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IMPORTANT
OTTAWA YACHT TOURS

THINGS TO KNOW

Here are some unspoken rules for those new to yacht tours. From why to take your shoes off to tipping the crew, we’ve outlined key essentials to help you navigate the yachting lifestyle.

CAPTAIN IS ALWAYS IN CHARGE

The captain has the responsibility for the safety and security of everyone on board.

If there ‘s any problem, tell the crew.

Crew will report to the captain

The captain will decide what to do.

Consider what the captain says as law.

Listen to the captain, and follow the captain’s instructions without exception.

RESPECT THE CREW

Treat crew as you would valued employees.

The crew have an extremely busy job; each one is there entirely to make sure your experience is safe and exceeds expectations.

PS — crew know how to turn the dial on fun.

CONDUCT YOURSELF

To respect the safety and security of every passenger, we follow a zero-tolerance approach when faced with any unacceptable behaviour.

Our captains are instructed not to hesitate and immediately terminate a tour if a passenger is perceived to be placing other passengers at risk.

Any deposit and/or payment made will be forfeited; and costs could be charged to reimburse all other passengers.

BOARDING

Put phones & keys in your pocket or bag.

Only board the yacht after being invited to do so by the Captain.

Crew will gladly assist you.

THE "BARE-FOOT" RULE

It’s customary to go barefoot on a yacht, unless you’re wearing soft-soled boat shoes (Sperry’s). 

So, unless it’s cold out and you’re instructed otherwise by the crew, plan to remove your shoes & socks after boarding.

Hmm — thinking about that pedi now? Haha!

The crew will provide a basket, in which you can place your things.

Remember: heels can dent decks and black soles leave scuffmarks.

AFTER BOARDING

Crew will invite you to hand over any carry on things you brought.

Crew will stow your things away in the cabin, out of the way in case of an emergency.

You’ll be asked to check in, by scanning our QR Code . We’ll need your name, phone number, and an emergency contact. 

RESPECT THE YACHT

The yacht is a very complex machine with sophisticated equipment and many expensive parts.

We want you to feel at home but ask that you treat the yacht like you would your most valued possession.

The yacht’s inside cabin is out of bounds, except to use the washroom.

You are welcome to ask to visit the cabin. We recognize most people rarely see inside a yacht, and we would be honoured to show you what ours looks like.

THE SAFETY BRIEFING

Everyone gets excited about a safety briefing. 

Kidding. Watching paint dry can be more fun.

So we put a lot of effort into making our briefing rich and exciting. 

Safety is our prime responsibility, and we want you to embrace it like we do.

Yes, you will have a safety briefing, but won’t have to suffer through ours.

From emergency protocol and alarms, to fire extinguishers and jumping ship, we’ll ensure you get all the information you need.

ASK THE CREW

We only hire people who can predict the immediate future.

For members of our crew who have yet to master that skill, we’ve given them training and they’re committed to staying alert to anticipate what passengers need.

If you need something, whatever the case may be, ask the crew.

Crew on our yachts are there to assist and make your experience exceed expectations.

CONSERVE H2O

Ironically, while the yacht is surrounded by water, there’s actually very little on board.

The yacht is an autonomous entity and fresh water reserves are limited.

Please be aware of this when washing hands in the washroom, use fresh water conservatively, and be sure to turn off the tap.

PROTECT THE RIVER

Do not throw anything overboard, ever.

If you need to dispose of something, give it to the crew.

Do not eliminate into the river.

Our yachts have washrooms.

SMOKING VAPING DRUGS

In one word: no.

Transport Canada prohibits smoking or vaping or consumption of drugs on our yachts, or any public properties leading to / from our yachts.

BEFORE DISEMBARKING

Crew will take any dishware, glassware, or napkins you may have been given during the tour.

Be sure to check that nothing’s left on the bow.

Crew will go into the cabin and bring out carry-on items that were stowed away. 

Be sure to check that you’ve got all your personal belongings.

Put your footwear back on.

DISEMBARKING

Put phones & keys back in your pocket or bag.

Only disembark the yacht after being informed it is safe to do so by the Captain.

Crew will gladly assist you.

GRATUITIES
Crew gratuities are customary, as in any hospitality industry. A gratuity should be regarded as a thank you for a job well done and be based on the satisfaction level of your entire experience. Look for and click this icon in the message we send after a tour — one click helps you give a gratuity using Apple Pay or a credit card.