THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (46 CFR §26.03-1 & 2) REQUIRES ME TO PROVIDE ALL PASSENGERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH A FEW SAFETY REGULATIONS.
FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU ABOARD
I WILL BE YOUR CAPTAIN TODAY. MY NAME IS CAPTAIN JOHN
TO BEGIN, THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS ENFORCED BY THE U.S. COAST GUARD HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. NO ILLEGAL DRUGS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED ONBOARD.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, THE LIFE JACKETS ARE LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THE BOAT
(ACQUAINT THE PASSENGERS WITH THE PROPER METHOD OF DONNING AND ADJUSTING THE LIFE PRESERVERS.)
FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS LOCATED ON THE STARBOARD RAILING.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (POINT TO THE POSTED CHECK LIST) YOU ARE REQUESTED TO FOLLOW THOSE INSTRUCTIONS.
IF A MAN GOES OVERBOARD - KEEP THE PERSON IN SIGHT, LOUDLY YELL "MAN OVERBOARD", AND POINT TO THE PERSON.
AT ALL TIMES, KEEP ONE HAND FOR YOURSELF AND ONE HAND ON THE BOAT. FOOD, DRINKS, AND PERSONAL GEAR SHOULD BE STORED SO AS NOT TO FALL OVERBOARD, SPILL OR BREAK.
DO NOT SWIM AROUND THE BACK OF THE BOAT WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
A solid safety briefing (often called a "Captain’s Call") is not just a legal necessity—it sets the tone for the day. It shows your guests you’re a pro, which actually helps them relax and enjoy the trip more.
Here is a concise, high-impact safety briefing designed specifically for a Ponce Inlet/Disappearing Island charter.
The "Captain’s Call" Safety BriefingGather everyone on the deck before casting off.
Maintain eye contact and keep it light but firm.
1. The Golden Rule: The Captain’s Word
"Welcome aboard! My name is Captain John, and my number one job today is your safety. My number two job is making sure you have a blast. To keep things safe, I need everyone to follow my instructions immediately—especially when we are docking or if weather moves in."
2. Life Jackets (PFDs)
Captain’s Checklist
FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU ABOARD
I WILL BE YOUR CAPTAIN TODAY. MY NAME IS CAPTAIN JOHN
TO BEGIN, THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS ENFORCED BY THE U.S. COAST GUARD HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. NO ILLEGAL DRUGS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED ONBOARD.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, THE LIFE JACKETS ARE LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THE BOAT
(ACQUAINT THE PASSENGERS WITH THE PROPER METHOD OF DONNING AND ADJUSTING THE LIFE PRESERVERS.)
FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS LOCATED ON THE STARBOARD RAILING.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (POINT TO THE POSTED CHECK LIST) YOU ARE REQUESTED TO FOLLOW THOSE INSTRUCTIONS.
IF A MAN GOES OVERBOARD - KEEP THE PERSON IN SIGHT, LOUDLY YELL "MAN OVERBOARD", AND POINT TO THE PERSON.
AT ALL TIMES, KEEP ONE HAND FOR YOURSELF AND ONE HAND ON THE BOAT. FOOD, DRINKS, AND PERSONAL GEAR SHOULD BE STORED SO AS NOT TO FALL OVERBOARD, SPILL OR BREAK.
DO NOT SWIM AROUND THE BACK OF THE BOAT WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
A solid safety briefing (often called a "Captain’s Call") is not just a legal necessity—it sets the tone for the day. It shows your guests you’re a pro, which actually helps them relax and enjoy the trip more.
Here is a concise, high-impact safety briefing designed specifically for a Ponce Inlet/Disappearing Island charter.
The "Captain’s Call" Safety BriefingGather everyone on the deck before casting off.
Maintain eye contact and keep it light but firm.
1. The Golden Rule: The Captain’s Word
"Welcome aboard! My name is Captain John, and my number one job today is your safety. My number two job is making sure you have a blast. To keep things safe, I need everyone to follow my instructions immediately—especially when we are docking or if weather moves in."
2. Life Jackets (PFDs)
- Location: "Our life jackets are located at the back of the boat. There is one for every person on board."
- Kids: "Florida law requires all children under the age of 6 to wear their life jackets at all times while the boat is moving. No exceptions, even if they are great swimmers."
- The 'Why': "If at any point I ask an adult to put one on, don't argue—just clip it on. It usually means the water is getting choppy or we're in a high-traffic area."
- Safe Seating: "While the boat is in motion, please stay seated. No sitting on the sun pad, the front gate, or hanging your feet over the pontoons (no 'bow riding'). It’s the easiest way to end up in the water and under the boat."
- Moving Around: "If you need to move, use the 'one hand for the boat' rule—always keep a hand on a rail."
- The Propeller: "I will never have the engine running while people are in the water. If you hear the engine start, get away from the back of the boat immediately."
- The Current: "The current at Disappearing Island can be deceptively strong. Always swim toward the current so you can drift back to the boat, not away from it."
- Trash: "The ocean is our office—let's keep it clean. Please put all trash in the designated bin. If a hat or a wrapper flies overboard, let me know immediately so we can circle back."
- The Head: "Restraunt's for number 2 or underwater for number 1."
- "We want you to have a drink and enjoy the sun. However, if anyone becomes a danger to themselves or the crew, the charter ends immediately with no refund. Keep it fun, keep it classy."
Captain’s Checklist
- Check the Tides: Confirm low tide timing for Disappearing Island.
- Weather Check: Keep a weather app open for afternoon thunderstorms (common in Ponce).
- VHF Radio: Ensure it is on and tuned to Channel 16.