Safety On Board

Your Safety Is Important to Us!!!

Your safety is important to us. To ensure that your journey is smooth sailing please follow the safety guidelines listed below:

Hold On

Use handrails when moving around the vessel
Watch for trip hazards such as raised doorsills, uneven surfaces and gangways

 

 

 

 

 

Stay seated

Please remain seated until the vessel has completed berthing at the wharf.
Remove luggage/bags from seats. Place in the luggage area or on the floor away from aisle.

 

 

 

 

 

Listen to Announcements and Crew instructions

 

Ensure you listen and understand safety announcements on departure.

In case of an emergency, stay seated and listen for instructions from the crew.

 

 

 

 

 

Life Jackets

 

Familiarize yourself with the location of the life jackets on your particular vessel
Each vessel can be different and your crew will announce the locations during your departure

 

 

 

 

Child safety

Supervise your children at all times during the journey.
Climbing, jumping or running on board the vessel is not permitted at any time Crew have been empowered to ask your children to discontinue any unsafe or unruly behavior

 

 

 

 

 

Unsafe behavior

Do Not Stand on seats or sit on railings.

If you see another passenger displaying unsafe or concerning behavior, please notify crew immediately

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Drinks

 

Hot drinks can cause third-degree burns, please take care with hot drinks when moving
If you need assistance carrying a hot drink, please ask the crew.

 

 

 

 

Watch Your Feet

Watch your feet
Watch your feet when embarking or disembarking the vessel. Gangways and the Vessel can and do move.

Use all rails and hand holds provided

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted areas

 

Obey all signage on board and do not under any circumstances enter restricted or staff only areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intoxication

 

For everyone’s Safety Intoxicated passengers are not allowed on any of our Vessels.

Passenger that become intoxicated on board will result in the Charter being terminated.

No Drugs or illicit substances are permitted on board any of our charters

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health & Safety on your Red boats cruise

So, you have booked your Red Boats Cruise and everyone is excited and looking forward to a great day or night out. Here at the Red boats we want you to enjoy your cruise and have a great time however we also want to keep everyone safe and ensure you all get home safely. Our staff are highly experienced and trained in all emergency procedures on board but to ensure everyone’s safety there are a few simple rules you and your guests will need to follow.

 

Upon Boarding

Our staff will be there to help you board the vessel. Please be aware of your footing and use the hand rails when boarding the Vessel. Please take care when stepping from the Pontoon on to the Vessel and ensure you are holding on to the railings at all times. It is also a Health and Safety risk to let intoxicated passengers on board the Vessel as well as being a breach of our Bar license. Our staff will be checking for intoxication while boarding so please ensure your guests don’t over indulge before going on their cruise.

 

Before Departure

Our crew will give you a safety briefing upon departure. You will be briefed on our safety procedures, hazards on board, as well as the location of life saving equipment and what you should do in an emergency. Please ensure you and your guests listen to the safety briefing and understand all aspects of this. If anyone does not understand any part of the safety briefing please make the crew aware and they will explain it to you.

 

Safety equipment in board

Our Vessels are fully compliant and our safety equipment is regularly checked as part of our Maritime operator’s system. Please make yourself aware of the location of the safety equipment on board such as Life Jackets and Life Rings. You should also ensure you know what to do should there be an emergency on board.

 

 Hazards on board

There are many Hazards on a boat and when the drinks are flowing and everyone’s having a great time it’s easy to forget that you are on a boat and that the associated hazards still exist. Boats can move unexpectedly and make it easy to lose your footing, trip or fall overboard. There are lots un-even surfaces, ledges and lips on a boat which are tripping hazards and can cause injury. Please take care when moving around the Vessel particularly around doorways and stairs and use the rails provided. Be aware of fingers when around doors on the boat as these can slam hard when caught by the wind. When in the outside areas on board Passengers must stay inside the rails at all times, use the seats for sitting on, “do not” stand on the seats or sit on the rails as this is a serious safety risk and could cause injury or death should someone fall overboard. Under no circumstances is anyone to jump overboard, this will result in prosecution. Jumping overboard can be extremely dangerous particularly in the dark of night and can put the Man overboard, the Vessel and other passengers in extreme danger. Our Vessels have nice outdoor decks on board. Please ensure passengers are distributed evenly on board. Do not overload the top deck of the boat as this can make the Vessel unstable. Dancing is only permitted downstairs A Maximum of 35 passengers are permitted on the top deck at any one time. Please do not run around the Vessel and ensure you keep to the passenger areas. Entry into the crew only areas on board is prohibited.

 

Vessels equipment

There are all sorts of different equipment on board the Vessel. Each piece of equipment has its use but can also be dangerous if used in the wrong way. Please ensure you and your guests do not tamper with any of the Vessels equipment on board. Please do not touch and stay clear of the Vessels Anchors and ropes. Do not tamper with entry doors or ramps, and under no circumstances is anyone to touch the safety equipment on board unless in an emergency as this is an offence under the Maritime act. The rule of thumb is if in doubt ask a crew member or don’t touch it at all.

