Training and safety drill
A few days ago, some of our staff, namely the guides and the hard-working people in ticket sales, got the opportunity to better themselves even further. A course in speech, presence and service was held in cooperation with Margrét, an actor, and Oddur Bjarni, a director. Most of us know both of them from Let’s Talk Local, the comedy show about the history of the nearby area, which has been showing in Gamli Baukur restaurant this summer.
The group was split up and got an evening each with the professionals, where everyone got evaluated and given some helpful criticism and great advice and pointers to think about.
Yesterday the weather conditions were too rough to go out whale watching, but that of course makes perfect conditions to practice safety measures. Accidents happen in any conditions, but dealing with them is hardest in unfavorable weather. Captains, guides and deckhands met down at the pier and went thoroughly through safety measures on their respective boats. Many sorts of emergencies were discussed, along with correct responses, where to find and use safety equipment and even a few simple knots everyone should know. Having gone through that, everyone got together on Bjössi Sör and we headed out for some hands-on action. Every one of the guides got a chance to try out steering Bjössi, in case of emergency. We then practiced “man over board,” which is most likely to happen in conditions like those in the bay that day, but has fortunately never occured in the history of North Sailing.
Here below are a few pictures from the safety drill yesterday.
Captain Hrólfur discusses the location of safety equipment on board Knörrinn, among other things.
The captain showing the anchor on Bjössi Sör to a few deckhands.
Checking out one of the liferafts on Bjössi, how to launch it as well as what needs to be concidered.
Guide Halla Marín steering Bjössi Sör under supervision by the captain.
Soaked but happy on the way back.
The last few days have therefore been great practice for the staff, although the conditions at the moment haven’t given us opportunity to show the results. Of course, that only means that we’ll be even more ready and willing when the weather blows over!
VP
