Twigg’s Gator Outfitter LLC

Guide & Passenger Safety Program

Pre-Trip Equipment Orientation

Before every guided trip, all passengers receive a mandatory safety briefing prior to boarding or departing.

The guide demonstrates the proper and safe use of all equipment that may be used during the trip, including but not limited to:

• Fishing rods and reels
• Alligator hunting equipment
• Harpoons, bang sticks, snagging equipment, and other specialized equipment (when applicable)
• Landing nets and other guide-provided equipment

Passengers are instructed not to use any equipment until directed by the guide.

Vessel Safety Briefing

Prior to getting underway, the guide points out and explains the location and proper use of all required safety equipment, including:

• U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
• Fire extinguisher
• Throwable flotation device
• First aid kit
• Emergency communication devices
• Navigation lights (when applicable)

Passengers are informed of emergency procedures and instructed to immediately notify the captain of any medical concerns or emergencies.

General Safety Rules

• The captain is the final authority on all safety-related decisions.
• Passengers must follow all instructions given by the captain at all times.
• No standing while the vessel is underway unless instructed by the captain.
• Hands, feet, and personal belongings must remain clear of the propeller and engine while operating.
• Alcohol or drug impairment is prohibited.
• Passengers must remain seated while the vessel is on plane unless directed otherwise.
• No horseplay or unsafe behavior is permitted.
• Personal flotation devices will be worn whenever required by law or when directed by the captain.
• Trips may be delayed, modified, or canceled due to unsafe weather or water conditions.

Vessel Maintenance

The vessel and trailer are inspected before and after every guided trip.

Routine inspections include:

• Steering and controls
• Engine and fuel system
• Electrical system
• Navigation lights
• Trailer
• Safety equipment
• Emergency equipment

Any deficiencies are corrected before the vessel returns to service. Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules are followed for all equipment.

Recordkeeping

Twigg’s Gator Outfitter LLC maintains booking records, signed liability waivers, and customer information for all guided trips. Records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years.

Emergency Action Plan

General Emergency Procedures

The safety of passengers and crew is the highest priority. In the event of an emergency, the captain will immediately assess the situation, secure the vessel, and provide clear instructions to all passengers.

Passengers are instructed to remain calm and follow all directions given by the captain.

Medical Emergency

• Stop or safely maneuver the vessel as conditions allow.
• Assess the injured or ill passenger.
• Provide basic first aid using the onboard first aid kit within the scope of the captain’s training.
• Contact 911 or local emergency services if necessary.
• Navigate to the nearest safe boat ramp or rendezvous point with emergency responders.

Man Overboard

• Immediately alert all passengers.
• Maintain visual contact with the person in the water.
• Deploy a throwable flotation device.
• Safely maneuver the vessel for recovery.
• Contact emergency services if recovery cannot be completed immediately.

Severe Weather

• Weather conditions are monitored before and throughout every trip.
• If thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, heavy rain, or other hazardous conditions develop, the trip will be delayed, modified, or terminated.
• The captain will navigate to the nearest safe landing location or shelter as conditions require.

Fire

• Shut down the engine if safe to do so.
• Use the onboard fire extinguisher if the fire is small and can be safely controlled.
• If the fire cannot be safely extinguished, all passengers will don life jackets and prepare for evacuation if necessary.
• Emergency services will be contacted immediately.

Vessel Breakdown

• Anchor the vessel if necessary to maintain a safe position.
• Assess the mechanical issue.
• Contact assistance if repairs cannot be safely completed.
• Arrange safe transportation for passengers if required.

Wildlife Safety

Alligator hunting and wildlife encounters are conducted only under the direct supervision of the captain.

Passengers are instructed to:

• Keep hands and feet inside the vessel unless directed otherwise.
• Never attempt to handle wildlife without instruction.
• Use guide-provided equipment only when instructed.
• Follow all captain commands immediately during wildlife encounters.

Emergency Equipment Carried Onboard

Each vessel is equipped with:

• U.S. Coast Guard-required life jackets
• Throwable flotation device
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Navigation lights
• Emergency communication device (cell phone and/or VHF radio where applicable)

Captain’s Authority

The captain has full authority to delay, modify, or terminate any trip if weather, water conditions, equipment concerns, passenger behavior, or any other circumstance creates an unsafe condition.

Passenger safety always takes precedence over completing a scheduled trip.