establish a mutual understanding of life aboard the boat Silentstorm and what may be expected, to minimize conflict and promote greater harmony and fun. 

The primary purposes of the voyages of Silentstorm are as follows:

1. Investigating and documenting climate change, and impacts on flora and fauna
2. Proving all-electric propulsion and living is possible on a mid-sized boat
3. Providing fun and interesting experiences
4. Serving as a living space for Ruth, Dave & Cam

A boat requires work to sustain it and keep it safe, viable and seaworthy. This agreement identifies rules, expectations and roles for everyone stepping aboard the Silentstorm. 

PRINCIPLES

The following underlying principles will be adopted:

1. Everyone will share equally in work and play;
2. Wherever possible, the boat will be run democratically;
3. The Watch-Captain is the boat captain while on watch. There can be only one captain on the boat at any one time.    

• While Silentstorm could be sailed single-handed, experience has shown this is not optimal when sailing long distances. Single-handed sailing is tiring, people make mistakes, and it is also less enjoyable. Crew will therefore be needed. 

• All Permanent Crew and Temporary Crew are expected to sign and accept this agreement. There will be no moaning or whining or any bad-attitude crap afterward. 

• Note that this agreement may be amended at any time by the Boat Owner. Changes will be discussed in Boat Council prior to being made effective and announced to all Temporary Crew. Any Crew that have signed a prior version of the Silentstorm Agreement are deemed to have signed amendments also as it will be freely available on the Silentstorm Website at all times.

• Silentstorm will be equipped per our Equipment List.  See BOAT

• SILENTSTORM = the Boat: an all-electric sailing catamaran making several Voyages, Trips and Legs. 

• VOYAGES = Voyages are journeys from and to a home base comprised of several Trips. e.g. from Scotland to the Caribbean, around Pacific, and through the Northwest Passage. Voyages may also include breaks from sailing  of several weeks at their beginning or end to refit or resupply the boat. 

• TRIP = A part of a Voyage beginning and ending at a major city, port or airport. Typically Trips will involve traversing or circumnavigating an ocean or continent, and be comprised of several Legs. e.g. the Pacific Rim trip (Ring of Fire). Trips may involve breaks of several days at their beginning or end to receive Temporary Crew, receive parts or resupply the Boat.

• LEG = a part of a Trip beginning and ending in a city, town or island with air transport. e.g. from Valparaiso to Easter Island. A Leg may involve a break at the end of of two to three days to receive Temporary Crew or resupply the Boat. 

SILENTSTORM AGREEMENT 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION - purpose & principles
2. CONTEXT
3. DEFINITIONS
4. BOAT OWNER & GUESTS
5. PERMANENT CREW (1)
6. PERMANENT CREW (2) - preparation & operations
7. TEMPORARY CREW (1)
8. TEMPORARY CREW (2)
9. BOAT COUNCIL
10. ALL CREW (1) - safety & security
11. ALL CREW (2)  - cleaning, nutrition & diet, boat operations
12. ALL CREW (3) - activism
13. EXPENSES - boat owner
14. EXPENSES - crew
15. WATCHES
16. GENERAL

BOAT OWNER 

1. DEFINITION- The Boat Owner is defined as the purchaser and owner of the boat. i.e. Dave (or Ruth if Dave is not able to fulfil the functions of Boat Owner). The Boat Owner is part of the Permanent Crew.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES - The Boat Owner manages registration, insurance, and all large-budget items. 
3. RETAINS RIGHTS - Permanent and Temporary Crew, and Guests, do not have any rights regarding ownership of the boat, insurance decisions, nor do they have the right to replace, repair or upgrade   any part of the boat or boat’s equipment. The Boat Owner retains these rights as well as the right to refuse requests for same. 

