For some people, cruising is a solitary escape from the busy world we have all come to know. A time to cut the tether and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells only boaters experience. Others find their enjoyment of boating life amplified when they can share the experience with family or friends. Cindy and I find ourselves in this second category and have invited numerous guests aboard during our 15,000 nautical miles of cruising adventures from Key West to Nova Scotia and beyond.

One of the keys to success in welcoming new crew is first deciding "will these people be passengers or participants?" Crew who are later in life and perhaps less agile than they once were, will probably be in the passenger category for most activities. Some may have a tough time just boarding the vessel. Members of your boating or yacht club, however, may wish to actively participate in the cruise so that one day they can follow in your wake and cruise for extended periods themselves.

The duration of the cruise with your guests will also determine how integrated they become. For a day cruise around the harbor, it is most likely that guests will remain in the "passenger" category where you ask them to have a seat and basically stay out of the way. A longer multi-day or weeklong cruise, however, and the investment in teaching people how to handle lines, fenders, the shore power cord, drive the boat, traverse locks, cook, clean and other items becomes worthwhile.

Crew experience levels differ, so the approach to preparing them to be helpful can take a variety of routes. We have had great success actually starting the process before the cruise begins. In some cases, we have recommended prospective crew watch episodes of YouTube creators like Scho and Jo or Niki and Jason Wynn. The content those creators have published can be very helpful in crew prep, especially when they have cruised the same waters our crew will be cruising with us. For example, locking through the Erie Canal is a very deliberate process, watching those videos helped our visiting crew understand what they would be doing without us having to do all the talking when they arrived.

Other possibilities include online seminars with organizations like the America's Boating Club. Many common procedures like docking, anchoring, using a VHF radio etc. are covered in their very complete library of courses. America's Boating Channel on YouTube is a third resource with many useful and educational videos – alongside a deep catalog of entertaining movies and other content. Who could go to the islands without previewing Captain Ron?

In addition to suggesting resources for your crew to prepare, here is basic checklist when inviting others on board:

• Don't forget to conduct a thorough safety briefing when they arrive. Cover locations of first-aid resources, fire extinguishers, PFDs, and what to do in various scenarios, such as a man overboard event.
• Set your expectations for what you want them to do when docking, such as keeping hands in the boat, staying on station, or handling lines and fenders.
• Communicate often and early about your plans.
• Confirm that they understand your terminology and boating vernacular.
• Discuss what to do and various options if plans don't work out. As joyful as boating can be, it has its hazards.

When everyone is on the same page it improves teamwork, effectiveness and enjoyment for those delightful days aboard. Have fun and keep cruising!

Cindy and Eric Ringwall are lifelong boaters that have sailed and power boated well over 15,000 nautical miles in domestic and international locales. Both are former US Navy officers and Eric holds a US Coast Guard 100T Near Coastal Master's license. They are both active in the United States Power Squadrons/America's Boating Club organization in the Atlanta area, which they call home when not off boating somewhere else. They completed the Down East Loop in 2023 and have been part of Robert Sherer's (Bob423) Surveyor Team on the Intracoastal waterway. They can also be found working with Waterway Guide at boat shows and special events.