Boat Basics: Using the Head

While we were confident in the Sea Scout’s ability to provide world-class crew, there was one task we were nervous about ourselves: using the head. I had two important questions: what is a head, and can I use toilet paper?

The forward head in forward quarters. Spacious and light! Much like an RV toilet.

The first thing I learned is that a ship’s toilet is lovingly referred to as the “head”. Apparently the name refers to the time when the toilet area for regular sailors was placed at the bow of the ship. By placing a toilet in the bow of the ship, the seawater could wash it out naturally. Being downwind also helps in airing unpleasant smells. The second thing I learned is that we would be using marine grade biodegradable toilet paper. We made sure we located that in the items we were loading onto the boat!

Miss Monique knows her priorities and made sure the TP was loaded first.

Marine toilets are mechanical devices – and they need to be treated with care! The only thing that can be flushed in a boat’s head are human waste and that special toilet paper. No feminine products, dental floss, Kleenex, etc. Skipper Tom let us know the 3 key words to remember: flush, flush and flush. The pipes are not huge in dimension, so it is better to have more flushes with fewer contents than one flush with a large amount of contents.

Since this is a training vessel, that means every problem is an opportunity for the Sea Scouts to learn – including fixing the head!

There were multiple times the forward head would need attention - usually related to refilling with water or making sure to lift the foot lever and seal the bowl. The Scouts learned how to turn off the water main in the bosun’s locker and use a plunger to pump it out. When docked in Victoria, I had to call Skipper Tom back from shore leave when the stern head was down. Between him, Daniel and Mr. Minch, a head repair turned into an electronics class and more!

The stern head located in the lazarette is close quarters, but how many people can say their toilet is a “throne”?

The only complaint I had was the boys on the boat had the forward head with lots of space, natural light coming in the through the port holes and a full mirror above the sink. In the stern head near the female quarters, our head sits on a “throne” in a small room. When standing up to get in or lock the door, that little fan loves is right above your head. Anyone with curly hair knows that big hair + ceiling fans don’t mix! I learned that quickly.

Bella warned me about this fan. This is the first time this short girl had to worry about the ceiling!

For those of you who know how short I am - imagine the head space now!