By Jeff on 11/5/2008 3:22 PM

A few years back, my father-in-law bought me a headlamp. I first thought, "hmm... cool. Not sure what I will use it for but cool. And, I might look funny wearing it." These days, after having it around, it has become indispensable. It's one of those pieces of gear that I always know where to find when I need it most. While doing some work outside in the dark a few nights ago (trusty headlamp deployed), I was reminded how useful it really was. And, the majority of my memories of it saving the day are directly related to sailing AND applicable to chartering.

Think about it; they are light, incredibly small, are relatively cheap, usually come resistant to the elements, and enable you to work in limited light situations with two hands instead of having to rig up some stand for a flashlight (or rely on someone to hold one while shaking or drifting off the subject you're working on).

Here are 7 examples of how I've used my headlamp or how it can come in handy during your next charter:

1. Backup flashlight - on a bareboat charter, chances are you'll find weak or dead batteries in the single flashlight onboard. You won't want to pack an extra flashlight to travel lean. A headlamp - probably about 2 ounces and no bigger than half your fist is a great backup when you need it.
2. Cleaning out a plugged sump pump - On a charter in the San Juan Islands, I got the pleasure of clearing years of hair out of a sump pump reservoir/drain grate in the forward head. No one wanted to be near and I needed both hands while trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Saved by the headlamp.
3. Dealing with a dragging anchor at 2am - when you're in a new cruising area, different boat, different anchor, usually very little anchor chain with lots of rode, and maybe someplace that blows 24 hrs a day (like the Grenadines), you're going to drag anchor. It's that simple (especially if you don't dive on the anchor to check it out before you retire for cocktails). Walking around on deck in the middle of the night trying to run the windlass or at the helm trying to see other boats in the anchorage before you hit them, having the ability to look at something and have it automatically illuminated is very nice.
4. Picking up a mooring after dark - sure - you're not supposed to be sailing your chartered boat after dark. But, it happens. Unexpected weather. A longer than anticipated lunch stay because the beach was so great. Next thing you know, someone is trying to wrangle a corroded, growth-encrusted mooring loop in the dark. Enter the headlamp. (be sure to tie a tether to the headstrap though so that it doesn't fall off when you pull your head back through the lifelines!)
5. Reading a book in the cockpit at night - simple but important. For some of us, this is just about the only time we get to actually read a book. Even though many charter companies provide funky, little, half-coconut shell cockpit lights, they don't work half the time. You usually want to sit outside, even after dark, to enjoy warm temperatures and read. So whip out your headlamp and you're set. Ignore the comments from the crew.
6. Finding your dinghy at the dinghy dock after a late night at the bar - this is really one of you potential worst nightmares. You've been enjoying a great evening... A jump-up at Basil's or Bombashack... just pick any of the usual places. It comes time to leave, you head down to the dinghy dock, and there are 39 dinghies that look just like your charter boat dinghy! What? A very cruel test - usually while somewhat "impaired". While I can't guarantee that a headlamp will make your vision and senses clear, it can make it easier to spot some unique identifier you've thoughtfully placed in or on your dinghy ahead of time. Note: place that identifier first.
7. A makeshift steaming light - if you've spent much time in the Caribbean, you know that popular anchorages can be treacherous at night. Locals careening through the anchorage at dark. Fellow charterers that successfully navigated #6 above only to now face finding their boat while in a hurry. Whatever the case, this is a useful tip that I've heard others say has come close to saving their lives; wear the headlamp while you navigate through the anchorage back to your boat. Some headlamps even offer a strobe/flashing option. That's even better. But, it's all about making yourself visible and keeping two hands to use as needed.

I'm sure there are more examples but these are the most obvious that come to mind from my experiences and those of others I trust. But, don't forget to buy and pack a headlamp - it's crucial gear for your next charter.