|
Long offshore runs with two or three is the most grueling for crews, when sailing for many days to weeks at a time. I would never do a long passage by myself (I'm not a glutton for punishment), and a crew of two is not really my cup of tea, but three is very workable. On a three person crew each person has to take a 4 hour watch, which lets them have 8 hours off. 8 hours off may sound like a lot of time, but it's not when you consider what their off duty routine would be. 1 hour to help the new watch get comfortable, and to let the old watch wind down from their watch. 1 hour to change clothes if needed, get something to eat, and clean up after themselves. 1 hour of private time before sleep, but could include sleep. 5 to 6 hours of sleep...then up and at it again for another 4 hour watch. Three people can do 3 on and 6 off, but for long periods of time (weeks) this system will begin to break down. There is not a lot of interaction between the crew, as it's more like ships passing in the night at watch change. When the watch rotation is broken by someone, someone will have to pay the price on their watch because of lack of sleep...and that's the watch when bad things might happen. The person on watch should not call on the off duty watch, unless it is a serious problem or they need relief. More than 3 for a crew changes the whole complexion of the watch system, and makes a long passage much more enjoyable.
|
Linear Mode
