Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code CATEGORY C &D WATERS 26 MANNING – THE SKIPPER 26.1 Minimum qualifications – general 26.1.1 Operators should satisfy themselves that the person in charge of the vessel is competent both to handle the vessel and to deal confidently with passengers. Operators should take account of the following recommendations and the level of risk identified in their operation including considering the worst case scenario. Any certificates and licences of competency or service are to be appropriate to the type of vessel and area of operation in which they are used. 26.1.3 The minimum age of the skipper should be 18 years. 26.2 Boat-handling, knowledge, etc 26.2.1 Operators should satisfy themselves that the skipper has both the appropriate level of competence and relevant practical experience in local operation of the relevant or a similar vessel operating commercially. 26.2.4 The following certificates or courses are recommended: · MCA Boatmasters’ Licence for a local passenger vessel grade 2 for the appropriate
area; 26.3 Communications 26.3.1 The level of training qualifications will depend on the type of communications equipment fitted or carried on board the vessel. 26.3.2 A one-day short-range (approved SRC) VHF radio course would be expected for vessels which are fitted with VHF equipment (see Section 16: Communications Equipment). 26.3.3 Where there is no radio, the skipper should know how to use the available equipment to contact assistance from any point on the route – e.g. a mobile phone, PA, loud hailer, or mega-phone for use on rivers and canals. 26.6 Basic Sea Survival Course/Water Safety 26.6.1 It is recommended that those operating a vessel under this Code should attend a basic training course on water safety, including personal survival and rescuing others from the water. 26.6.3 Approved courses for seafarers are widely available at many maritime colleges. Contact details are available from the Seafarer Standards Branch, MCA. Other training providers, including the RYA, also provide appropriate courses. 26.7 Life Saving Appliances (LSA) The skipper should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the location and use of LSA on board, and be able to demonstrate to passengers, where appropriate, how to obtain and put on a life jacket/buoyancy aid. 26.8 Fire Fighting The skipper should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the location and use of fire fighting appliances on board, and the procedure for summoning assistance and evacuating the vessel. N.B. Paragraph numbering may not be consecutive, as this page only
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