Our Commitment to Safety
At Boat Hire Australia, safety is non-negotiable. Every vessel in our network is commercially registered, regularly surveyed, and fully compliant with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) regulations. We only work with boat owners who meet our strict safety and maintenance standards.
Licensed Skippers on Every Charter
Every charter includes a qualified, licensed skipper who knows the local waters intimately. Our skippers hold current maritime qualifications, first aid certifications, and responsible service of alcohol (RSA) certificates. They conduct a safety briefing before every departure and are trained to handle emergency situations.
Safety Equipment
All vessels carry mandatory safety equipment including:
- Life jackets for all passengers (including children's sizes)
- Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
- EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
- Marine radio communication
- First aid kits
- Flares and emergency signalling equipment
Weather Monitoring
We monitor weather conditions for every booked charter. Cruises proceed in light rain - most vessels have covered areas and enclosed cabins. Cruises are only cancelled for genuinely unsafe conditions such as dangerous seas, severe storms, or extreme wind. The skipper has sole discretion on weather-related safety decisions. If a charter is cancelled due to weather, you receive a full refund or reschedule at no cost.
Passenger Responsibilities
For everyone's safety, we ask that guests:
- Follow the skipper's instructions at all times
- Wear flat, non-marking shoes on board (high heels restricted on most vessels)
- Supervise children at all times
- Drink responsibly
- Do not sit on railings, climb on the roof, or enter restricted areas
- Report any safety concerns to the skipper immediately
Insurance
All boat owners in our network carry comprehensive marine insurance and public liability cover. As a broker, Boat Hire Pty Ltd also maintains its own professional indemnity and public liability insurance.