Safety

Participation in Rib Rendezvous is entirely voluntary and undertaken at the judgement and risk of each individual skipper.

Each participating skipper is solely responsible for the seaworthiness, safe operation and navigation of their own vessel, and for the safety and welfare of all persons on board.

RIB Rendezvous is a voluntary cruising-in-company muster of independent boaters.

It is not a managed or controlled marine event and does not direct vessel movements or assume responsibility for participants.

Any information shared regarding routes, weather, timing or general passage awareness is provided for information only.

Participants must make their own navigational and seamanship decisions at all times.

All vessels taking part must carry appropriate marine insurance, including third-party liability cover suitable for coastal boating activity.

Attendance at the mandatory skippers briefing at Kerrera Marina on the Saturday morning is a condition of participation.

Skippers under the age of 18 are welcome to participate only where they can demonstrate appropriate insurance cover and provide evidence of relevant boating experience or recognised qualifications.

At Sea

WE ASK THAT LIFEJACKETS ARE WORN AT ALL TIMES
WE ASK THAT ALL SKIPPERS WEAR A DEADMAN CORD

WE ASK THAT SKIPPERS ENSURE THEIR RIBS ARE IN A SAFE AND SEAWORTHY CONDITION FOR THE EVENT.

Please ensure you have sufficient fuel for the trip.

Clothing

The sea temperature in Scotland is still very cold. You need good waterproofs and spare clothing as a minimum. Should you find yourself in the water then you increase your chances of survival if you are wearing a floatation suit or a drysuit. A trip in the company of others increases safety however you should be familiar with your RIB and be competent in rough seas.


Boat Equipment

We suggest you thoroughly check your boat and equipment prior to travelling to the event. You should have sufficient navigation equipment to undertake the passage yourself, the boat will require both a VHF radio and a chart plotter. Good communications are essential to a safe weekend.


Throughout the weekend we strongly recommend that boats make passage in minimum groups of three or group up with similar sized boats. We are happy to make the necessary introductions. We do however ask for everyone’s peace of mind that boats check in and check out at certain points. Boat size to undertake this journey is always a difficult call but we urge you to err on the side of caution and make sensible decisions.
 

In the event of poor weather alternative sheltered tours will be suggested. The area is blessed with hundreds of islands and miles of mixed coastline. It is a rare day when an alternative route would not be available.

Rib Information

You are responsible for your own actions and safety. This is exactly the same as if you are using your boat on your own. In a group there is likely to be support readily available, but ultimately it is up to you to make sure that you are competent and prepared. If you are new to boating then investing in an RYA powerboat course is highly recommended. In this gathering should you wish, we will help you buddy up in a minimum group of 3 or more similar sized RIBs.

Know how to handle your boat, and have pride in doing it well. “Seamanship” may seem like an old fashioned concept, but there’s a lot to be said for it. Know where you are going and what you may face, act as though you are making the passage solo but in the knowledge that in company safety increases. As well as carrying the normal basic equipment, think about what else you’re likely to need. There are no chandlers or marina shops nearby. You should ensure your boat is well prepared and has sufficient fuel.
 
​Important Radio Information
Event Organisers will be listening in to both Channel 16 and a ship-ship channel (TBC). Participants wishing to check in/out should do so with Stornoway Coastguard who are aware of the event. If you need assistance just shout on VHF Channel(TBC) and hopefully one of the event organisers will hear you.

​PLEASE NOTE CHANGES TO COASTGUARD AREAS. Clyde has now closed. All VHF traffic from the North of the Corryvreckan should use STORNOWAY Coastguard. All VHF traffic south of the Corryvreckan is BELFAST Coastguard.

This link may be useful -

https://www.havenkj.com