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GUESTS

1. DEFINITION - Guests are defined as people that Permanent Crew have invited aboard for up to 3 days. After that Guests either join as Temporary Crew or they leave the boat. 
2. SPONSORSHIP & RIGHTS - Guests must be sponsored by a Permanent Crew member and have no boat rights whatsoever. Silentstorm provides no insurance for Guests and accepts no liability for their welfare at any time. 
3. TRANSPORTATION - Silentstorm will NOT provide lifts for Guests between ports, nor will it provide temporary accommodation for Guests under any circumstances.  
4. NOT TO BE ALONE - Guests are not allowed to be alone on board (including in the tender and/or life raft), under any circumstances. 
5. BOAT OPERATIONS - Unless agreed by Boat Council, Guests will NOT take part in Boat Operations.
6. EQUIPMENT USE MUST BE SUPERVISED - Guests may not use any part of Silentstorm's equipment at any time except under the direct supervision of a Permanent Crew member.

1. DEFINITION - Permanent Crew are defined as those who will be sailing aboard Silentstorm for at least 75% of a Trip. Permanent Crew form the Boat Council. 
2. SIGNATORY - Permanent Crew must sign the Silentstorm Agreement before boarding Silentstorm.
3. COMMITMENT - Permanent Crew are not obligated to sail with the boat for more than one Trip but should advise of plans well in advance (2 months plus) of the next trip. 
4. TRAVEL - Permanent Crew may travel back to Vancouver (or equivalent) up to twice per year at the Boat’s Expense. While in Vancouver, reasonable expenses will be covered by the Boat Owner for up to two weeks (i.e. food, ground transport, accommodation) to a maximum of $4K including travel costs (whichever limit is reached first). Permanent Crew relinquish Permanent Crew status while travelling away from the boat but resume as soon as they step aboard again. 
5. CONTINUANCE OF VOYAGE - If Permanent Crew travel away from the boat for a period of time, the remaining Permanent Crew will continue on voyage unless pre-agreed otherwise. 
6. CABINS - Permanent Crew will be allocated a cabin for the voyage. Each cabin will have its own Head/ Shower room. Entrance to Permanent Crew cabins will be at invitation only. 
7. ACCESS - Permanent Crew will be provided with access to Navigation  Systems etc. Temporary Crew may only use the access of a Permanent Crew member. 
8. PERMANENT CREW - Initially these are Ruth (Supreme High Admiral), Cam (Commodore) and Dave. 

PREPARATION 

Permanent Crew will jointly prepare for Voyages, Trips and Legs with regard to all factors including the Official, Safety, Fun, Packing and Provisioning, and Route Planning aspects of the Voyage:

• OFFICIAL -  Determine Visa Requirements; Country and Port Fees and Regulations; Permits; Rights of Way and Forbidden Areas (e.g. Military Firing Ranges); Local administrative requirements; Potential issues with national and local politics and language; Local Official Corruptibility and plans to address this;
• SAFETY–  Monitor weather patterns, currents, and seasonal changes; Piracy and Illegal Activities; Celestial events; Local hazards (on and off-shore) such as plankton blooms, poisonous wildlife and coral, insect issues, route issues and physical hazards etc.
• FUN –  Research local area history, geology, geography, hydrography, culture, language, attractions, interesting places to visit/photograph, possible side-trips, etc. 
• PROVISIONING & PACKING –  Assist in both in advance of the trip and en-route. Everything should be labelled and mapped for easy location while underway in the Boat Spreadsheet. Freezer meals should be prepared. Recipes collected. Etc. 
• ROUTE PLANNING - Assist with route-planning, evaluation of options etc.

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OPERATIONS

Permanent Crew will also provide System Management, Navigation, Boat Operations, Boat Maintenance, Logging, Supervision and Assistance for Temporary Crew and Guests. 

• SYSTEM MANAGEMENT & NAVIGATION - Assist with navigation, way-point setting, weather routing, autopilot configuration, electrical system management etc. 
• BOAT MAINTENANCE AND SUPPLIES - Assist with boat maintenance, and obtaining and packing boat supplies.
• LOG ENTRIES - log entries to be completed at end of every watch.  
• SUPERVISE TEMPORARY CREW & GUESTS - 
• ENSURE NOBODY STANDS IN FOR ANOTHER'S WATCH - Everyone should share this responsibility. This is important. 
• ASSIST TEMPORARY CREW - with being effective in sailing operations and using Silentstorm equipment. 
• ASSIST GUESTS - in enjoying the experience.

