Safety
On all of our Cardiff Sea Safaris tours we demonstrate a clear and unswerving commitment to safety – your safety and comfort are paramount. We are one of the largest operators of RIB voyages in the UK and being the original provider of such experiences have set the industry standard others are now expected to follow.
Should you require copies of our Insurance, Risk assessments, Domestic Safety Management Codes we will be happy to e-mail them across to you in advance of your booking.
We work closely with the Maritime Accident Investigation Bureau to bring in new safety codes, modes of operation and analyse how the industry can be safely improved to achieve a balance between commercial considerations and reducing risk as low as reasonably practical.
Licensing
Cardiff Sea Safaris are licensed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and regulated by Cardiff Harbour Authority. We operate a strict Domestic Safety Management Code (DSMC) which provides clear operational procedures including regular;
- Risk assessments
- Emergency drills and procedure training
- Shore side procedures
- Pontoon boarding procedures and method statements
- Maintenance procedures
- Training programme and marine safety manual
- Passage plans
- Search and Rescue plans
Cardiff Sea Safaris Domestic Safety Management Code of operation is regularly reviewed by an external marine risk management company.
Safety Equipment
On all of our Cardiff Sea Safaris Vessels we carry all the up-to-date safety equipment available to meet licensing and Domestic Safety Management Coding. Equipment includes:
- 14 man Solas B life raft
- Thermal protective aids
- Approved first aid kit (CAT C)
- Floating quick-grab throw lines
- Life saving buoys, buoyant throw lines and individual lights
- Emergency grab bag
- Icom fixed marine radios
- Handheld marine vhf radios
Our skippers are in constant communication via radio with the VTS at the Port of Cardiff, other commercial operators, and Coastguard.
Due to our responsiveness and level of equipment we carry onboard we have been called to assist emergency situations in the Bristol Channel on a number of occasions. We are not only a commercial operator, but are well respected within the Cardiff bay boating community and helpful wherever necessary to ensure that Cardiff Bay is a safe place to be for everybody.
Insurance
Cardiff Sea Safaris is insured by Coleman Marine Insurers. Coleman are one the largest Commercial boat insurers in the UK. We have full Public Liability Insurance to four times the legal requirement level.
We also operate a complete Marine Operators Combined Liability Policy.
Skippers
All the Cardiff Sea Safaris Captains are commercial qualified and also have a lot of Local Knowledge. All are experienced in using high speed craft with fare paying passengers. They must have also completed the Cardiff Sea safaris specific training Programme for each of the vessels they drive.
Our Captains are required under our DSMC to complete regular emergency drills.
Guides/Crew
Although not required by law to complete any specific training Cardiff Sea safaris Domestic Safety Management Codes require guides to have completed training to equivalent Powerboat Level 2. All guides have under gone Cardiff Sea Safaris guide training which includes: basic boat handling, navigation, radio operation, emergency procedures and man overboard procedures.
Cardiff Harbour Authority Pontoons
We also comply with the strict code of conduct and risk assessments required to operate from the Cardiff Harbour Authority Pontoons at Mermaid Quay/Barrage South /Barrage north and Taff embankment.
Life Jackets
Adults and children are fitted with sleek automatic life jackets. They inflate on contact with the water; they also feature a manual inflation toggle. They are one size fits all and completely adjustable.
