Safety Policy
The Skippers
Our skippers have been safely operating high performance jet boats around the Pembrokeshire coast for over 20 years, far above the minimum legal standards for licensing. They are fully licensed by the Marine Coastguard Agency and Department of Transport and fully certified by the RYA in First Aid at Sea.
The company is committed to promoting water safety for both passengers and other water users; we ask that you help us to respect other water users. If you are concerned about the safety of any water user, please report it to the Coastguard. At Whitesands beach please report any concerns to the lifeguards, who will investigate or request us to do so.
We have a long history of rescue work, as surf lifeguards, Auxiliary Coastguards and as part of our daily work as skippers for Ocean Dynamics, which has produced a range of rescue boats which are used around the world. We will never put passengers at risk in order to perform rescues but we ask that you be sympathetic if we have to delay or prolong your trip slightly in order to assist someone.
The Boat
The boat is licensed and inspected by the Marine Coastguard Agency. It is fully equipped with navigational and safety equipment. We carry a life raft (which we have never had to use!) and the latest DSC VHF radio equipment. Our boat and all its safety equipment are logged with the Coastguard so that in the unlikely event of a problem, they will have all the necessary information immediately to hand, thus saving valuable time.
There’s no such thing as an unsinkable boat but our RIB is as unsinkable as it’s possible to be. The hull is constructed in high strength marine aluminium and is divided into separate compartments for further safety; it is further protected by collision bulkheads. The tubes are made of heavy duty hypalon and divided into 7 compartments, each separated by an industrial strength baffle to ensure maximum strength. They play no part in keeping the boat afloat, although they can offer massive additional buoyancy.
We check the boat thoroughly every day and the running gear is serviced regularly. The boat and its equipment exceed rigorous government regulations.
Passengers
All passengers are fitted with lifejackets and given an appropriate safety briefing. Your safety is of utmost importance to us and we make every effort to keep you and your belongings safe but there is an element of risk involved in any activity at sea. We request that you listen carefully to safety briefings and work with us to ensure your safety and enjoyment. We carry full public liability insurance. Our shore crew log passenger names and contact details for each trip (plus details of medical conditions if appropriate) and are in contact with the boat.
Our staff are fully trained in emergency procedures, which we practise and review regularly.
Medical Problems
If you think you may have any medical problem which may affect your enjoyment or safety on board, it is important that you discuss it with us in advance; we will do our best to accommodate your needs but it is your responsibility to disclose relevant medical details. If in doubt please consult your doctor.
Children
For reasons of safety, young people under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Our medical adviser has determined that boat trips are not suitable for under 5s unless weather and sea conditions are very good and the trip is tailored to the needs of the youngest. With this in mind we offer family friendly wildlife trips or charters for groups wishing to take youngsters out. We have child-sized sailing jackets on board, together with lifejackets. Please contact us to discuss the individual needs of your children.
Safety and Cancellations
All trips are subject to sea and weather conditions; please contact us before you set out for your trip to confirm.
We reserve the right to cancel trips at any point due to adverse sea or weather conditions and stringent safety criteria. If we have to cancel your trip we will offer alternative trips or a full refund.
Skipper's decision is final.