1. DEFINITION- Temporary Crew are defined as those that sail aboard Silentstorm for more than 3 days, and typically sail aboard for a leg or two. RESEARCH PEOPLE are regarded as Temporary Crew.
2. APPROVAL/REMOVAL - Temporary Crew must be accepted by the Boat Council prior to Temporary Crew joining the boat. The Boat Council may also vote at any time to remove Temporary Crew for any reason whatsoever. Approval and Removal votes must be unanimous. No liability is accepted at any time by the Boat Council for approval or removal decisions - all costs resulting from such votes are the sole responsibility of Temporary Crew. Silentstorm may deviate from its planned route to leave Temporary Crew at an airport if no airport is nearby but such deviation is at the sole discretion of the Boat Council.
3. SIGNATORY - Temporary Crew must sign the Silentstorm Agreement before boarding Silentstorm. 
4. PICK-UPS / DROP-OFFS - Temporary Crew will fly in to an airport and then take any necessary ground transportation to join the boat, and fly out again after their planned leg(s) are done. Silentstorm will not deviate from its planned route to pick up Temporary Crew, or greet Temporary Crew at the airport. Occasionally, Silentstorm's planned route may change to accommodate weather, unforeseen circumstances etc. In such cases, prospective Temporary Crew will be informed in advance and alternative arrangements made. No liability will be accepted by Silentstorm for any changes, whether communicated or not. 
5. COSTS - Ground and air transportation and all associated costs and expenses are the sole responsibility of Temporary Crew - whether travelling to the boat, being aboard the boat and after leaving the boat. 
6. INSURANCE - Temporary Crew expenses must pay for their own travel and medical insurance for travel to and from the boat, and while on the boat also. 
7. PASSPORT & LEGAL DOCUMENTS - Temporary Crew are responsible for their own passport being up to date and legally acceptable for whichever countries Silentstorm may be visiting. Note that those with a criminal record will not be accepted aboard. All Crew passports will be held in the boat safe while aboard and will be given to customs officials etc. upon entering/leaving ports of entry as part of normal customs procedures. 
8. NO ILLEGAL OR INAPPROPRIATE POSSESSIONS - Temporary Crew must NOT bring any illegal possessions aboard at any time - they will be removed and disposed of at no cost to Silentstorm. This includes illegal fishing gear, narcotic drugs (including cannabis), alcohol, firearms, clothing with crude or inappropriate slogans (e.g. mocking indigenous peoples) etc. or anything that the Boat Council deems inappropriate. If you are not sure if it will be allowed, either ask or do not bring it. 
9. EQUIPMENT STAYS ON BOARD - Silentstorm equipment cannot be removed from the boat under any circumstances by Temporary Crew unless accompanied by a Permanent Crew member. 

