Safety & Work Boat Hire Tips

Safety & Work Boat Hire — What To Ask, How It’s Priced, and What To Check

Usually priced per 12‑hour day

Hiring a safety or work boat is the fastest way to add professional cover to over‑water jobs. Whether it’s a guard boat, rescue standby, survey support or light towing, the right coded vessel and skipper keep people safe and the programme on track.

Where they shine

  • Guard/safety cover for bridge, quay or pontoon works
  • Personnel & light cargo transfers to floating works
  • Survey support, inspections, filming and chase boat duties
  • Towing, pushing and positioning small pontoons or plant
Headlines: commercial work requires an MCA coded vessel; hire is typically a 12‑hour day rate (overtime hourly). If a skipper is supplied, confirm they are RYA Powerboat Level 2 — commercially endorsed (or higher) and in date on medical. Multi‑day hires often attract a small discount.

Vessel types (pick what fits the task)

  • RIBs: fast response and great seakeeping — ideal for guard/rescue and survey.
  • Dory / open workboat (e.g. Pioner Multi): stable, shallow draft, solid deck space for tools and transfers.
  • Cat / landing craft: more deck area and bow door options for kit and ramps.

Pricing — what’s normally included

  • Day rate (12‑hour shift): boat + qualified skipper. Overtime charged per hour.
  • Fuel: at cost or included to a limit — agree upfront.
  • Mobilisation/demob: trailering/launch, travel and slip/berthing fees.
  • Multi‑day hire: modest discounts are common on continuous bookings.
  • Standby/weather: fair standby rate when held but not operating.

What to check before you book

  • MCA coding: confirm vessel is coded to a suitable category for the job/area.
  • Skipper ticket: minimum RYA Powerboat Level 2 – commercially endorsed; higher tickets (Advanced PB2/Yachtmaster) as conditions or vessel demand.
  • Insurance: P&I/third‑party and public liability to appropriate limits.
  • POB & deck limits: coded capacity and any load/seat restrictions; lifejackets for all.
  • Safety kit: kill‑cord discipline, VHF, first aid, throwlines, nav lights for early/late shifts.
  • Local rules: harbour notices, speed limits, exclusion zones and environmental sensitivities.

Handy tips

  • Share a short RAMS and toolbox talk at the start of each shift.
  • Confirm start/finish times, overtime and refuelling arrangements in writing.
  • Supplying your own helm? Ensure they’re qualified, commercially endorsed and insured.
  • Night or winter shifts — plan for rotation/extra crew to stay sharp and safe.

What we need to quote accurately

  • Dates and expected shift pattern (12‑hr standard; overtime if likely)
  • Location/launch site and access timings
  • Task type: guard/rescue, transfers, tow/push, survey (with kit weights)
  • POB (crew + client) and any deck equipment
  • Any harbour permits or special conditions to allow for
Bottom line: choose a correctly coded boat, a commercially‑endorsed skipper, and a clear day‑rate that spells out fuel, mobilisation and any overtime. That’s the safe, low‑friction way to run the job.

Note: guidance only — final requirements depend on site, weather, vessel and scope.

See safety & work boat hire →

FAQs

Do I need an MCA coded boat for commercial work?

Yes. Commercial tasks require an MCA coded vessel to an operating category suitable for your area and conditions. Ask for the certificate and kit list.

What skipper qualification should I look for?

At minimum, RYA Powerboat Level 2 — commercially endorsed for inshore work. Advanced PB2 or Yachtmaster (commercially endorsed) may be required for vessel/conditions. Check endorsement and medical (ML5/ENG1).

How is hire priced?

Typically a 12‑hour day rate with hourly overtime beyond that. Expect mobilisation/demob and fuel as separate lines. Multi‑day hires often receive a small discount.

Can I supply my own skipper?

Yes, if they’re suitably qualified, commercially endorsed and insured — and approved by the operator. A short vessel brief/hand‑over is standard before sailing.

How many people can it carry?

Set by the vessel’s coding (POB). We’ll confirm safe numbers and any deck load limits for your task.