Safety & Guest Conduct Policy

The captain has final authority over the vessel, its operation, passenger safety, departure, route, speed, sailing conditions, activities aboard the vessel, and the decision to return to port. Passengers must immediately comply with safety-related instructions from the captain or crew.

The captain may delay, modify, shorten, cancel, or terminate a charter whenever the captain reasonably determines that conditions, passenger behavior, mechanical circumstances, navigational concerns, weather, or another circumstance creates an unacceptable safety risk.

No guest request, itinerary, celebration, reservation, payment, schedule, or other consideration overrides the captain's safety authority.

Charleston Sunsets Sailing will carry safety equipment required for the vessel and operation. Passengers must wear a PFD/life jacket whenever required by applicable law or directed by the captain. The captain may require any passenger to wear a PFD at any time regardless of age or swimming ability.

Children must comply with applicable PFD requirements. Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervising minors. Guests may not tamper with, relocate, misuse, damage, or obstruct access to emergency or safety equipment.

Weather and marine conditions can change rapidly. The captain determines whether conditions are appropriate for departure or continued operation based on thunderstorms, lightning, wind, visibility, tides, currents, waves, marine advisories, vessel traffic, and other relevant conditions.

A charter may be delayed, rerouted, shortened, rescheduled, or canceled for safety reasons. Weather cancellations initiated by Charleston Sunsets Sailing result in a charter credit valid for one year, subject to published booking terms.

A cloudy day, absence of a visible sunset, temperature preference, light rain, or similar conditions do not automatically constitute an unsafe-weather cancellation. The captain makes the final operational weather decision.

Alcohol may be permitted when authorized by Charleston Sunsets Sailing and consistent with applicable law. Guests consuming alcohol must be of lawful drinking age.

The captain may refuse boarding, restrict or discontinue alcohol consumption, require a passenger to stop drinking, return to port, or terminate participation when impairment or behavior creates a safety concern.

Excessive intoxication, dangerous behavior, harassment, aggression, vomiting caused by excessive consumption, interference with vessel operations, or failure to obey crew instructions may result in immediate termination. A charter terminated because of unsafe guest behavior or excessive intoxication is not eligible for a refund or credit for the unused portion. The captain and working crew will not consume alcohol while responsible for vessel operation.

Illegal drugs and unlawful controlled substances are prohibited aboard the vessel. Guests may not possess or use substances in violation of applicable federal or maritime law.

Smoking, vaping, THC/cannabis products, combustible products, and inhaled products may be restricted or prohibited at the captain's discretion based on safety, fire risk, impairment, insurance requirements, vessel rules, or applicable law.

Unless specifically authorized by the captain, guests may not bring aboard: illegal drugs or contraband; fireworks, explosives, or pyrotechnics; flammable fuels or hazardous chemicals; unauthorized firearms or weapons; large equipment or coolers obstructing safe movement; glass containers where prohibited; drones or equipment interfering with vessel operation; or any item reasonably considered hazardous by the captain.

Sailboats contain moving lines, rigging, winches, hatches, uneven surfaces, narrow passages, and wet/slippery areas. Guests must use appropriate footwear when required. Footwear likely to damage the vessel or create a slipping hazard may be prohibited.

Passengers may not climb onto railings, rigging, masts, booms, lifelines, or restricted vessel areas unless specifically directed. Passengers must remain seated or positioned as instructed during docking, maneuvering, rough conditions, or other safety-sensitive operations.

Guests with mobility limitations or requiring assistance should notify Charleston Sunsets Sailing before departure so the company can determine whether reasonable accommodations can safely be made. Guests should disclose functional limitations relevant to boarding, disembarking, moving around the vessel, or responding during an emergency.

A parent or legal guardian must provide required authorization for every passenger under 18. Children must remain under responsible adult supervision.

The captain may establish additional safety requirements based on age, size, weather, sea conditions, vessel configuration, and nature of the charter. Children may be required to wear PFDs throughout the charter. Captain and crew operate the vessel and are not childcare providers.

No passenger may intentionally enter the water without express permission from the captain. Swimming is permitted only when the captain determines conditions allow it. Passengers must follow instructions regarding PFDs, water entry, reboarding, and swimming areas. Diving is prohibited unless expressly authorized. Unauthorized water entry may result in charter termination.

Threatening behavior, violence, harassment, fighting, intentional property damage, repeated refusal to follow safety instructions, reckless conduct, excessive intoxication, unauthorized water entry, interference with vessel operation, or conduct placing persons or property at unreasonable risk may result in removal or immediate termination.

Guests are responsible for determining whether they are physically capable of participating. Before departure, passengers should privately inform the captain of medical, mobility, allergy, pregnancy-related, or other circumstances materially affecting emergency response or safe participation. Guests are responsible for necessary personal medication. Immediate access to advanced medical care cannot be guaranteed while underway.

During an emergency, passengers must immediately follow captain and crew instructions. Guests may be instructed to wear PFDs, relocate, remain seated, assist another passenger, prepare for docking or evacuation, or take other safety measures. Guests may not interfere with emergency communications or equipment.

Passengers must board and disembark only when instructed. Guests must not jump between the vessel and dock or attempt to board or leave while the vessel is moving.

Charleston Sunsets Sailing reserves the right to refuse boarding or terminate a charter when guest conduct creates a safety risk, violates applicable law or this policy, interferes with vessel operations, or materially disrupts other guests.

When a charter is terminated because of unsafe, unlawful, threatening, excessively intoxicated, or materially disruptive behavior, no refund or credit will be issued for the unused portion.