1. GUESTS - Temporary Crew cannot bring Guests aboard without the permission of a Permanent Crew member. 
2. CABIN - Temporary Crew will normally be allocated the spare cabin (2 single berths)  while aboard. If more than one Temporary Crew is aboard and cannot share the cabin, then the main saloon table will be converted into a bed each night for additional Temporary Crew. Note: Temporary Crew may have to share their cabin while Temporary Crew are in transition etc. 
3. NO LEARNING TO SAIL - While Silentstorm may be an excellent learning opportunity in learning to sail, and in particular sailing all-electric, Temporary Crew must recognize that Silentstorm will not teach sailing. If this is a primary motivation, please do not come. Further, preference will be given in selecting Temporary Crew that  have prior sailing experience (with references) - where we are going, we may need this. 
4. NO ADJUSTMENTS TO COURSE - Temporary Crew must NOT make any course corrections, use the motors or batteries, or in any way affect the navigation of the boat except under the supervision of a Permanent Crew member. Silentstorm's overall planned route is published on the Silentstorm website. Temporary Crew may request deviations from course; the Boat Council will consider these but in most cases will deny such requests. However, the Boat Council may elect at any time to modify the planned route at any time for any reason and no liability will be incurred should this occur. 
5. NOT A FISHING BOAT - On Silentstorm we will fish for some meals. However, we will not sport-fish nor will we make fishing a main activity at any time. We will also not fish unethically (e.g. endangered fish will be put back, indigenous rights will be observed, monofilament line will not be used, etc. ). 
6. MINORS - Temporary Crew under the age of 18 years will be expected to take part as far as they are able in all boat operations (including meal preparation and clean-up); be considerate of others on board with regards technology, noise, food consumption, and personal hygiene; and not require special diets or treatment. Experience has shown that minors treated in this way become mature, responsible adults much faster, gain the respect of their peers, and are able to participate in ever more interesting pursuits.
7. PAY - Silentstorm will not pay Temporary Crew. Silentstorm offers the experience of sailing in places that most typically do not go, in a comfortable, technologically advanced, and ecological manner. Silentstorm provides the equivalent of 3 meals a day, comfortable sleeping accommodation and appropriate safety equipment (i.e life-vest, life-raft etc). No other costs on behalf of Temporary Crew will be considered, for example travel on side-trips, excursions, dinners ashore etc.
8. FITNESS - Temporary Crew must be fit, not be prone to seasickness, and be able and willing to participate in all normal boat activities (including docking, anchoring, sail adjustments, cleaning decks, getting groceries, shore-activities etc.). 
9. WATCH CAPTAIN - If, in the opinion of the Boat Council, a Temporary Crew member has DEMONSTRATED sufficient skill in handling the boat, they will be asked to take part in Watches as a Watch Captain (see below). At the discretion of the Boat Council, they may also be asked to participate in Boat Council meetings and be given a vote on all Boat Council matters EXCEPT Temporary Crew additions or removals. 

1. WHO? The Permanent Crew ARE the boat council. Temporary Crew and Guests do not have a vote at Boat Council. If a Temporary Crew member has been asked to be a Watch-Captain by the Boat Council, then he or she may additionally be asked to join Boat Council, at the Boat Council's discretion. 
2. WHEN? Boat Council meetings will typically be held at evening meals; decisions will be logged in the Ship's Log.
3. WHAT? Permanent Crew can vote in Boat Council meetings on matters affecting boat operations (e.g. choice of destination & method of approach, watches, safety matters, boat supply trips and goods to be purchased, changes to this agreement and side-trips . Side-trips are wee visits to things like Macchu Picu and the Nasca Lines and Permanent Crew may decide whether to engage at all, how to, and how long to spend on the side trip etc.  
4. WHAT IF? The Supreme High Admiral gets 1.5 votes in the event of a tie-breaker. Hopefully with three Permanent Crew, this will not be an issue.
5. PRIVATE COUNCILS - Permanent crew can request a private boat council and this should be standard practice when considering new Temporary Crew or Guests, or removal of same. 

SAFETY

It is the responsibility of everyone not to let an unsafe act go unnoticed. Most accidents are preventable. In particular… 

• LIFE-VESTS ARE MANDATORY WHEN... someone is the only person onboard, or when on watch, or at night when sailing (after dinner). During storms (i.e. wind-speed over 25 knots), life-vests are mandatory for everyone on the boat, whether or not they are involved in sailing operations. At other times they are optional but recommended. 
• LIFE-VESTS AND TETHERED HARNESSES ARE MANDATORY WHEN... conducting ALL sailing operations at night or in storms (i.e. wind-speed over 25 knots).
• MAN-OVERBOARD (MOB) - All persons onboard as far as is possible should be trained in MOB (Man Overboard) procedures, in First Aid, in Abandon Boat procedures, and in radio communications. We may have to run MOB procedures multiple times. 
• BUDDY SYSTEM – everyone going swimming/snorkeling/paddling in the ocean should take a buddy. 
• GOING ASHORE - No-one goes ashore without letting someone else on the boat know, and for how long. 

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SECURITY 

All Crew are expected to take the following precautions:

• GUESTS - If Guests are expected, the safe should be locked, and portable gear stowed (especially electronics and medical supplies). Permanent Crew should warn other Crew of imminent arrivalS and provide time to stow portable gear before arrival. In particular, guests will NOT be allowed on-board alone. 

