Where the boat is sailing will determine what a skipper has to do. The skipper has a simple task if the boat is close to shore and within easy reach of an established port. As the boat makes longer passages and is further from the shore and from the area that the skipper knows, their duties will become more difficult. They must now prepare for night sailing and unfamiliar ports as well as possible bad weather. The demands of offshore sailing are greater, as they are far from land. Skippers may face a variety of problems, including prolonged bad weather, gear failure when they are out of reach of assistance, and crew illness.
As mentioned above, a skipper is the most important individual on a boat and has several responsibilities. They include:
- Plan the entire journey to the destination. This may take a few days
- Navigation of the vessel
- Know how to maintain and operate all equipment onboard
- Take care of the vessel’s safety and that of its crew
- Managing the vessel from all angles.
- The skipper is responsible for ensuring that the rules and laws of maritime law are followed, whether the trip is for fishing or a holiday. For RYA Day Skipper Course, visit Solent Boat Training
Although skipper work may seem like a lot of responsibility, it is also enjoyable. Some skippers enjoy fishing, and use it to earn a living. They may be self-employed and work on their boats. But those without a boat may work for larger companies that hire skippers to look after their boats and catch. A good skipper can earn a decent income. A skipper with experience can move on to other careers such as harbour tug work, Merchant Navy or offshore oil and gas exploration.
