Saundersfoot Boat Trips

Health and safety

At Saundersfoot Boat Trips, the safety of our passengers, crew, and vessels is our highest priority. We are committed to providing enjoyable coastal experiences while maintaining clear, proportionate, and effective health and safety standards at all times.

This policy applies to all passengers, skippers, and staff, and is used for both public information and internal operational guidance.

1. Responsibility & Accountability

Saundersfoot Boat Trips is responsible for ensuring appropriate health and safety arrangements are in place across all operations.

Skippers are responsible for the day-to-day safety of passengers and crew while on board, including dynamic decision-making based on conditions.

Management is responsible for overseeing:

vessel maintenance,

training and competency of skippers,

safety procedures and equipment,

review of incidents and safety practices.

The Skipper and company management have the final authority on all safety-related decisions.

2. Skipper Training & Competence

All skippers operating vessels for Saundersfoot Boat Trips are trained Powerboat operators, qualified to the required level for commercial endorsement.

Skippers are experienced in local waters and trained to manage routine operations, changing conditions, and emergencies at sea.

3. Vessel Safety & Equipment

All vessels are appropriately equipped and maintained for commercial passenger operations. Equipment carried includes:

Lifejackets / crew savers for all passengers

VHF radio

First aid kit

Emergency flares

Engine kill cord / cut-off

Fire extinguisher

Liferaft

Safety equipment is checked regularly and maintained in line with operational requirements.

4. Passenger Safety & Briefing

All passengers are required to wear a lifejacket or crew saver for the duration of the trip, as instructed by the skipper.

A safety briefing is delivered at the start of every trip, covering:

onboard rules and conduct,

safety procedures,

actions to take in the event of an emergency.

Passengers must follow all skipper instructions at all times.

5. Passenger Suitability & Fitness to Travel

For safety reasons:

Passengers must be fit enough to travel by boat.

Passengers must inform us in advance of any medical conditions or complaints that could be affected by being out at sea.

Passengers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If a passenger is deemed unsafe to travel or fails to follow instructions:

Boarding may be refused,

A trip may be terminated early,

No refund will be issued in these circumstances.

6. Children & Vulnerable Passengers

Children must be supervised at all times.

Parents or guardians are fully responsible for their children’s safety while onboard.

We provide lifejackets suitable for a wide range of ages; however, we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 4.

7. Boarding & Tidal Conditions

Saundersfoot Harbour is tidal, and boarding conditions may vary.

Boarding may involve uneven surfaces, steps, or wading in shallow water.

Passengers must be able-bodied and capable of boarding safely.

Anyone unsure about their ability to board must contact us in advance to discuss suitability or alternative arrangements.

8. Weather & Sea Conditions

Sea conditions can change rapidly.

The Skipper and management jointly decide whether conditions are safe for departure or continuation of a trip.

Trips may be altered, delayed, or cancelled at short notice in the interests of safety.

All safety decisions are final and non-negotiable.

9. Emergencies & Incidents

Skippers are trained to manage emergencies at sea.

In the event of an emergency, passengers must follow skipper instructions immediately.

Any incidents or near misses will be recorded and reviewed to support ongoing safety improvement.

10. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are in place for our operations.

Dynamic risk assessments are carried out on the day by the skipper, taking into account weather, sea state, vessel condition, and passenger factors.

Commitment to Safety

Saundersfoot Boat Trips is committed to continually reviewing and improving health and safety practices to ensure safe, enjoyable experiences for all.