Captain Standards

• Licensed operation: Miami charters are operated by captains expected to hold valid USCG credentials appropriate to the vessel and charter structure.
• Final safety authority: The captain makes final decisions on weather, route, docking, anchoring, swim stops, and passenger behavior.
• Local waterway knowledge: Captains plan around bridges, no-wake zones, sandbars, marina rules, tide, current, vessel draft, and traffic conditions.
• Clear communication: Guests receive route expectations, safety instructions, and any limitations before or during the charter.

Vessel Readiness

• Safety equipment: Vessels are expected to carry required life jackets, throwable flotation devices, fire extinguishers, sound signals, and visual distress equipment where applicable.
• Cleanliness: The yacht should be clean, presentable, and ready for guest boarding before departure.
• Mechanical readiness: Fuel, battery, bilge, engine, navigation, radio, and basic onboard systems should be reviewed before the charter.
• Boarding setup: Crew should prepare lines, fenders, boarding points, stairs, and dockside assistance for safe guest entry and exit.

Weather & Route Monitoring

• Weather checks: Wind, rain, lightning risk, visibility, marine forecasts, and sea conditions are reviewed before and during the trip.
• Route flexibility: Routes may change for safety, marina restrictions, water conditions, bridge timing, or captain judgment.
• Swim-stop decisions: Swimming, floating mats, toys, and sandbar stops depend on conditions, vessel setup, anchoring safety, and captain approval.
• No unsafe departures: If conditions are unsafe, the captain or operator may delay, reroute, reschedule, or cancel according to the booking policy.

Passenger Limits & Guest Rules

• Capacity is enforced: Guest counts must follow the yacht’s approved passenger limit and charter structure. Infants and children count as passengers.
• No illegal substances: Illegal drugs are prohibited on all Feeling Yachty charters.
• Alcohol safety: Guests may drink responsibly where permitted, but unsafe behavior can limit swimming, movement, or the trip itself.
• Glass discouraged: Cans, plastic, or yacht-safe containers are recommended to reduce breakage and injury risk.
• Respect the vessel: Guests should follow crew instructions, avoid restricted areas, and use handholds while moving onboard.

Pre-Departure Safety Briefing

Before departure, the captain or crew explains the most important safety points for that yacht and route. Guests should listen carefully and ask questions before the vessel leaves the dock.

• Life jacket locations and child life jacket needs.
• Safe seating, handholds, stairs, bow access, and movement while underway.
• Emergency gear, fire extinguisher location, radio procedure, and crew instructions.
• Swimming rules, ladder use, floating mat rules, and when guests may enter the water.
• Restroom use, trash, footwear, music, smoking rules, and yacht-specific restrictions.

Emergency Preparation

• Man-overboard awareness: Crew should know how to alert the captain, maintain visual contact, and assist with recovery procedures.
• Medical response: Basic first-aid awareness and emergency communication procedures are part of the safety mindset.
• Fire response: Fire extinguisher locations and engine-room awareness are reviewed according to vessel type.
• Communication: Captains may use VHF radio, phone, marina contacts, emergency services, or operator support depending on the situation.
• Guest cooperation: In any emergency, guests must follow captain and crew instructions immediately.

Guest Safety Checklist Before Boarding

To help every charter run smoothly, please prepare your group before arrival. This reduces dock delays and helps the captain and crew focus on a safe, beautiful day on the water.