Hiring a Captain
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As a new boat owner, your
number one responsibility is to learn everything about your new boat. One
way to do this is to hire a captain to help with a safe and educational
boat delivery. A professional captain will perform a system’s check,
monitor the engine’s, keep an eye on the weather, devise a float plan, and
keep a log of your trip.
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You can find a
professional delivery captain by asking your boat dealer or private seller
to recommend someone. Never hire a captain without meeting him or her
first. Everyone on board has to get along in close quarters for what could
be almost two weeks. Discuss each other needs and requirement - this is
very important! Halfway through the delivery is not the time to find out
that you don’t like your captain.
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Searching the Internet is
another way to find a delivery captain. The minimum requirements you
should look for in a delivery captain are: (1) resume, including a list of
deliveries, (2) copy of current Coast Guard license, (3) detailed trip
logs of past deliveries, (4) references, and (5) a contract that lists
delivery rates. This is very important – you need to have an agreed-upon
rate before the start of a delivery trip. Get everything in writing before
the start of any delivery trip.
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Ask the captain how long
the trip should take and what he or she expects of you. A delivery Captain
should have a handheld GPS, VHF radio, charts and guide book. Warning
signs of trouble, or at least a lack of professionalism, are: (1) no
navigational aids, (2) no documents showing deliveries, and (3) no current
license. Beware of the captain who asks for full payment up front!
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The owner is responsible
for food, supplies and transportation back home for the captain and
payment in full at the end of the trip. As for the boat, it must be sea
worthy, insured, and Coast Guard ready (life jackets, flares, ships bell,
fire system certified if so equipped, lift raft if needed).
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It is very important to
make sure that you, your delivery crew, and your vessel are insured in the
body of waters to be traveled. Ask your insurance agent if you should add
the captain, and/or delivery crew, to your policy.
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Finding the right captain
to bring along on your first trip – or every trip – will be the best money
you will spend. A professional delivery captain will allow you to get out
there, relax and enjoy your boat.