New England Seabirds
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Safety
Before the
trip begins the captain will outline the rules for the particular boat. One
rule is universal... Always keep both feet on the deck of the boat at all
times. Do not stand on benches, chairs or anything else trying to get a
better view even of a life bird. Falling on a rocking boat can be very
dangerous because as you go down, the boat may come up to meet you increasing
the force of the impact. If you are injured, you are several hours away from
any medical help.
If your view of a bird is blocked, let the people at
the rail know. They may let you move forward.
In rough seas, keep one
hand on the boat rail at all times and go down stairs backwards as if you were
descending a ladder.
Avoid Sea Sickness
We
are lucky in the New England area to have many large and stable boats due to
the whale watching industry. For some people, motion sickness can still be a
factor. There are many new drugs for the prevention of sea sickness. See your
doctor and take your medicine before you board the boat. Remember the boat will
not return to the dock because you are sick. Before you sign up for an eight to
twelve hour trip, try a four hour whale watch. Have breakfast before you come
avoiding greasy foods.
If you are feeling a little queasy stay outside
on the lower deck. Watch the horizon. Going in the bathroom is sure to make you
sick. If it happens anyway lean over the rail. It makes good chum. Have a
bottle of water with which to wash out your mouth.
Equipment
Always
have an optical cloth or a good soft cotton handcherchief in your pocket to
clean the salt spray off your binoculars and glasses. Better yet have two so
you can always find one.
Bring your binoculars, but leave your scope at
home. If you have a camera be sure to have it on a strap around your neck and
to have some protection against spray.
Secure your prescription eyeglasses
with an elastic band. You may lean over the rail to watch a bow riding dolphin
and off they go. If it falls in the ocean, it is gone forever. Have an extra
pair of glasses with you.
Don't forget sunglasses, cap with visor and
sunscreen even in winter. The glare of the sun can be brutal.
It is always a bit colder out on the water. For early spring and late fall trips, bring several extra layers of clothing, gloves and a warm hat. In summer it is usually warm enough to wear shorts and sandals, but be prepared with extra layers in case it turns out to be cooler than you think.
It is probably impossible to be too warmly dressed for winter trips on the north Atlantic. Wear insulated boots, two pairs of gloves, a wool sweater under your parka and a tight fitting warm hat.
Some boat owners dislike shoes with black foam soles found on most hiking boots as they leave black marks on fiberglass hulls. Most New England boats have metal decks so you do not have to worry about this issue. Be sure to check on this when you take trips in other areas especially on the Country Girl out of South Carolina.
If your trip is on a small boat, rubber boots will keep your feet dry when cold water washes over the deck. (California water is cold. ) The Gulf Stream on North Carolina trips is not cold and rubber boots will be a misery. Rubber sandals and wet feet will be better. On the large New England boats, you do not have to worry about your feet getting wet unless it is raining. In summer you can wear sandals if you want, but sneakers are always appropriate. In winter wear insulated boots or shoes. The decks will be very cold.
Hats need to be secure. The ocean does not need a collection of baseball hats. Use a string to attach your hat to your clothing to prevent it from blowing off into the water.
It is a good idea to have dry clothes and shoes in your car. If it rains or you get hit with a big wave, it is very comfortable to have dry clothes to change into for the trip home. A towel or even a large face cloth in your backpack can be a great comfort if you need to dry off.
Food
The whale watching
boats in the New England area have full galley service with pizza, sandwiches,
breakfast sandwiches, coffee, milk, soft drinks. Smaller boats may not have
this service. Always find out in advance what food will be available. Even if
the boat has a galley you may want to bring your own food. Twelve hours is a
long time to be hungry or to subsist on junk food. Always bring water. Bringing
alcoholic beverages aboard is illegal in some areas such as Boston although you
can buy beer once aboard.
Trash
The ocean
is not a garbage can. Do not throw trash overboard. Be very careful to hold
onto plastic wrappers. Plastic garbage is a serious problem for marine mammals
and birds who mistake it for food.
On whale watching trips with
non-birding tourists, do not throw biodegradable garbage in the ocean. It sets
a bad example. If you see someone with one of those disposable cigarette
lighters, speak to them about how harmful they are to marine animals. A dead
baby Laysan Albatross was once found to have 7 plastic disposable lighters in
its stomach. Who could survive that?
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