To checklist, or not to checklist ?

[PaulMcC]

I think all you need to do is persuade her that she shouldn't hesitate to give you a call on her mobile to ask questions.
Other than they best stay out of the way (but secretly ready!)

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I agree with all those who say she is over 20, she has lived away from home, so she is an independent adult who should be be treated as such. By all means suggest that a checklist might be useful, but if her way of operating doesn't include checklists (and it doesn't for everybody), then it's her decision.

Personally, I agree with those who adhere to the KISS principle. An over-elaborate checklist can mean that something really obvious is not checked! Many years ago, I took flying lessons. This included going through a lengthy checklist before take-off. However, at the end of going through the checklist, the instructor said, "OK, now stand back and take a look at the plane!" - because the checklist wouldn't tell you if one wing was lower than the other, or even if they were both still on the aircraft!

Gas, Electricity, Fuel and Seacocks are all the checklist I ever use on a boat. Almost anything else is self-correcting!

I have used lengthy and detailed checklists when operating temperamental prototype electronic equipment in the Arctic. That was a situation where it mattered not just that things were done, but that they were done in the right order. Some mistakes could have meant aborting a vastly expensive field season; some things didn't have spare parts. In that kind of situation, a check-list is essential. But on a boat, it really depends on how your mind works, and checklists may not be helpful for everybody.

 

[greggron]

She is skipper of her own boat now. Her independence will mean she will learn quickly and stick to the colregs and other rules. Perhaps you could let her know how valuable you find checklists (from one sailor to a fellow sailor) and suggest she might like to compile her own. I use a 'leaving the boat checklist' because it helps when I get back to the mooring and I know the water taxi is due in a few minutes and I don't want to see anything left on deck or flapping around as the launch pulls away. I don't have any others.

 

[pheran]

A parallel for you Tim.

I took my driving test in my father's brand new car, just 150 miles on the clock. Having passed, we were driving back from the Test Centre when Dad told me to pull into the next petrol station. He filled up the car and then said "Right, I'm going to walk the rest of the way. You bugger off and learn to drive. And don't come home until the fuel gauge reads less than a quarter" Great bloke, my old Dad. And so trusting, especially as I was only 17!!

 

[mcframe]

I offer:
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a11/a11sur.pdf

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a12/a12_cdrcuff.pdf

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right/dp/1846683149

Arriving at the boat and actually sailing it should be OK, but a credit card sized leaving the boat list might be handy - from seacocks, gas, sail tie round jib, halyards secure, electrics off, flags struck, phone & house & car keys in pocket, to check fuel/water/tea/coffee/booze levels...

I keep a "boat ToDo list" on my phone, updated onshore and afloat, and a boat-bag that when in the garage is filled with things to go aboard (clean towels and new fittings, along with any tools required); and when afloat is filled with things to go ashore (things requiring cleaning and fettling at home).

 

[William_H]

I am anti check lists for boats. If you don't rmemeber it it probably is not worth worrying about. Or if it is important and you forget you will just have to make amends.
I do like when possible to just stop and check things in my mind before depature from boat to go home or departure from mooring.
As said just let her go. Either find a friendly MOBO owner who will standby in case of need to rescue but don't tell her of this plan. Or just go on board and don't say a word. Unless it all goes to worms and she asks for help. People learn sailing by their experience and mistakes. They are not easily taught. So just shut up and leave her to it. I have seen too many parents over supervise their younger kids to a point where they lose interest.
good luck olewill

 

[Amulet]

Each to their own method. I find the "leaving the boat" checklist hugely valuable, and it's really the only one I use. Saves a lot of standing pondering as to whether everything has been done, does the key things like seacocks, but also makes sure that the ensign is in and the halyards are frapped - which neighbours appreciate even if you don't - and lists items we'd normally take home etc. It avoids those "Oh **** I forgot to...." on the drive home. We also have a rule that if the starter key is hanging on the coolant seacock it is closed, and if it is not it is open.

In my other main hobby - photography - I have just for the first time introduced a checklist. It has a set of pre-expedition checks and a set of "per shot" checks. Maybe I'm just stupid, but I find it easy to leave the camera set on ISO 6400 at the end of an evening and forget to set it to something more sensible the next morning, or even leave a polaroid filter on the lens eating up light when it's completely unnecessary. My checklists have improved the technical quality of my shots by huge margin - now all we need is someone more creative behind the camera!

 

[PilotWolf]

Professionally checklists are invaluable and tick the 'I did' box and should be signed off as appropriate. Also check (as Skipper) the checklist IS checked and not just ticked off...

In the OP position maybe ask if she would like an aide memoir?

W.

 

[Daydream believer]

I suggest you leave her alone & let her get on with it
If she wants help she will ask
Bit suprised she has not invited a friend along to share the experience & join in the fun

 

[cryan]

It might be of more use to give her a chart to study for an hour or so rather than a checklist. Thatway you could probably dispense with the Getting lost, Running Aground and Sinking, checklists.