The following outline, along with the Polynesian Voyaging Society crew training manual, will provide the safety policies, standards and criteria that will be the basis for all sailing operations of Hōkūleʻa.

A. Seaworthiness

1. Certified Marine Survey This survey will certify that Hōkūleʻa is in seaworthy condition to sail within Hawaiian waters. (Mike Doyle's 1996 survey meets this requirement.)

2. Captains and Watch Captains check list are used at all times (Polynesian Voyaging Society's Check Manual)

B. Equipment

1. Safety Requirements

1.1. While in operation, Hōkūleʻa maintains on board, Federal requirements and equipment requirements for her class and length.

1.2. All additional equipment listed in the Polynesian Voyaging Society's crew manual manifests required for safe operation.

2. Navigation Requirements

2.1 Proper and appropriate charts

2.2 Compass

2.3 Tide Charts

2.4 Copy of International and Inland Rules of Road

3. Communications

3.1 VHF Station Radio

3.2 Two hand held VHF Radios

3.3 Cellular Phone

3.4 Standard float plans are given to Polynesian Voyaging Society's officials each time Hōkūleʻa is sailed.

4. Supplies: Minimum required supplies as determined by manifest in Polynesian Voyaging Society's crew training manual.

C. Insurance and Liability

1. Hull

2. Liability

3. Waivers for all who sail on Hōkūleʻa.

4. Parental Consent: All minors are required to have a written consent from their parents.

D. Weather Criteria

1. Monitoring

1.1. N.W.S. all Hawaiian waters 48 hour forecasts, updated every 6 hours.

1.2. N.W.S. buoy and coastal observations updated every 6 hours.

1.3. N.W.S. surf reports observations and forecasts updated every 6 hours.

1.4. Consulting with national weather service and/or U.H. meteorology forecasters as required.

2. General Criteria

2.1. For the time in which Hōkūleʻa will be underway:

2.1.1. “No marine warnings in effect” (winds up to 20 knots). Hōkūleʻa will be allowed to sail anywhere.

2.1.2. “Marginal wind and sea conditions” and “Small craft advisories are in effect”. This is a judgment call. Factors such as route, time of day, conditions of sail, actual geographical considerations, etc.

2.1.3. “Gale force warnings in effect” or any winds above 33 knots. All sail operations are prohibited.

3. Other Factors and Issues

3. 1 Other factors that influence “small craft advisories” besides winds and sea conditions that must be factored into “Go, No Go” decisions to sailing operations are for example, high surf, water spouts, strong winds associated with isolated thunder storms, etc.

3.2 Final decision of the departure for any part of the Statewide sail will be made by Nainoa Thompson.

3.3 Weather sheets and forms are in the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s training manual.

E. Escort Boats

1. The following are safety and performance criteria for escort boats:

1.1 Meets minimum U.S. Coast Guard and Federal equipment requirements for safety.

1.2 Range (Fuel)

1.3 Speed

1.4 Evacuation of crew

1.5 Towing ability

1.6 Seaworthy in heavy winds and sea conditions

1.7 Communications: VHF, cellular

1.8 Navigation: GPS or other accurate positioning equipment

1.9 Maneuverability

1.10 Qualified captains and crew

2. Route, time of day and position of sail are all factors in selection of escort boats.

2.1 Interisland, Night Sailing, More than 8 miles from shore.

2.2 Coastal port to port (same island and daylight hours only).

2.3 Near shore (return to port of departure, daylight hours only).

F. No drugs and/or alcohol shall be consumed on or near the Hōkūleʻa.

Any event/activity occurring in proximity of Hōkūleʻa will be alcohol and drug free.

G. The Captain shall:

1. Be responsible for all on-board.

2. Decide if a crew member has met the minimum requirements.

3. Be responsible for ensuring that the “Standard Policies and Procedures” are met by completing the required forms.

4. Not less than 72 hours before any sail, send to Nainoa Thompson the following required forms:

4.1 Sail plan

4.2 Hōkūleʻa crew and passenger list

4.3 Names of escort boat, captain and crew

4.4 General specification of escort boat(s)

H. All Hōkūleʻa’s and escort boat(s)’s crew and passengers will complete a Polynesian Voyaging Society’s “Waiver of Liability, Release, and Assumption of Risk Agreement” form.

I. The final decision for the movement/operation/sailing of the Hōkūleʻa will be made by Nainoa Thompson or the person he designates.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Captains and Watch Captains.

A. Minimum Requirements For Captains:

• Three or more deep sea voyages.

• 10,000 miles or more and 100 days or more at sea on board Hōkūleʻa or Hawaii Loa.

• Have served as officers on board Hōkūleʻa or Hawaii Loa in deep sea voyages to the South Pacific and/or Pacific Northwest.

B. Minimum Requirements For Watch Captains:

• Minimum of two deep sea voyages to the South Pacific.

• Served as Watch Captains in past voyages.

Minimum Requirements for Crew

1. Be able to swim.

2. Safety:

2.1 Has knowledge and practice in the following safety procedures on Hōkūleʻa:

a. Man over-board

b. Fire procedures

c. Other general safety issues as they relate to:

(1) The canoe;

(2) Its equipment;

(3) And operations.

2.2 Wearing of life jacket procedures

2.3 Use of safety harness

3. Operation:

3.1 Knowledge and practice of basic aspects of Hōkūleʻa:

a. Steering

b. Handing of sails

c. Trim

Minimum Requirements for Passengers

• Able to swim.

• Always remain inside the railing

• Be chaperoned by a crew member at all times.