The owner of Gulf Coast Ducks calls the situation in Missouri tragic. But Scott Tindle says there are stricter safety standards for the boats that operate here because the Coast Guard mandates it.
When passengers get on the boats, a safety briefing is the first thing they encounter, including the use of life jackets if needed.
Gulf Coast Ducks owner Scott Tindle said here in Mobile, there are different Coast Guard regulations than what they have up on Table Rock Lake in Missouri.
“Because they are a non-navigable body of water, those folks operating those vehicles are not actually captains, they’re drivers,” said Tindle.
He says the operator of each vessel on the Gulf Coast must be a Coast Guard certified Captain, and a Coast Guard certified deckhand must also be on board.
Weather may have played a role in the accident in Missouri. It’s something Tindle says his crews are constantly monitoring.
“If it looks like it’s going to be windy or choppy we just do a land only tour, and just let our guests know it’s for their safety and the safety of our employees,” said Tindle.