• GUEST VETTING - Guests should be vetted before coming on board. It is VERY easy to be conned by people we will meet. Ask these questions:

1. Can they leave without you noticing? 
2. Do they have a cockroach or other pest infestation on their boat / in their house?  (if so, they are not allowed on board). 
3. Do they need money / a trip to somewhere / to hide from something/someone? 
4. Have you seen their ID?

• SHARE NOTHING - All Crew should be careful of sharing too much information with Guests whether onboard, ashore or via electronic communications. For example, boat itinerary, equipment (and location), and plans should be restricted to Crew discussions only. 

• LOCAL SMILERS - Local fishermen / random goods-sellers will NOT be allowed on board. Ever.

• DODGY OFFICIALS - Coastguard and local law enforcement should not be allowed to search the boat alone. This is a major source of equipment loss. However, every attempt should be made to de-escalate situations with this group of people. 

CLEANING

All Crew will participate in cleaning common areas and will maintain a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness in their own cabin and head according to the following approximate frequency (while not on passage): 

• DECKS – at least weekly. 
• MAIN CABIN – at least weekly.
• DISHES – everyone helps, on the basis that who cooks, does not clean.
• OWN CABIN, HEAD AND SHOWER – at least weekly, including bed-sheets.
• BOAT BOTTOM – TBD but at least every 3 months.

A washing machine will be available on the boat and there will be ample clean water thanks to the water-maker. 

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NUTRITION & DIET

All Crew & Guests should be aware of the following. Note that while jokes are permitted and expected - constant haranguing and persuasion to change our stance on diet & nutrition are not. 

• NOT VEGAN - Silentstorm is NOT a vegan boat and no attempt will be made to provide vegan meals or substitutes. 
• NO SPECIAL MEALS - No special meals will be provided and everyone is expected to share the evening meal. 
• TYPICAL DIET - the typical diet aboard Silentstorm will be a variety of fish and chicken meals with the occasional steak etc. supplemented by a range of vegetables and starches. The pantry will be kept well stocked and all Crew may participate in meal planning.
• PROVISIONING - Silentstorm provisioning will attempt to avoid processed foods and will try to ensure ingredients are fresh and local, though no guarantee can be made. There are lemon- and alcohol- allergic people aboard. It is expected that there will be an evening meal around 6pm each day, with other meals at crew discretion. Sometimes we will eat ashore. 
• PARTICIPATION - EVERYONE is expected to lend a hand either provisioning for, preparing meals or cleaning up afterward and disposal (in as a recyclable way as possible) trash. 

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BOAT OPERATIONS

• PARTICIPATION - All Crew will participate in boat operations such as: Sailing, Motoring, Anchoring, Docking, Beaching, Navigating, Communications ashore etc. under the direction of the Watch-Captain at all times. 
• 'HELPFUL' CREW - Crew trying to be excessively 'helpful' are reminded that there can be one Captain aboard at any time and that direction must be taken from that person before attempting anything on their own. 

ACTIVISM

Silentstorm is the amongst the first to pioneer all-electric propulsion. It will also be a champion of ecological awareness and promote sailing in an environmentally conscious manner. With this in mind, all Crew and Guests should be aware, and should support, Silentstorm engaging in the  activities such as the following:

1. ENCOURAGE ALL-ELECTRIC PURCHASES - Inviting guests (including prospective purchasers of all-electric catamarans) aboard to view and observe all-electric, sustainable, recyclable sailing.
2. BOAT SHOW PARTICIPATION - Participating in Boat Shows where appropriate, including supervising the boat with Guests aboard.
3. PROMOTIONS - Other promotional activities concerning green sailing.
4. NO SINGLE-USE PLASTICS - Avoiding single-use plastics while aboard. All Crew and Guests, if possible, will be given re-usable water-flasks and given water from the Silentstorm water-maker. No plastic bottles will be required or allowed on the boat. 
5. ENVIRONMENT CHANGE DOCUMENTATION - Documenting climate and ocean change - for example, taking daily measurements of water temperature, radioactivity, acidity, current, pollution levels; counting seal and penguin colonies, documenting whale numbers and locations. 
6. ILLEGAL ACTIVITY DOCUMENTATION - Photographing or videoing illegal activities at sea, such as mining, waste-dumping, illegal fishing of endangered species, or illegal bilge-pumping. 
7. NON-VIOLENT PROTEST AND ACTION - For example, sinking illegal drift-nets. Silentstorm will not however engage in  activism that could lead to Crew receiving physical violence, such as maneuvering between whales and whale-hunters, or blocking pipes discharging waste into the sea. As much as these activities are abhorrent, they are outwith the ability of the Silentstorm crew to address alone.

