charter help

pop · 07 March 2006, 14:35

Ello people

I am trying to get a rib ready for charter. After reading the other threads on this i understand that you can get a solent license and mca license. can you tell me what the difference between them is cost wise. also who i contact to get this done thanks guys

fun times

donutsina911 · 07 March 2006, 14:48

duncan at www.saundersmorganharris.com (searider on this forum) is a helpful chap for this kind of thing

Jimbob · 07 March 2006, 17:07

I would ask yourself what your market is first

The Solent code (Cat D waters) ,e.g from Hirst to the Needles and bembridge to Chichester areas (approx) - 80 quid a year. The requirement for equipment is basically the same as the MCA code e.g the main difference used to be not having a liferaft, now you do.

MCA code - depends how far you want to go, but the best coding you can generally get for a rib is Cat 4 which i think is 20 miles from safe haven ( i dont have MGN280 in front of me). MCA code is also stricter on fuel lineS and having a fuel value for example. Dont know how much the MCA one is but lasts longer

Lots of people talk about coding, but unless you have a market then it does not pay. Also insurance and qualifications become important.

Hope this helps a little

pop · 07 March 2006, 18:28

I have all the qualifications to do this, the insurance is no problem. I know that you dont make much from this. i thought it would be a fun way to spend 6 months of the year as i work hard for the other 6 months racing maxi yachts around the world. any more info would be great thanks

Dino · 07 March 2006, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by pop

I have all the qualifications to do this, the insurance is no problem. I know that you dont make much from this. i thought it would be a fun way to spend 6 months of the year as i work hard for the other 6 months racing maxi yachts around the world. any more info would be great thanks

Pop
Ask Moo!He'll have some ideas for you

codprawn · 07 March 2006, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by pop

I have all the qualifications to do this, the insurance is no problem. I know that you dont make much from this. i thought it would be a fun way to spend 6 months of the year as i work hard for the other 6 months racing maxi yachts around the world. any more info would be great thanks

Sounds like a REALLY hard life........

pop · 07 March 2006, 21:14

It has its ups and downs but i like it. Is it easy enough to get the solent license?

tim griffin · 08 March 2006, 07:50

Hi Pop

Not difficult to obtain the local Licence so long as your boat is well specced.
The work is not easy to come by. I see alot of people setting up as a charter company some make something some give up. It seems easy to code your boat and expect to make a living from it but the reality is it is a very competitve market and unless you have good contacts in the Industry (You could have as a Sailor/Racer of Maxi Yachts ) and can provide what the client wants in the Solent area then go for it .
Good luck with it pm me if you want to chat about it further or call me .07876 623124.

Jimbob · 08 March 2006, 08:11

Pop , mine is coded for the Solent, i can tell you exactly what you will need to do

1) Portsmouth have a web site with all the info on there, there is a check list to follow, providing you follow (e.g all the bits) then you will be home and dry.

2) In the past they would give you a licence with exceptions, now they want to have proof of these before they issue. e.g last year had an exception of a liferaft, basically saying that when in use it must be there. This year they will issue one once they have seen it, i have it so it makes no difference.
07710875504

It not difficult to do, just need a little time and some money with you when you go to the chandlery

pop · 08 March 2006, 11:55

thanks for your reply ill look up portsmouth web today and get on with it .

in regards to my contacts tim. i am fortunate to have friends like leopard of london and the big boats is the solent. i use to run a cougar for leopard not so long ago. it would be great to meet up and have a chat in the near future.

thanks guys

tim griffin · 08 March 2006, 12:20

2002 the cougar broke down off of Yarmouth and we towed it in . I had the MD of Marinepool onboard as he supplied all of Lepoards Sailing gear . We may have met already.
Would be good to have a chat .
Regards

pop · 08 March 2006, 12:54

Was not me mate. I was racing on the yacht from 2001. we are still wearing marine pool gear

. but they are good sponsors but we also had canon. i am skipper of a j sixty and run three crews that are busy all year round, between racing leopard at the yearly events. i am puerly going into this because i am haveing my first child hence why i want to be in uk over the next season. i would like to talk to you about the up and coming season. i will be over in cowes tuesday next week pm me and we can grab a beer anytime ben