Monday, January 19, 2015

What Every Vacationer Should Know About Boat Rentals In Bermuda

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By Enid Hinton


When visiting the island of Bermuda, one of the best ways to appreciate its natural beauty and rich culture and history is to view it from the sea. This experience should top the itinerary of any traveler. Some people feel more at ease on an organized tour lead by a knowledgeable guide whereas more adventuresome types may prefer the freedom to explore that comes with private boat rentals in Bermuda.

The experience of enjoying a day on the water with friends or family while taking in the wonders of Bermuda provides a fun and exciting break from the ordinary while on vacation. Renting a watercraft for private use gives boaters the liberty to choose where they go and how long they spend in each place, whereas with organized tours this is predetermined.

When renting boats, one must expect that there will be some safety rules which need to be followed as to avoid personal injury or damage to the watercraft. Normally the rental company will specify all of these requirements along with any general regulations imposed by local authorities at the time of the transaction.

Rental agencies will provide renters with necessary paperwork that must be filled out before signing the watercraft over to them, and it normally states what the speed limits are, and the undersigned is agreeing to obey them while operating the craft. There are "no wake zones" in most harbor and pier areas, where the speed cannot exceed 5 knots or leave a wave in the water. Boaters must also refrain from drinking alcohol while driving the boat, doing so is just as dangerous operating a car under the influence.

It's always best to only rent boats from registered, licensed companies. Consulting Bermuda's Department of Tourism is a reliable way to find out which companies are professional and ensure a safe experience for their customers. Online, one may also come across some customer reviews for helpful feedback.

Before setting sail, a company representative will familiarize the customer with all of the boat's equipment and instruments. If the renter does not believe that he or she can safely operate it, then it's best to hire a local, experience captain to do so instead. Not only is this the safest option, but also a good opportunity to learn some interesting facts about the island one would otherwise not know.

One must also ensure that all safety equipment such as life jackets, and a first aid kit are present and in good working order. Generally having a sense of basic seafaring terms such as the positions on a watercraft like bow, stern, port, and starboard is advisable, and one must not leave without having a working cell phone and emergency numbers for the local marina and police if needed.

Understanding what each type of floating buoy on the water indicates is also important. These markers signify safe pathways for watercraft to navigate through, with boats passing in between buoys to avoid reefs and other underwater obstacles. As one leaves shore, there will be red buoys on the right hand side, and green buoys with flashing lights on the left, when returning, the opposite placement can be expected.




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