 

Intoxication

The chances of an accident or injury happening increases dramatically when people are drinking. This is one of the biggest health and safety risks on board. Under no circumstances is anyone allowed to become intoxicated on board. Our staff will cut passengers off if they start becoming intoxicated but there are measures you can take to help manage this also. Please make sure there is plenty of food onboard and all your passengers eat. Keep an eye out for strange behaviour from people and intervene if you think anyone has had too much. If running a bar tab, we recommend drink tokens as a way of managing the consumption of alcohol and so everyone gets their share. The Red boats will end the charter for safety reasons should to many Passengers become intoxicated. Preloading before the charter should be discouraged, Intoxicated passengers will not be permitted to board the Vessel. Drugs and other illicit substances are not permitted on board. If we cut someone off at the Bar this decision is final and cannot be overruled. If another person buys a drink for someone who has been cut off at the Bar we will terminate the charter. We do not allow BYO on board. Any contraband Alcohol found on board will result in the charter being terminated.

 

What to do in an Emergency

Our crew undertake regular checks around the Vessel and we also have cameras on board that are monitored. Although we do our best to monitor everything we can’t be everywhere all the time. The crew on board rely on “you” the Passengers, to let them know if you see or hear any accidents or incidents happen. Please notify the crew immediately if you smell or see smoke on board, hear any strange noises or vibrations, if you see, or think anyone has gone overboard, if anyone gets hurt or if there is a medical emergency. Our crew are trained in all emergency situations so it is imperative that they are informed immediately if anything goes wrong. A few minutes of a problem going unnoticed could change an incident into a fatality. In the event of a fire the crew will instruct you where to go which will be the opposite end of the Vessel to the fire and life jackets will be distributed as a precaution while we put the fire out.  In the unlikely event that someone goes overboard, Yell out Loud “Man Overboard” and ensure the crew are aware. Throw a life ring or anything that floats over the side and try not lose sight of the person in the water until the Vessel has turned around gets back to the Man overboard. Yell out to the person if necessary and under no circumstances should anyone jump overboard to attempt to rescue the person in the water. Should an emergency occur while onboard it is important everyone remains calm, stays seated and listens to the instructions of the crew. Life Jackets are under the seats downstairs and we have flotation device upstairs as well as life rings in various locations around the vessel. The crew will inform passengers should they need to put on life jackets. Once yours is on you can assist others to get theirs on. Our crew are also trained in first aid and we have medical supplies on board the Vessel. Please notify the crew should any medical event take place on board and we will assist.

In the event of any emergency Please stay calm remain seated and let our crew do the job they are trained to do. It is important you follow all instructions given to you by the crew.

 

Smoking on board

You can smoke on board however we are governed by the smoke free environments act and this can be a health risk to other passengers on board. You can only smoke in the outside areas on board that are not covered which is either the front bow deck of the Vessel downstairs, or the top upstairs deck. Please ensure cigarettes are extinguished when finished and disposed of correctly as this can be a fire risk. Do not throw butts overboard as these can blow back on the Vessel elsewhere and cause a fire.

 

Using the BBQ or Oven

If you are using the BBQ for your own food or are in the vicinity of the oven or BBQ there are a few rules you need to follow. Only the crew are allowed to light the BBQ or oven. If you are cooking the BBQ please be aware of hot surfaces and if it goes out turn the gas off at the bottle and get a crew member to relight it for you. Don not touch the BBQ as it is hot and be aware of hot fat that can spit when cooking. Always use utensils when cooking and a Tea towel to pick up hot dishes.

 

Arrival back at Westhaven or destination.

It can be quite busy on board when the crew are securing the Vessel for disembarkation which makes it a high-risk time for someone getting hurt. Please avoid moving around the Vessel unnecessarily while we are mooring. All guests are asked to keep hands, feet and body parts inside the Vessel while the vessel is berthing. Please keep clear of staff who are working, tying up the Vessel and keep clear of ropes while mooring is taking place. Passengers are not to depart the Vessel until the crew instruct you to. Passengers are not to jump off, open doors, or put down gangways themselves. Under no circumstances is anyone to jump in the water during berthing or when the Vessel is moored as the propeller is often still moving under water and could decapitate a person in the water. Our crew will advise you when the Vessel is secure and it is safe to disembark. Again, our crew will assist you off the Vessel. Please use the rails when disembarking and watch your step. Our crew will be there to assist you so please listen to them. Due to our liquor license you cannot take any drinks or bottles off the Vessel. The Westhaven carpark is an alcohol ban area and is monitored by CCTV. Please ensure you have taxis and transport organised for your guests to avoid any problems when they disembark the Vessel.

 

Disembarking

Once the vessel is secure the crew will instruct you to disembark. Our crew will assist you disembarking the Vessel. Please ensure you have all your personal belongings when you leave, staff are not responsible for your personal items. Please use the handrails when getting off the Vessel and watch your footing particularly when stepping between the boat and shore. Once on the pontoon please remember there is water each side of you and walk in the middle of the pontoon to the carpark. For the Safety of you and your guests please ensure Taxis or other transport is arranged for our arrival time at Westhaven to transport people home.

