Safety & licensing
Certificates, skippers, indemnity and what we carry.
Is it safe for first-timers?
Every boat holds a current SAMSA Local General Safety Certificate, every skipper holds the appropriate SAMSA licence for the class of vessel they are running, and the fleet is fully insured.
Before every departure the crew run a safety brief and a pre-departure check: life jacket count against headcount, fuel, first aid kit, forecast, and radio and phone tested.
See safety and credentials for the certificate detail per boat.
What does the SAMSA category mean?
It is the operating envelope on the vessel's safety certificate: how far offshore it may legally work, and whether it may run at night.
- Category B: up to 40 nautical miles offshore
- Category C: up to 15 nautical miles
- Category D: up to 5 nautical miles, daylight hours only
Each boat's category is listed on its page in the fleet. It is why a reef charter and an overnight fishing charter do not run on the same vessel.
Do I have to sign anything?
Yes: every passenger signs an indemnity before boarding. We send a link about 48 hours ahead so you can do it on your phone before you travel, and there is a tablet at the dock for anyone who has not.
A parent or legal guardian signs for anyone under 18. The boat cannot depart until everyone aboard has signed.
Do we have to wear life jackets the whole time?
Life jackets are provided for everyone and must be worn whenever the skipper asks. Children wear them at all times.
On a calm day at anchor the skipper will usually say they can come off. Under way, in weather, or anywhere near open water they go back on.
Can we drink on board?
On the cruising charters, yes, within limits: a maximum of three beers or ciders per person, and no spirits.
We can refuse boarding to anyone who arrives visibly intoxicated, and the skipper can end a charter over unsafe behaviour. That is not us being difficult; it is a small boat, well offshore, with no way to remove someone.
Do I need a fishing licence?
Yes, for any fishing charter, and it is your responsibility rather than ours. We check before departure and cannot take you without one.
Recreational fishing permits are available online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, or over the counter at a Post Office. We will remind you the day before; it is the single most common thing people forget.
Spear fishing additionally needs a valid dive licence and a recreational spear-fishing permit, and you must bring your own gun.
Still need an answer?
WhatsApp us on +27 64 621 0795; Justin usually replies fast. Otherwise send us a message.