SAFETY MATTERS

First, and most important, for any marine travel whether it be a ferry, a fastboat or a pleasure boat, is safety. Meeting international safety standards does not mean sticking a couple of life-rings on the back of the boat or a rigid raft on the top.

All Gilicat fastboats have the following:

• On top of the canopy is at one or more large fiberglass cylinders which contain a 25 man life-raft complete with rations, water, etc. This life-raft has a hydrostatic release which if the boat sinks, the life-raft pops to the surface and automatically inflates.
• We have two life-rings on either side of the boat which are intended for man-over-board situations. Attached to the life-rings are two submersible beacons which can be activated in night time situations.
• There is a SOLAS approved life vest for each and every passenger and crew, including four specifically for children. SOLAS approved means an international standard that has a flotation device around the neck to keep the head out of the water if the person is unconscious. Each life vest has a whistle and fluorescent strips.
• All our crew members speak English, have had first-aid training and have rehearsed emergency procedures as part of Gilicat’s ISM certification As with airlines, we provide a safety briefing in English before each departure.
• This is all part of ISM, international safety management code, which Gilicat has been certificated for. This certification is renewed every six months.
• All boats have an EPIRB, electronic positioning device which is automatically activated when in the water. The EPIRB broadcasts a continuous signal to a channel which is monitored by satellite 24 hours a day.
• All boats have a ship-to-shore radio which is on a channel monitored by the harbormaster and water police.
• All boats have a GPS positioning system, course plotter, radar and depth sounder.
• All boats have a first-aid kit on board, oxygen cylinders, complete tool kits and emergency lighting.