 

Our Procedures

 

Hazard (list the hazard)	Significant (Yes / No)	Isolate or Minimise	Actions Required / Controls in Place	Person Responsible
Boarding and disembarking	No	M	Hold on to rails when boarding and disembarking Ensure suitable clothing and shoes are worn Listen to crew instructions, Ask for Assist if required Be aware of footing especially when stepping between the boat & the marina	Organiser & Passengers
Berthing and departure	No	M	Passengers to remain well clear until asked to board or disembark Passengers to keep hands etc inside the vessel Passengers and crew must not block skipper’s view Passengers wait for instruction to disembark Passenger asked not to offer help unless specifically requested by skipper or crew Passengers to stay clear of ropes and lines	Organiser & Passengers
Standing and moving around vessel	No	M	Passengers to use hand holds/grab rails and avoid moving while vessel is underway, especially at speed Passenger to avoid crowding in one area Passengers to stay inside rails at all times Be aware of footing particularly around doorways and stairs	Organiser & Passengers
Movement of stores and gear	Yes	M	All stores and gear must be secured safely Personal items should be stowed inside cabin	Organiser & Passengers
Sitting on bulwarks	Yes	M	NOT PERMITTED whilst the vessel is underway	Organiser & Passengers
Passengers climbing over rails	Yes	M	Passengers must not climb over rails	Organiser & Passengers
Rough Weather	Yes	M	passengers to be seated and be secure to prevent falls Avoid moving around Vessel and brace yourself.	Organiser & Passengers
Cold exposure	Yes	M	Appropriate clothing must be carried and worn when required.	Organiser & passengers
Sun exposure	Yes	M	Appropriate clothing must be carried and worn when required Sun block is available and its use is encouraged	Organiser & Passengers
Door Sills and Lips	Yes	M	Passengers to take care when moving around the vessel particularly around doorways and stairs. Always be aware of your footing	Organiser & Passengers
Vessel Equipment & Restricted Areas	Yes	M	Passengers are not to tamper with Vessels Safety equipment Passengers to stay out of crew only areas Passengers not to open sea doors ramps or untie ropes	Organiser & Passengers
Intoxication	Yes	M	Avoid over indulging on board Ensure you eat plenty of food Water and non-alcoholic drinks are available on board Use a token system if running a tab We recommend 2 drinks in the 1st hour and 1 drink per hour after that. Intoxicated Passengers will not be served	Passengers   Organiser, Passengers & Bar manager
Slips and trips	Yes	M	Deck to be kept as clean as possible, spilled fluids cleaned up immediately. Advise crew if spills need cleaning. All equipment and personal items is to be stored correctly to avoid tripping hazards	Organiser, Passengers & Crew
Heavy lifting, strains etc	Yes	M	Only lift what can be handled comfortably If in doubt, ask for help Use correct lifting techniques	Organiser & Passengers
Use of BBQ	Yes	M	Be aware BBQ is hot, always stand clear Always use correct utensils, be aware of spitting Only crew are to light the BBQ Do not put too much oil on BBQ or let it get too hot. Ensure BBQ is turned off after use	Organiser, Passengers & Crew
Severe Vessel Movement/jarring	Yes	M	Be aware of footing, use hand holds and rails, brace yourself if necessary, listen to instructions of crew.	Skipper
Smoking on board   Overcrowding on top deck	Yes   Yes	M   M	Smoking only permitted in outside areas Buts to be disposed of correctly, Not overboard Ensure your guests are always distributed evenly between the top and bottom deck Dancing is only permitted downstairs	Organiser, Passengers & Crew
Stairs & Ladders	Yes	M	Always hold on the rails. Be aware of footing, climb slowly Always come down Ladders Backwards	Organiser Passengers
Rails, Seats & Tables	Yes	M	Do Not: Stand on Seats Stand on tables Sit on the railings	Organiser & Passengers
Fire	Y	M	If you see fire or smell smoke advise crew immediately Listen to instructions from crew Keep away from fire, opposite end of Vessel. Do not interfere with crew fighting fire Extinguishers are located in the Wheelhouse	Organiser, Passengers & Crew
Abandon Ship	Y	M	Life Jackets are under seats Go to Muster Station as instructed by crew Listen to Crew Start putting on life Jackets Do not enter water until advised to do so	Organiser, Passengers & Crew
Man Overboard	Y	M	Advise Crew Immediately, Yell Man Overboard Throw life ring to person or anything that floats Do not lose sight of person, Point and yell out to them Listen to instructions from Crew	Passengers & Crew
Host responsibility	Y	M	Ensure you have arranged transport for your guests Advise crew if you want taxis to be ordered Ensure Passengers do not become intoxicated Supply plenty of food.	Organiser
Jumping Overboard	Y	M	Passengers must not Jump Overboard Passengers who Jump Overboard will be prosecuted	Organiser & Passengers
Bottes & Glass	Y	M	All bottles must be put in rubbish bins after use Advise crew of any broken glass Don’t throw bottles & be careful around windows	Passengers
Doors Slamming	Y	M	Close doors slowly Keep fingers clear of door jams Be aware of wind slamming doors	Passengers