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Safety

🛟 Safety First, Always

Your safety is our top priority. Every Portland Duck Boat tour is operated with strict safety protocols, experienced crew members, and modern equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

🌊 On the Water

Our tours operate in the protected waters of Casco Bay, staying close to shore with quick exit points available when needed.
Weather conditions are continuously monitored throughout the day, including before tours begin, prior to departure, and before entering the water.
We use real-time radar, National Weather Service updates, local wind forecasts, and direct communication with our crew and waterfront team.
If weather conditions are not safe, we will adjust or cancel the water portion of the tour.

⚓ Experienced Crew

Each tour is operated by both a licensed Captain and a professional driver, working together to ensure a safe and smooth experience on both land and water.

🎓 Captain Qualifications

Our Captains:

  • Hold a U.S. Coast Guard Master Near Coastal license (25-ton minimum)
  • Have at least 720 days of documented sea time
  • Are trained to continuously assess water and weather conditions
  • Make conservative, safety-first decisions at all times

🚍 Driver Qualifications

Our Drivers:
  • Hold a Department of Transportation (DOT) license with passenger endorsement
  • Are trained in the safe operation of amphibious vehicles on city streets
  • Follow all local traffic laws and safety procedures
  • Work closely with the Captain to ensure a seamless transition between land and water operations

🚤 Modern, Safety-Equipped Vessel

Our modern amphibious vehicle is equipped with:
  • U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for every passenger and crew member, plus extras
  • Water-detection bilge alarm system
  • Multiple bilge pumps
  • Fire detection and suppression systems approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Transportation

🧭 Training & Inspections

We maintain rigorous safety standards across all operations:
    • Federally inspected and regulated
    • Crew members complete safety drills at least every 90 days
    • Regular internal safety inspections
    • Ongoing coordination with regulatory officials to stay aligned with current safety practices