The UK's premier self-drive fishing boat charter

Stonefisher Charters

Qualifications

Formal qualifications not required to book the Stonefisher Boats, however it would not be sensible to allow the complete novice to go to sea.  For this reason I have set a minimum experience level of 2 years boating - if you believe you have the necessary skills but under 2 seasons on the water please call me.

All parties will receive an information pack with details of the boat, its equipment, some safety guidelines, a suggested kit list and an idea of how you might spend your day.

When you arrive at Queen Anne’s Battery, I’ll run through all of the boat’s equipment with you and show you how to use all of the safety gear.  I’ll then guide you through a sea check to familiarise you with the boat and make sure both you and I are content before you take the boat for your day’s fishing or cruising.  The sea check can be quite brief, or take up to a couple hours if you need the time to be fully comfortable with the boat.  It falls under two categories, depending on your experience levels to cover the following:

Highly Experienced Boatmen (those with advanced qualifications & recent boating experience)

Sea check consists of:

             -            Low speed manoeuvring.

             -            Simulated MOB procedure.

-            Check of understanding of engine fire drill, use of liferaft, emergency steering.

-            Ensure familiarity with navigation/plotter/chart/operating area.

-            Berth alongside.

-            Local knowledge.

Experienced Boatmen (those with basic qualifications or not been on the water for some time)

Sea check consists of:

             -            Low speed manoeuvring.

             -            High speed manoeuvring.

-            Practical MOB procedure including use of the horseshoe buoys and rescue sling.

-            Anchoring.

-            Simulated engine fire.

-            Simulated abandon ship to liferaft.

-            Simulated engine fails to start.

-            Simulated steering failure.

-            Ensure familiarity with navigation/plotter/chart/operating area.

-            Several berthing procedures.

-            Local knowledge.

Please remember that the sea check is not a test - it is simply a framework that I can guide you through to ensure your safety during your day.

Below is a guide to the minimum qualifications or experience required to take the Stonefisher Boats self-drive.  I can accompany any party if preferred - you'll still be fully involved with the operation of the boat, I'll just be there to in case you need additional help.