Pirate weekend on the Santa Maria

Participant/Re-enactor Battle Saefty

In Progress. Please check back later when this further updated or completed!

Small Arms (Flintlock Muskets and Pistols)

• All small arms will be inspected prior and after every battle scenario. The inspection will involve "pinging" the barrel (dropping the scouring stick/ramrod into the barrel to ensure it is clear and clean), as well as a thorough visual inspection, and a basic mechanical test (ensureing the half cock holds firmly etc.). Additional inspection will be done at the end of the day, or at random points if neccessary. Small arms should be at least somewhat cleaned out between battles, or between firing demonstrations.
• All small arms fire (muskets and pistols) will be fired from the quarterdeck, stern castle, and the smaller boats. Under no circumstances are smalll arms to be fired when any spectator (or other non-particpant) is on the same deck as the small arm(s) being fired. This means that all spectators will be on the main deck during the battles and not permitted on any of the upper decks.
• Wadding loads/charges is not to be used under any circumstances.
• Misfires - Wait for a slow count of 5(approx 5 seconds) after a misfire. After the slow count of five, recock and try again. If the small arm misfires a second time, count to five slowly again, and recock and retry to fire again. After a third misfire on one load or charge, dump the powder and check the flint and/or have the weapon go through another safety inspection.
• Flash in the pan - When a flash in the pan happens (not a complete misfire), count to ten slowly, re-prime the piece, and try again. If on the second try the small arm fails again, dump the charge and have the small arm re-inspected.
• Immediately after each battle or firing demonstration, the area will be checked and cleaned up from any spilled black powder and paper cartridge wrappings. This holds whether you are firing on the ship or any of the smaller boats that will be involved.

Artillery (From Swivel/Rail guns to Canons)

• Misfires or flash in the pan - Wait at least one minute, clean the vent, reprime, and try again. If there is a second flash in the pan or misfire then the piece is not to be used until cleared. Wait at least ten minutes then use a worm to pull the charge. If possible, fill the barrel with water before pulling the charge. Keep hands away from the muzzle.

During the Main Battles/Boarding Action

• No metal or hard edged weapons are to be used during the battle scenarios. A few LARP swords will be available for hand-to-hand.
• During the boarding action, all participants and combatants in the area of the ship being boarded must hold off on any combat emulation until all boarders firmly have their feet on deck. Banter or interact in a non-combative fashion until all boarders have fully climbed the rope and have gotten their footing on the deck.

Outside of the Battle Scenarios

• Please ensure any weapons used to fence or spar with are comparable in weight and strength (do not use a fencing foil against a round edged broadsword for example). No sparring or weapon play is to do done with sharp, or pointed blades or weapons of any variety. Please also understand there is a difference between a unsharpenned edged weapon (which should not be used) and a mock battle blade that has the edge rounded to specifically accomodate sparring, or stage combat.
• Any sword play must be in a marked and bordered environment (roped area is easiest). At this time we do not have plans to provide a rope and border for this purpose, so if you want or plan to spar or fence, please plan to bring some stakes and rope or other similar seperation for this purpose.
• Any roped off (or otherwise seperated area) for fencing or sparring, must be monitored by at least one person not involved in the fencing or sparring to ensure no spectators get too close to the ropes or try to go into the seperated area. When at all possible try to have two or more people for this purpose.