How to choose a ship Captain
Now that the good weather starts, the boats and charters leave the port to enjoy days sailing and enjoying the good sea. Many pleasure boats, especially those for rent, need a specialized Captain to offer passengers a good journey without surprises and with great experience that guarantees safety in the event of any incident.
Our collaborator Pepe Garcia, an experienced professional Captain, explains what are the questions that any shipowner or nautical charter user should ask to choose a Captain that offers all the guarantees of navigation, calmness and safety on board.
15 questions to choose a good ship Captain
Before hiring a ship captain, we must ask ourselves some questions to ensure that we choose a captain that adapts to our needs and offers guarantees to its passengers.
- Does the Captain have an official and regulated degree? In addition to certifying their knowledge, the qualification will avoid fines by the port authorities and will guarantee the insurer's response to any claim.
- Does the Captain have passenger, length or mile limitations? Depending on the qualification, the captain will be able to steer boats of greater or less length, greater or lesser passenger capacity or if he can travel more or less miles from the coast. It is important to know if the degree is professional or sports / recreational.
- Does the Captain meet the requirements of the Captaincy and Maritime Authorities? It is mandatory to formalize the status of the crew, as well as certify the medical examination and the corresponding qualification according to the boat, and above all that it is in force.
- Does the Captain speak fluent English? It is especially necessary in international ports, as it is the vehicular language in navigation.
- Do you have experience navigating the area? It is very important that the Captain knows the area where he is going to navigate to avoid unforeseen events.
- Does the Captain know the winds in the area? By knowing the winds and their changes, you can offer the best area for anchoring.
- Does the Captain know alternative routes if the wind is unfavorable? In addition to detecting when to anchor, you must know the best navigation alternatives to avoid uncomfortable or dangerous swings.
- Do you know the funding restrictions of the area? The importance of not anchoring on protected areas, such as Posidonia del MediterraneoIn addition to protecting the marine environment, it will avoid possible fines.
- Does the Captain know how to reserve balls? The Captain must have the appropriate contacts to reserve bolla, if you want to anchor in the area without unexpected events. In summer times they are in high demand.
- Does the Captain know the restaurants accessible by sea? It is also necessary to book in advance in the summer months and know how to get to the restaurants in the area where you can disembark.
- Does the Captain have navigation experience between the straits? With the favorable sea, a good captain will be able to avoid straits and other natural accidents, but it takes an experienced captain to do it at night or in bad seas.
- Is the Captain aware of the nearby Lighthouses? Recognizing the lights or headlights in the area without the use of electronics or a plotter is an exercise that will avoid setbacks.
- Do you know the peak times of the steps? It is necessary to know the peak times of the steps to avoid them, navigation with heavy traffic is uncomfortable due to waves and can lead to minor accidents.
- Does the Captain know the contour of the coast? Instead of using alternative routes in the face of any setback, it is more advisable to navigate close to the coast, for this it is necessary for the Captain to know the geography of the area.
- Do we have recommendations from the Captain? It can help us to know a little more about the person who will rule the boat, the main qualities that he must have are: being disciplined, neat, organized, educated and discreet. And above all, do not consume alcohol or drugs.
Thanks to the recommendations that the Captain has given us Pepe Garcia, we can hire a Ship captain with guarantees.
You can see all their references and degrees on their website HERE.
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