Chartering a boat for your upcoming fishing trip is a great way to get out on the open water. But by opting to use a charter service you’re essentially putting the safety of you and your loved ones into the hands of a total stranger. Even if the ship looks secure, your fun day at sea could easily take a turn for the worse if the boat’s captain isn’t prepared for a sudden change in the weather.
Safety should always be the top priority when choosing a fishing charter in Hawaii. Here are a few items you should check off your safety checklist prior to stepping on board:
Insurance
Some less reputable businesses will try to cut corners in an attempt to save on costs in the tourism industry. These cheap companies may think that they can get away with this because they’ll never see the majority of their vacationing customers again.
One of the most common ways a shady company will cut costs is by having limited liability coverage that doesn’t actually cover everyone onboard. You may find yourself shelling out thousands of dollars paying for medical expenses out of pocket if your claim isn’t covered. Ask about insurance before signing anything to save yourself from possible physical and financial pain.
Life jackets
You know life jackets are crucial if you’ve ever seen Titanic. Before casting off, check that the captain provides everyone on board with properly sized life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices. You should always know where they are located on the ship. A life jacket doesn’t have to mess up your fishing game though—just make sure you know where they are stored in case of an emergency.
CPR and first aid certified
Check to make sure either the captain or charter staff is CPR and first aid certified. A qualified crew will not only know how to deal with any rough waters, but also basic first aid procedures. A reputable company will happily provide this information when asked.
Well-maintained ship
Look around the boat for other indicators that safety is a top priority. A safe vessel should be clean and organized while moving parts should be locked in place. Any qualified captain knows that taking care of these things before leaving the dock will keep at-sea accidents to a minimum.
Licensing
A reputable and legitimate fishing charter in Hawaii will be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Most companies will proudly display this document in their shop or on the actual boat. If you don’t see it, ask. This licensing requires the crew to provide you with a safety briefing before untethering from the dock.
With Sea Wife Charters, you’ll have the confidence of knowing the captain and crew are taking every step to keep you and your loved ones safe at sea. Your safety is our top priority. Contact us today to start planning your upcoming fishing charter