Navigating Safety and Compliance

September 11, 2024

As a livery operating in Florida, Navarre Family Watersports Adventure Complex is fully committed to complying with all regulatory requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the water. Here’s what you need to know about our responsibilities and the guidelines we follow:

Livery Operator Permit

Our facility is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Operating without a valid Livery Operator Permit is a violation of section 327.54(2) of the Florida Statutes, punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000 (s.775.083, F.S.). We maintain full compliance with this law to provide a safe, lawful service to our customers.

U.S. Coast Guard Passenger Limits

We also adhere to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, specifically USCG NVIC 07-94, 46 USC 21, which strictly limit our boats to carrying no more than 12 passengers. While the placard on the boat may indicate a higher capacity, these federal regulations override that number for liveries like ours. We are aware that some competitors might allow more passengers, and while pictures may show this, it is against the law and subject to significant fines. We prioritize safety and legal compliance above all.

Incident Reporting and Safety Measures

In the event of an incident resulting in damage of $2,000 or more, the death or disappearance of a passenger, or any situation requiring more than basic first aid, we are required to report it to FWC. Additionally, if a boat is more than four hours overdue, we must notify the FWC. As part of our safety protocol, if we cannot contact the members of a boat after one hour, we initiate a search within a five-mile radius, taking weather conditions into account. If we still have no communication after two hours, we notify FWC and continue our search.

Language Requirements

For the safety of all guests, it is crucial that everyone operating a vessel from our facility can understand and speak English. When in doubt, we conduct a simple test to ensure that instructions are clearly understood. This is vital not just for the safety of the individuals on the vessel, but for everyone enjoying the water.

We hope this clarifies our capacity requirements and the importance of understanding the English language while operating our vessels. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities!

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