Safety
/ Training
/ Selecting
a Boat
Chartering
is a great way for boating
enthusiasts to cruise
‘n learn, test
a boat before buying
or simply enjoy boating
without the commitment
of ownership. And chartering
with a BCBCA member
ensures your experience
will be safe, hassle-free
and fun!
By agreeing
to adhere to higher
standards than those
of other charter companies,
BCBCA members are providing
greater assurance that
the boat you charter
is in top condition
and ready to sail as
soon as you board.
All BCBCA
members take pride in
the level of maintenance
they provide to their
boats. Owners who place
their boat into a charter
fleet expect –
and receive –
service that ensures
their boat is kept in
the best condition possible.
This level of service
requires the charter
company to do rigourous
inspections before and
after each trip to ensure
the boat is returned
in good condition and
is ready for new.
All BCBCA
members ensure their
boats are equipped with
safety and navigation
equipment, such as life
jackets, a first aid
kit, fire extinguishers,
flashlights, flares,
VHF radio, and charts.
BCBCA
members strive to ensure
that their clients are
safe and in good hands
while on their vacation.
To help accomplish this,
the standard
résumé
(PDF) used by members
is much more detailed
than a typical charter
company and even extends
beyond the requirements
of the Operator Proficiency
program implemented
by the Canadian Coast
Guard.
Recognizing
that chartering is an
excellent way to learn
while you vacation,
many bareboat charter
companies offer “Cruise
‘n Learn”
specials that include
sail and power instruction
with certified, professional
skippers to assist you.
Most
British Columbia Bareboat
Charter Association
Member Associations
offer training programs
through one of two certification
systems:
The
Canadian Yachting Association
( www.sailing.ca
) and its BC Affiliate,
BC
Sailing ( www.sailing.bc.ca
).
The
International Sailing
and Power Association
( www.ispa.com
).
Chartering
is often a good way
to learn if boating
is for you and your
family without going
to the expense of buying
the boat! In addition
to choosing the right
boat, you’ll need
to decide whether you
want to drive or you
want to let others handle
the controls. BCBCA
members will provide
you with a list of trusted
skippers and crew, or,
providing you have experience
on a comparable size
and type of boat, will
let you take the boat
out on your own.
Past
experience will be the
largest factor in choosing
a boat for your vacation.
Power boats will allow
you to travel faster
and further than a sailing
yacht. Sailing, on the
other hand, provides
a sense of adventure
and a thrill of silently
moving through water
and seas under the wind’s
power.
When
selecting your boat,
you should consider
how many people are
joining you. Make sure
there is a separate
bunk and personal space
for everyone. And make
sure you’re comfortable
with operating the size
you select.
