Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to charter a boat?
Chartering makes you, for the time you operate the boat, the temporary owner of the boat. The insurance on that boat requires someone competent be in charge of its operation. So, that’s you or someone you hire (never be shy to hire someone, it makes you super comfortable and you can learn more… especially if you are new to our region). Formal courses are great plus experience as a skipper on a boat of the same size and type as the one you are chartering are what we look for. We start with a boating resume and we have a great article “insurable and comfortable”
Can I get discounts on my boat insurance if I take a course?
Yes, Dolphin Insurance not only recognizes our courses in their rating system, they come here and take classes from us and refer folks They are quite cool and bring their dogs to the office. Never thought we’d refer to insurance folk as fun… but it’s true.
What’s with all these certifications and do I need a navigation course to navigate the system?
Our industry has found specialists in making things confusing. All the various letters CYA, ISPA, IYT, ASA and RYA are part of the alphabet soup you can swim in. The good news, they all measure to few standards that exist worldwide and appear quite similar on investigation.
Our focus is to see where you are at, where you’d like to go and where we need to reinforce, fill in or correct. Learning here can be challenging in many ways… if you can dock at Granville Island, you’ll be able to dock most anywhere! Our coaching includes seeing what certifications you’ll need based on your objectives.
How do I choose the best location?
The best location really depends on what you’re looking for. Our Sunshine Coast is pretty simple as you follow a coast into some reasonably easy destinations. We’ve even got a NEWBIE itinerary . Desolation Sound is a little more for self sufficient skippers who can live with less plugging in, spotty cel coverage (it’s there, but not machine the anchorages) and maximum beauty. The Gulf Islands are a combination of marine parks and little cities. More restaurants, stores, open markets and communities. You probably need to try them all to be sure!