The following are considered Boat Owner Expenses:

1. BOAT ADMINISTRATION - Boat Registration, Boat Marine Insurance, Traveler’s Medical Insurance for all crew. Travelers Medical Insurance will typically be for immediate needs only and will assume return to Canada for longer-term care, particularly with issues occurring in the US. 
2. BOAT REPAIRS - Repairs to the boat.
3. CREDIT CARD EXPENSES - $1,000 Credit cards will be issued to Permanent Crew to cover expenses relating to the boat. Decisions to purchase should wherever possible be prior-approved by Council. Boat Expenses will be limited to:

• TRAVEL - Permanent Crew may travel back to Vancouver up to twice per year as a Boat Expense. While in Vancouver, reasonable expenses for the crew member will be covered by the Boat Owner for up to two weeks (i.e. food, ground transport, accommodation). Temporary Crew travel expenses are the Temporary Crew's responsibility.
• COUNTRY VISAS - for each Crew member, Entrance permits for the boat, Marina and Port Captain fees, Pilot fees, etc. 
• CHARTS & NAVIGATION AIDS - The plan is currently to rely on B&G  maps and charts. As a backup, Silentstorm will also have a sextant, lat-long tables and overview paper charts. 
• BOAT SUPPLIES - (e.g. fuel, water, engine parts, sail cover fasteners, materials needed to fix something, anchor rode etc.)
• GROCERIES - sufficient for 3 meals a day per person and snacks/drinks. Also see Diet & Nutrition above. 
• MEALS ASHORE - as mutually agreed.
• HOTEL ACCOMMODATION - ashore (only in the event the boat is incapacitated for some reason, or while on a side-trip).
• SIDE-TRIPS - including local air fare that have been approved by the Council to see an attraction.
• OTHER - expenses as approved by Boat Council. 

The following are considered Crew (Permanent & Temporary) & Guest expenses:

1. PERSONAL ADMINISTRATION - Passports, personal medical requirements  (eye-care, dental care, pills, etc. ). Vaccines and voyage-related medical expenses (e.g. a full check-up.) will be a boat owner expense.  
2. PERSONAL INSURANCE - Insurance for their own computer or other high-value item they choose to bring with them.  
3. PERSONAL EFFECTS - Clothes and personal belongings. Please also see the Equipment List below.  
4. PERSONAL PURCHASES - Souvenirs and gifts, shipment of gifts and souvenirs, favourite candy-bar addictions, bets on who will round the buoy first (including those made with Boat Owner), etc.
5. LIVING ASHORE- Rent, accomodation fees, storage of personal goods or any other expense related to living or being ashore is not considered a Boat Expense. 

1. WATCH-CAPTAIN - The person primarily responsible for the boat while on watch is the Watch-Captain, and his/her instructions MUST be followed until the watch is over. Crew must not perform any sailing operation without checking with the Watch-Captain first. 
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - Watch changes should be acknowledged verbally by the person taking over to avoid confusion. 
3. LOGGING - An entry should be made in the Ship's Log at every watch change by the person coming off watch. This encourages a check of the navigation and weather forecast.  
4. TEMPORARY CREW - If Temporary Crew are experienced and available, other watch systems will be used that involve a fair and equal share of Watch-time for all. When Temporary Crew are taking a watch, they become Watch-Captain. Boat Council will decide which Temporary Crew take watches. See Temporary Crew obligations above. 
5. WHEN TO WATCH - Watches will be kept while underway or when the Boat Council deems an anchor watch is advisable. 
6. ALL CREW ON WATCH - It is the responsibility of everyone aboard, whether Crew or Guest, to keep watch while awake, and to inform the Watch-Captain of anything which may affect the boats progress, no matter how far away.   

