When you want to consider having a nice day out in the water, you might think about renting a vessel like a yacht or a boat. You have the option of having the boat owner with you or a professional skipper in your ride. However you can also decide to go without a skipper, which means you will be entirely responsible for the vessel. This is also known as a bareboat charter, where you rent the vessel only, for the rental period. If interested in the different rates and prices for yacht and boat renting, whether with a skipper or without a skipper, please visit this website here. Be sure to scroll through the whole site and check out all the options available.
What is a skipper?
A skipper is the person at the helm of a boat, in charge of the ship or boat, or the one in command. It is basically an informal or more fun name for the captain. The skipper is in charge and responsible for everything. In a commercial vessel, the skipper is also the captain. If he or she does not have a rank or captain's license while operating a recreational boat or even a utility boat in the military, then they would be called the skipper, instead of captain, even though they have the same duties and responsibilities of a captain.
Duties And Responsibilities of a skipper.
In this part of the article, we will have a look at the roles of a skipper. Here we have outlined some of the responsibilities.
Knowing the maritime rules
The skipper has a legal responsibility for the safety of the boat and all the people on board. They are also required to comply with all the relevant rules and regulations. Ignorance or failure to comply to any maritime rules can lead to instant fines or prosecution.
Observing the speed limits
It is important for every skipper to understand and observe the specified speed limits. For example if the speed limit in a certain area is 5 knots within 200 metres off shore, then the skipper should stick to it. In situations where visibility is limited by waves, rain, fog or by glare in the water, the skipper has to slow down to a safe speed.
Ensuring safety on board
It is a legal requirement by maritime law that all skippers carry enough lifejackets of the right size and type for everyone on board. Children, the elderly and non-swimmers are highly commended to wear lifejackets at all times. In case there is a situation where there is an increased risk to safety, everyone else is also required to put on a lifejacket.
These are just a few of the responsibilities of the skipper.
Conclusion
All in all, it is highly advisable that you sail with a skipper since they understand the dangers and they have the full time awareness that is very much needed when sailing out in the open water. Meanwhile, you can kick back and enjoy yourself without having to constantly worry about abiding to the law or sailing safe. But in the case that you are legally licensed to operate a boat or yacht without any supervision, then it is highly recommended to focus on being a safe captain or skipper and avoid alcohol. Situations can change very quickly on the water. If you or someone you know are seeking a boat rental in Dubrovnik Croatia, just search online and type Yacht charter croatia or simply visit the link provided earlier.
