Safety on the water

Be prepared. Be aware. Be safe.

The water is unforgiving. SeaSeatShare verifies every captain's licence and insists on a working safety kit on every trip, but the right call in the right moment is on whoever is closest. This page tells you exactly what to do and who to call.

First call · Life or limb999UAE Coast Guard / general emergency. Use for: someone in the water, vessel taking on water, fire onboard, medical emergency, vessel collision.Second call · After everyone is safe+971 52 620 8920SeaSeatShare 24/7 support line.We coordinate with the captain, handle the booking, manage refunds, and file the platform's incident report.For ambulance / land medical998UAE ambulance.Once back at the marina if anyone needs onward medical attention. 999 also dispatches ambulances if you've called them first.

What to do if…

Person overboardUrgent · Seconds count

Shout "person overboard" and point at them. Do not stop pointing.
Throw a lifebuoy or flotation toward them, even if they are a strong swimmer.
Captain stops the vessel and turns toward the person, propellers off.
Once recovered, call 999 for medical assessment. Hypothermia and shock are the silent risks.
Call +971 52 620 8920 after. We will handle the trip and any insurance follow-up.

Medical emergency onboardUrgent · Stabilise first

Call 999. Tell them you are on a vessel and give your nearest landmark or coordinates.
Move the person to a stable, sheltered position. If they are conscious, sit them upright.
Captain heads back to the nearest marina at safe speed and radios ahead so an ambulance is waiting.
Use the onboard first-aid kit for anything minor while you are inbound.
Call us once docked. We will handle the refund and check on the guest the next day.

Sudden weather changeSerious · Captain's call

Captain checks the marine forecast and decides: shorten the route, return to marina, or shelter in lee.
All guests in lifejackets, no exceptions. Stow loose items.
If the captain returns early, the trip still counts as completed. Refunds are at our discretion.
If you are a guest and feel unsafe, ask to head back. Captains are trained to honour that without question.

Engine failure or vessel disabledSerious · Stay calm

Captain attempts diagnosis. If it is not a quick fix and you are drifting, drop anchor.
Call 999 if you are in shipping lanes, near rocks, or weather is closing.
Otherwise call us on +971 52 620 8920. We coordinate towing and the guest refund.
Stay onboard. Do not try to swim to shore unless explicitly told to by emergency services.

Guest behaving unsafelySerious · Captain authority

Captain has full authority to refuse or remove a guest who is intoxicated, refusing safety briefings, or behaving aggressively.
Document with photos or video if safe to do so. Note the time and the trigger.
Return to marina if necessary. Other guests get a partial refund at our discretion.
File a captain incident report from your dashboard. We review within 1 business day.

Pre-departure safety briefPrep · Every trip

Captain runs through lifejacket fit, location of flares and first-aid kit.
Identify the muster point and how to call for help on the radio.
Confirm everyone has signed in and shown ID (UAE law).
Ask if anyone has medical conditions the captain should know about (diabetes, asthma, recent surgery).
Take a quick group photo at the dock. Useful in any later coordination.

Who is responsible for what

As a guest, you

Bring your Emirates ID or passport. No ID, no boarding.
Tell the captain about any medical condition that matters on the water.
Wear a lifejacket whenever the captain says so, no exceptions.
Do not board intoxicated. The captain can refuse you and we back that decision.
Listen to the safety brief. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Speak up immediately if you feel unsafe. Fear is information.

As a captain, you

Hold a current, valid maritime licence and current insurance.
Carry a working safety kit: lifejackets for all, flares, first-aid, fire extinguisher.
Run a pre-departure safety brief on every trip, every time.
Verify every guest's ID before casting off (UAE law).
Refuse boarding if a guest is intoxicated or refuses the safety brief.
Return to marina if weather shifts or anyone feels unsafe, no questions asked.
File an incident report after anything that was not routine.

What every captain carries

Lifejackets for every seat plus one spare
Throwable lifebuoy with line
Marine flares, in date
First-aid kit, restocked monthly
Fire extinguisher, certified
Working VHF radio
Anchor with adequate rode
Bilge pump and bailer

What guests should bring

Emirates ID or passport (UAE law)
Sunscreen, reef-safe if you can
A layer for evening trips. The Gulf cools fast.
Closed water bottle, no glass
Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone
Any personal medication you may need
A camera, but in a dry-bag

Frequently asked

How does SeaSeatShare vet captains?

Every captain submits their UAE Maritime Licence, Emirates ID, vessel insurance certificate, and vessel registration before they can list a trip. We verify each document manually during onboarding and request renewals as they expire.

What safety equipment is on every vessel?

ICOMIA-certified lifejackets for every seat plus one spare, a throwable lifebuoy with line, in-date marine flares, a first-aid kit restocked monthly, a certified fire extinguisher, a working VHF radio, an anchor with adequate rode, and a bilge pump.

Who is in charge during an emergency?

The captain. UAE maritime law gives the captain full authority over the vessel and everyone aboard. If the captain says lifejackets on, lifejackets on. If the captain says we are heading back, we head back. SeaSeatShare backs every captain who exercises that authority for safety reasons.

What if I feel unsafe during a trip?

Tell the captain. Captains are trained to honour a guest's request to head back without argument. If you cannot reach the captain or the captain dismisses your concern, call SeaSeatShare on +971 52 620 8920 once you are back at the marina, and we will follow up.

Can children come on a trip?

Yes, but every guest including children must wear a lifejacket sized correctly for their weight whenever the captain says so. Tell the captain about any child under 12 at booking so they can confirm a child-sized jacket is aboard.

What happens after an incident?

The captain files an incident report from their dashboard. SeaSeatShare reviews every report within 1 business day, follows up with everyone involved, and handles refunds, insurance coordination, and any platform action that may be needed.

Questions about a specific trip?

For non-safety questions, our support team is one tap away. WhatsApp is fastest.

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