Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) part of the page. Click the question to open the answer. If you dont see what you are looking for, dont hesitate to leave us a message or let us know on Facebook. We will answer all your questions as quickly as possible.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who and why you help?
Our mission is to rescue people in direct and obvious danger. No matter their nationality, religion, or any appearance or character trait. That’s captain’s moral and legal duty, established through The International Convention On Salvage, IMO 1989, which in article no. 10.1 says that:
“Every master is bound, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his vessel and persons thereon, to render assistance to any person in danger of being lost at sea.”
How patrol actions look like?
We patrol the sea all day and night, sailing on our small yachts. When we see any people (overboard – in the water, or on board – often in pontoons) calling for help, we:
- call Coast Guard and/or local ships in area to report quickly what we see and what we are going to do;
- rescue people in danger;
- call Coast Guard and/or local ships again to report our further actions and intentions;
- we drop one of our rescuers to the nearest port or local authorities vessel to fill up all the legal documents for the action;
- we check the health of rescued people, we provide help and support, take them to the land and leave them in a safe place, where they will be taken care of (most often with other NGOs);
- we come back on the water to continue the patrol.
Who is financing your actions?
We don’t have any permanent financing, we work mainly thanks to many private donations and crowdfunding actions.
If you want to become our Partner, Sponsor or Donor, please let us know.
Is it dangerous?
Sailing is always dangerous but a good captain know how to minimise potential risks. The most important thing here is to be able to caltculate the danger fast and make decisions based on everyones’ safety on the first place.
Can I join you? Can I open a division in my country/city?
Yes you can. We are very open to cooperation and focused on helping all people whose lives are at risk – anywhere. If you understand and agree with this simple idea, feel welcome to join our team. You can set up a local branch of Sailors Without Borders or just join our main group. You can go on actions with us or support us from home. If you are interested, don’t hesitate to contact us.
CAPTAINS’ QUESTIONS
For how many hours a day I should partol the sea?
As long as you can and as it’s safe for you, your crew and the boat. You are there to safe lives at sea. You can’t be effective without enough of sleep or eating. However, the exact time of working is your decision as the captain. You have to know the actual weather forecast, needs of your crew and your boat condition and make your decision basing on all those factors.