Welcome aboard. A catamaran is a compact, shared space where comfort, safety, and mutual respect depend on everyone following a few simple principles. Please read this carefully before departure.
Always Wear a Life Jacket on Deck
Whenever you move on deck — day or night, calm or rough — you must wear a life jacket. Conditions can change instantly in Arctic waters, and a man-overboard situation in cold water is life-threatening within minutes. This rule has no exceptions.
Know the Safety Procedures
Before departure, familiarise yourself with the vessel's emergency procedures: location of life jackets, life raft, and grab bag; MOB (man overboard) protocol; and muster points. Ask the skipper if anything is unclear. This is not optional.
Locate the Fire Extinguishers
Identify the location of all fire extinguishers aboard before we depart. Fire at sea is one of the most serious emergencies possible. Know where the extinguishers are and how to operate them. The skipper will point these out during the safety briefing.
Skipper Authority
The skipper has full authority over all vessel operations and safety decisions. His or her instructions are to be followed immediately and without debate. For a full overview of the decision-making framework onboard, please read the Skipper Authority & Operational Guidelines.
No Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the vessel — below deck, in the cockpit, or on the bow. Fuel vapours, gas systems, and confined spaces make fire risk significant. This rule is absolute and non-negotiable.
Fishing — Follow Skipper's Instructions
Fishing from the vessel is welcome, but only under the skipper's guidance. The skipper will determine when and where fishing is permitted, taking into account navigation, anchorage, local regulations, and vessel safety. Never cast lines without prior approval.
Alcohol — Use with Caution
Alcohol is permitted in moderation. However, intoxication onboard is a safety risk — balance on a moving vessel is compromised, and response time in an emergency is reduced. The skipper reserves the right to restrict alcohol consumption at any time. Never consume alcohol before going on deck in rough conditions.
Be Careful at All Times on Deck
Move deliberately and hold on to fixed surfaces — rails, shrouds, grab handles. The phrase "one hand for the boat, one hand for yourself" is a fundamental rule at sea. Never run on deck. Be especially cautious when moving forward of the mast.
The Toilet — Read This Carefully
The onboard toilet is an electric marine head. To flush, hold the button down continuously for 5 seconds. Never release and press again — hold it for the full cycle. Nothing other than human waste and the provided marine toilet paper may be flushed. Sanitary pads, tampons, wipes, or regular toilet paper must go in the waste bin provided. Blocking the toilet system at sea is a serious problem.
Use Water Sparingly
Fresh water onboard is limited. The tanks must last the entire trip. Turn off taps immediately after use, take short showers, and avoid running water unnecessarily. Every litre matters. If you are unsure how much water is available, ask the skipper before using large quantities.
Keep the Vessel Tidy
A tidy boat is a safe boat. Ropes, equipment, and personal items left loose on deck or in passageways are a tripping hazard. Stow your gear after each use, keep the saloon and galley clear, and return shared items to their designated place. Clutter in small spaces escalates quickly.
Leave the Large Suitcase at Home
Storage aboard a catamaran is limited and oddly shaped. Hard-shell suitcases cannot be stowed and become obstacles in cabins and passageways. Pack in a soft duffel bag or dry bag that can be compressed and pushed under a berth. Pack for the function, not the fashion.
Electrical Awareness
The vessel runs on battery power replenished by the engine and solar panels. Avoid leaving chargers, lights, or electrical devices running unnecessarily. High consumption overnight can affect engine start and navigation systems. Ask the skipper before using high-draw devices.
Participate in Galley Duties
Meal preparation and washing up are shared responsibilities. Everyone is expected to contribute — whether it's helping to cook, setting the table, or doing the dishes afterward. Nobody is exempt. The galley works best when everyone pitches in without being asked.
Be Flexible
Plans change at sea. Weather, wind, ice conditions, and operational requirements may alter the itinerary at any point. Embrace the uncertainty — it is part of what makes an Arctic voyage memorable. Flexibility is not a compromise; it is the correct mindset for this environment.
Respect Shared Space
You are sharing a small vessel with other guests and crew for an extended period. Be considerate with noise levels — especially early mornings and late evenings. Keep common areas clean after use. Respect others' rest, privacy, and personal space.
Avoid Difficult Topics & Unnecessary Conflict
Leave political debates, religious discussions, and personal controversies ashore. This trip is a shared experience — protect that environment for everyone. If tension arises, step back and speak privately and calmly. A smile goes a long way at sea.
Dress for the Arctic
Conditions change rapidly. Dress in layers and always have a windproof and waterproof outer layer accessible. Hypothermia is a real risk — wet and cold combined act fast. Keep dry clothes in a dry bag and never go on deck underdressed.
Quick Reference Summary