Safety on SailsSearch
What we check, what your captain is responsible for, and the questions worth asking before you sail.
What captains must provide
Valid skipper license
Captains must hold a license appropriate for the boat and waters they operate in.
Insured, sea-worthy boats
Boats must carry valid liability insurance and pass annual safety checks.
On-board safety equipment
Life jackets for every passenger, fire extinguishers, first-aid kit, and emergency communication.
What we expect from travelers
Listen to the captain
The captain has final say on routing, weather, and on-board safety.
Disclose health conditions
Tell your captain about anything that could affect your participation — seasickness, allergies, mobility.
Respect the boat and crew
Behave responsibly, follow the safety briefing, and treat the boat as you would your own home.
If something goes wrong
On the water
Follow the captain's instructions and stay calm. Captains are trained to handle on-water emergencies.
After the trip
Report any safety concern to info@sailssearch.com — we investigate every report seriously.