| 1.) Most RIB charter companies offer wet weather | | | | those chartering Ribs think carefully, after all you would |
| gear as standard, but do ask to make sure. If not you | | | | not let an unqualified driver loose in a £30,000 sports |
| might get a little wet and cold (even in summer the | | | | car with no training would you? |
| wind chill should not be underestimated, also we would | | | | - Can you use the radio? Stupid question? Not really, |
| recommend taking sunblock and plenty of water). | | | | around 2/3rds of boat users have no radio license or |
| 2.) Ensure everyone has a life jacket included for the | | | | training. Just remember that when your untrained |
| hire fee, and more importantly ensure they are worn at | | | | drivers engine cuts out and you start drifting towards |
| all times and correctly. If you are on your own and fall | | | | rocks. |
| over the side you will find with wet clothes even a fit | | | | - Can more than one person use the radio? Stupid |
| person will find it nearly impossible to pull themselves | | | | question? Not really - if your driver is incapacitated |
| back into a rib un-aided. | | | | then who will call for help. |
| 3.) Does the rate quoted include fuel and is the daily | | | | - Do you know how to carry out a man overboard |
| mileage limited? (Also does the boat come full of fuel | | | | rescue? |
| and are you expected to take it back full of fuel? - | | | | - Flares - where are they, are they 'in date', and do |
| Beware of penalty charges, also see our note on fuel | | | | you know how to use them?. |
| barge opening times, not being able to get fuel and | | | | - Does the Rib have more than one safety cutoff |
| then being charged a penalty for leaving the boat | | | | lanyard, if your driver falls out of the Rib at speed with |
| empty cannot be blamed on the fuel barge not being | | | | the only engine cutoff tied around his leg, you may find |
| open) | | | | it particularly hard to pick him up with out the ability to |
| 4.) Are you fully insured for all aspects of the boat? | | | | restart the engine. |
| - Is Towing inflatable toys included? | | | | - Where can you get more fuel? More importantly |
| - Is water skiing / wakeboarding covered? | | | | what time does the local fuel barge close? None are |
| 5.) For a Rib charter you should also establish: - | | | | 24 hours - some do not even open on Sundays. |
| - If it is a bare boat Rib charter do you have to take | | | | 6.) Unless you absolutely have to or are extremely |
| out your own insurance? | | | | competent do not go out on a Rib alone. Even in calm |
| - Is anyone on a bareboat charter allowed to drive | | | | seas - Why? what can happen when it is so calm, well |
| under the terms of the insurance? Or do they have to | | | | as we have pointed out even with a lifejacket on you |
| be qualified to RYA level II Powerboat? - Bear in mind | | | | are unlikely to be able to get back on board unaided if |
| that an average charter RIB will have a replacement | | | | you do fall overboard. |
| value of £30,000+ yet every summer we see | | | | So there you have it - My guide to chartering a RIB |
| unqualified Rib drivers dashing around the water. So to | | | | the safe way. |