Safety & trust
Fishing with new people, done right
Most trips are simply a good day on the water with good people. These habits keep it that way.
Before you go
- Check the organizer's profile, reviews, and past trips. Ask questions in your join request.
- Confirm the charter company and captain yourself. Charter captains carrying paying passengers need a U.S. Coast Guard license, and the company should be easy to look up.
- Meet at the public marina or ramp on the listing. Never at a private address.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
Splitting the cost
- Deckmates doesn't process payments yet. Shares are paid directly to the organizer.
- Agree on the refund plan before you pay: what happens if weather cancels, or if you drop out.
- Use a payment method with purchase protection when you can, and never pay someone you haven't confirmed is on the trip.
On the water
- Listen to the captain. Their call on weather and safety is final.
- Bring sun protection, water, and seasickness medicine if you need it.
- Know the rules: each state sets its own seasons, size limits, and bag limits, and federal rules apply offshore. Charters usually cover the license for their passengers.
If something's wrong
- Use "Report this listing" on any trip page. Our team reviews every report.
- If you feel unsafe, leave. If anyone is in danger, call 911 or hail the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.