• NIGHT WATCHES: 4 hours on, 8 hours off, starting at 6pm. For example: 
• Ruth 6-10pm. Cam/Dave asleep. Dave is backup. 
• Dave 10pm-2am. Ruth/Cam asleep. Cam is backup.
• Cam 2am-6am. Dave/Ruth asleep. Ruth is backup. 

• DAY WATCHES: 6 hours on, 6 hours off, starting at 6am.     For example: 
• Ruth 6am – 12noon. 
• Dave 9am – 3pm. Helm-time to be shared as appropriate. 
• Cam 12noon – 6pm. 

IMPORTANT -  There will be NO sailing operations without waking a backup, under any circumstances. 

NOTE - Watches wreck your sleep and tired crew make mistakes so the trip has been planned so as to require the minimum number of night watches. Some harbours may also require an anchor-watch with one of us remaining awake, just in case, on the same watch schedule. Most of the hazards on this trip will probably be people-related, not nature-related. 

These General rules apply to everyone on the boat. Anyone found with alcohol, drugs or smoky things may be asked to leave immediately and permanently in addition to having the offending article(s) removed and disposed of. 

1. DRY BOAT – Silentstorm will be a dry boat – no alcohol on the boat, whether stored in a bottle or can, or open in a glass or can. Guests will be informed before they board.
   
2. SMOKE FREE - Silentstorm  will be a smokeless boat – no cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, cigars, weed, or anything which may cause other crew members to inhale smoke.
   
3. DRUG FREE – Silentstorm will be a narcotics-free boat. The only drugs will be truly medicinal.
   
4. CARDBOARD FREE – Silentstorm will be a cardboard-free and paper-packaging-free boat. Cardboard is a preferred egg-laying site for cockroaches and other insects. All cardboard boxes will be unloaded on the dock and loaded into Tupperware boxes. This includes cereal boxes and other paper storage products. We will be purchasing re-usable containers as a substitute. Note that cockroaches can eat through Zip-lock bags and their eggs will be regularly found in flour and pasta overseas; once on board they are nearly impossible to remove. Understand this, but do not freak out. Boric Acid = your friend, my friend.
   
5. QUIET TIME – The hours from 11pm to 7am are regarded as “quiet time”. All Crew will minimize noise during this time.
   
6. NO LIGHTS AT NIGHT – all Crew will minimize the use of any light source in or outside the boat during Quiet Time or at other times as requested by the Watch-Captain. It can take up to 45 minutes to regain lost night-vision. If light must be used, it should be dulled, and red-light only.
   
7. SPEAK UP – All Crew must bring to the attention of the Watch-Captain anything that appears strange or does not appear OK – e.g. significant change in wind, water-current, low levels of water or fuel or electricity, water ingress, approaching vessels/logs/rocks, items in the water, etc. HOWEVER, once mentioned to Watch-Captain, it is up to the Watch-Captain to decide what to do, even if that is to do nothing.
   
8. WATCH CAPTAIN IS FINAL ARBITER - There will be no arguments with the Watch-Captain. Ever. Permanent Crew can address the matter at Council later, if required.
   
9. DINGHY TIME MINIMIZATION - If someone borrows the dinghy to go ashore/fishing/whatever, they will return the dinghy within a reasonable time, and not expect those on board or ashore to remain there indefinitely.
   
10. NO PETS OR POTTED PLANTS -  Pets and plants bring pests aboard and incur the wrath of customs officials.
    
11. NO CHUM ON BOARD - We are not in the business of hunting sharks, except with cameras.  
    
12. FUN – It is obligatory to have fun on Silentstorm and to help everyone else to have fun too.
    
13. BOAT LOGO - The Silentstorm Logo will be as above. It is of personal significance to Dave. See BLOG for the story.