Guidelines
Island Time Charters of South Florida LLC.
Snorkeling / Swimming and Boating Safety Procedures & Passenger Guidelines
Purpose
This document outlines the safety procedures and risk mitigation protocols employed by Island
Time Charters LLC to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all passengers and crew
during snorkeling, swimming, and boating excursions/charters. Our commitment is to maintain a
professional, safe, and enjoyable experience in compliance with local regulations, USCG and
maritime safety standards. At Island Time Charters LLC., your safety is our top priority. Before
entering the water, please review and follow the procedures below to ensure a safe and
enjoyable swimming, snorkeling and boating experience.
II. Vessel & Crew Safety Standards
❖ All vessels are inspected and maintained according to U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
❖ Each charter includes:
➢ A licensed captain (USCG-certified)➢ CPR/First Aid certified captain/crew member
III. Snorkeling Equipment Protocol
❖ All equipment (masks, snorkels, fins, vests) is:
➢ Inspected before each trip for functionality
➢ Sanitized after each use
➢ Stored in a dry, clean environment
❖ Floatation devices are available and recommended for all guests.
❖ Emergency equipment onboard includes:
➢ USCG-approved life vests
➢ First aid kit
➢ Trauma kit
➢ AED (if required by local jurisdiction)
➢ VHF radio
➢ Throwable flotation device
IV. Pre-Trip Safety Briefing
❖ All passengers receive a mandatory safety orientation, including:
➢ Proper use of snorkel gear and flotation equipment
➢ Identification of marine hazards (e.g., jellyfish, fire coral, sharp rocks)
➢ Snorkeling area boundaries and time limits
➢ Environmental protection guidelines (“no touch” rule)
➢ Hand signals for in-water communication
➢ Designation of buddy pairs to ensure accountability
➢ Location and use of onboard safety equipment
➢ “The engine(s) must be turned completely off before allowing any
passengers or crew into the water and shall not be started again until all
passengers and crew are back aboard the vessel and a head count has been
performed, unless in extreme emergency to save life.”
V. On-Site Supervision & Emergency Preparedness
❖ Supervision:
➢ One crew member remains onboard as a lookout at all times
➢ Use of float line, dive flag, visual markers to designate safe snorkeling zone
❖ Emergency Protocol:
❖ Crew is trained in:
➢ CPR and AED usage
➢ Swimmer retrieval and water rescue techniques
❖ Emergency Action Plan includes:
➢ Immediate response to distressed swimmers
➢ Use of throw rings and retrieval lines
➢ Radio contact with Coast Guard and local emergency services
➢ Onboard first aid for cuts, stings, exhaustion, or mild hypoxia
Guest injury or incident is documented and reported per
company policy
VI. Passenger Eligibility & Responsibility
❖ All participants must complete a liability waiver and confirm:
➢ Ability to swim comfortably
➢ No medical conditions that would impair safe snorkeling
➢ Children under 12 require active adult supervision in the water
➢ Pregnant passengers and those with heart or respiratory conditions are
advised to consult a doctor prior to snorkeling
VII. Environmental Stewardship & Community
Compliance
❖ Reef-safe sunscreen is encouraged
❖ No touching, feeding, or collecting of marine life
❖ Debris removal is promoted when safe to do so
❖ We comply with all Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary guidelines and Monroe
County boating/snorkeling regulations
❖ Look but don’t touch: Avoid contact with marine life and coral reefs to protect them and
yourself from potential injury.
VIII. Record-Keeping and Incident Reporting
❖ Daily logs include:
➢ Weather conditions
➢ Equipment inspections
➢ Crew certifications
➢ Guest manifest
❖ Any incidents are documented using standardized reports and
reviewed quarterly to assess trends and improve safety practices
IX. Insurance Risk Reduction Summary
❖ This plan reduces liability risk by:
➢ Ensuring proper staffing and certified crew
➢ Enforcing structured and repeated safety briefings
➢ Maintaining high-quality, sanitized snorkeling/swimming gear
➢ Documenting all safety checks and incidents
➢ Creating a supervised, controlled environment for snorkeling safely
➢ Maintaining clear communication with local authorities
Prepared by:
➢ Gustavo Gomez
➢ Owner, Island Time Charters LLC.
📍: 186 Jasmine ST, Tavernier, FL 33070
📞: (786) 795-1166