Boat Charter Safety

Dangers Charters offers luxury sailing experiences in the calm, crystal-clear waters that surround Key West. Our focus on providing best-in-class customer service includes an unwavering commitment to safety. In this article, we’ll share some of the charter boat safety measures we employ at Danger Charters and address some frequently asked questions about safety on the water.

Professional Crew

All Danger Charters tours are staffed by professional captains, mates, and crew – so you can confidently cast your cares to the wind and fully relax! 

Captains are the highest-ranking officer on a vessel. They are responsible for everything onboard, including safety, navigation, and operations. Our captains hold their Master License and Sailing Endorsement from the US Coast Guard. 

Mates assist the captain, crew members support the captain and mates, and everyone helps ensure every guest is having a fabulous time. Our mates and crew members have seamanship experience, comply with all federal safety training requirements, and receive training on the safety standards and protocols of Danger Charters as well. 

Every Danger Charters team member who serves on a vessel has their First Aid/CPR Certification.

Well-Maintained Boats

So, how safe are our charter boats? Our fleet of historic schooners aren’t just a means to an end, they’re prized gems that we lovingly care after. Always immaculate, we take great pride in making sure our boats are ready to deliver five-star service.

In compliance with the US Coast Guard, our boats are routinely inspected and certified. Annual inspections check vessel structure, lifesaving equipment, fire protection, machinery, and operational safety. Every five years, our boats are subject to a more comprehensive examination to renew our Certificate of Inspection (COI). 

Safety Equipment

What safety equipment is required on a boat in Florida? The equipment required here is standard in terms of what’s required in other parts of the country:

• Life jackets
  Enough for each passenger. In Florida, kids under six must wear a life jacket at all times while onboard vessels under 26 feet.
• Throwable flotation device
  In the unlikely event that someone goes overboard (more on that below!).
• Fire extinguishers
  Required for motorized vessels. We have engines for navigating away from the dock and when the wind is too calm for sailing.
• VHF Radio
  Broadcasts to all nearby vessels and shore stations simultaneously, ensuring quick response in emergencies. Does not rely on cell towers.
• Emergency signaling devices
  Flares, whistles, horns.
• Navigation lights
  Required for night operations, like our Wind & Wine Sunset Sails and some Special Cruises. 
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
  Not required. Danger Charters elects to carry EPIRBs as a best practice.
• First-aid kit
  Well-stocked for minor injuries and medical emergencies.

“Man Overboard!”

What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? In general, the most common cause is sudden or unexpected movement of the vessel.

On sailing vessels, the swinging boom during tacking or jibing can knock someone into the water. Accidental boom swings are uncommon at Danger Charters. Since we navigate through shallow waters, we execute controlled tacking and jibing. 

A significant number of reported “man overboard” incidents are due to people losing their footing, not necessarily due to rough seas. Standing or moving around near the edges while a boat is underway can cause a loss of balance, as can leaning over the rail to take photos or observe marine life. Unsurprisingly, alcohol is a related factor in many overboard incidents.

Boat Safety Guidelines

We provide a briefing at the start of every Danger Charters tour that covers safety onboard, what to expect during the excursion, how to operate the head (toilet), where things are located, and an introduction of your captain and crew. 

As for some general boat safety rules, you want to always: 

• Watch where you step
• Use the grab rails
• Stay seated when advised
• Maintain three points of contact (both hands and one foot or vice versa)
• Be careful when embarking and disembarking
• Wait for the captain’s instructions before stepping off the boat

If you are a bit unsteady on your feet, feel dizzy or faint, or get seasick while you’re sailing with Danger Charters, please let us know! Or if you observe someone who seems unsteady or unsafe, say something. And be sure to let us know if you’re not a proficient swimmer, especially when it’s time to snorkel. Your captain and crew are on board to provide an amazing day of sailing – we’re here to help.

Wildlife Safety & Protection

The Florida Keys is home to one of the most diverse and delicate ecosystems in the world – part of our job is to be responsible when sharing it. Out of respect for our marine environment and in compliance with the law, please abide by the following rules. Doing so helps to protect our marine life, preserve natural habitats, and ensure that future generations can enjoy our incredible slice of paradise.

• Do not throw any trash overboard
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife; never feed or disturb animals
• Do not touch or stand on coral, living or dead
• Do not remove, harvest, or possess any marine life
• Avoid walking in seagrass beds
• Do not disturb nesting areas for seabirds
• Consider using reef-safe sunscreen

Ready for some fun in the sun!? Book your tour with Danger Charters today! Fair winds and following seas!