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Safety First: Ensuring a Secure and Enjoyable Experience with Shoreline Boat Tours in Door County, WI

life jacket and ring flotation device

Why Safety is Our Top Priority at Shoreline Boat Tours

At Shoreline Boat Tours, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. We understand that when you step aboard one of our vessels, you’re trusting us with your well-being, and we take that responsibility seriously. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic narrated tour through the Sturgeon Bay ship canal or setting out to admire the historic lighthouses of Baileys Harbor, our goal is to provide you with a safe, secure, and memorable experience on the water.

Our Commitment to Safety

We adhere to the highest safety standards in the industry, ensuring that every passenger, crew member, and vessel meets or exceeds all requirements set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). From the design and equipment on our boats to the rigorous training of our captains and crew, every aspect of our operation is focused on safety.


a boat is docked next to a body of water

US Coast Guard Certified Vessels

Each of our vessels is US Coast Guard Certified and inspected annually. This certification is not just a formality—it’s a thorough process that ensures our boats meet strict federal safety regulations. The USCG conducts extensive inspections to evaluate the structural integrity, equipment functionality, and overall seaworthiness of our vessels. By adhering to these standards, we guarantee that our boats are in peak condition for every trip.

State-of-the-Art Safety Equipment

A safe voyage requires more than just a well-maintained boat—it requires the right equipment. That’s why our vessels are equipped with navigation systems, marine radios, personal floatation devices (PFDs), life rings, fire extinguishers, and fire suppression systems. These essential safety tools are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they function properly in case of an emergency.

  • Navigation Systems & Marine Radios: Our advanced navigation systems help captains monitor the weather, avoid hazards, and stay on course, while our marine radios provide a direct line of communication to the Coast Guard and other emergency responders.
  • Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) & Life Rings: Every passenger has access to a life jacket, and our vessels are stocked with additional life rings to ensure flotation support in case of an unexpected water entry.
  • Fire Extinguishers & Fire Suppression Systems: Fire safety is a crucial component of our emergency preparedness plan. Our boats are equipped with fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems to quickly contain and extinguish any potential fires.

Expertly Trained Captains & Crew

Your safety starts with the people at the helm. All of our captains are US Coast Guard Licensed Master Captains, meaning they have undergone extensive training, passed rigorous exams, and accumulated significant experience on the water. They are highly skilled in navigation, boat handling, and emergency procedures, ensuring that you’re in capable hands throughout your journey.

Our commitment to training doesn’t stop with our captains. Every crew member is certified in CPR, AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use, and First Aid. These certifications mean that in the unlikely event of a medical emergency, our crew is prepared to respond quickly and effectively. From treating minor injuries to performing lifesaving measures, our team is ready to act with confidence and competence.

Safety Recommendations for Families

We welcome passengers of all ages aboard our vessels, but when it comes to young children, we encourage parents to take additional precautions. While we do provide Adult and Youth life jackets, we strongly recommend that families bring their own life jackets for children under age 5. Personal floatation devices that are properly sized and familiar to your child provide the best fit and comfort, helping ensure their safety and peace of mind for parents.

Proactive Safety Measures

At Shoreline Boat Tours, we believe in being proactive rather than reactive. Here are some additional steps we take to maximize safety on board:

  • Pre-Tour Safety Briefings: Before each departure, our crew provides passengers with a safety briefing, including the location of life jackets, emergency exits, and other vital information.
  • Weather Monitoring & Trip Adjustments: Our captains continuously monitor weather conditions. If there are signs of severe weather or unsafe water conditions, we will modify, delay, or cancel trips to prioritize passenger safety.
  • Emergency Response Training: We conduct emergency drills to ensure that our crew is always prepared to handle any unexpected situation calmly and efficiently.

a group of people in a boat on a body of water

A Safe and Enjoyable Experience for All

Safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of fun! When you set sail with Shoreline Boat Tours, you can relax knowing that every detail has been carefully considered to provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re soaking in the breathtaking views of the Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Lighthouse or learning about the history of Door County’s waterways on our narrated slide shows, you can do so with confidence in our commitment to your well-being.

We invite you to join us for a worry-free adventure on the waters of Door County. Book your tour today, and let’s set sail—safely and securely—on an unforgettable journey.

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