Welcome to Escape Boat Club — a private members’ club for the water. This guide covers everything you need to go from new member to on the water, step by step.
Creating Your Account
Head to the Escape Boat Club app and choose your membership tier:
- Weekday Membership (£49/month) — Monday to Friday access, one booking active at a time, renewable every 14 days. Best if your schedule is flexible during the week.
- Full Membership (£99/month) — Seven-day access with up to two future bookings held simultaneously. Our most popular option for regular boaters.
- Pay As You Go (£35/trip) — No monthly subscription. Book individual trips as and when you want them.
Complete the sign-up form with your name, contact details, and billing information. You’ll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your account is active immediately, but you won’t be able to book until your certifications are verified.
Certification Requirements
Escape Boat Club operates fully maintained RIBs on tidal coastal waters. For the safety of all members and crew, we require the following qualifications before any booking can be confirmed:
RYA Powerboat Level 2 (minimum)
The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is the standard entry-level qualification for handling a powerboat in coastal waters. It covers boat handling, collision regulations, chart work, and safety procedures. If you don’t yet hold this qualification, it can be obtained through any RYA-recognised training centre — there are several based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC)
All Escape Boat Club vessels are fitted with a marine VHF radio. By law, anyone operating a vessel with a fixed VHF installation must hold a VHF SRC. One-day courses are widely available and can usually be combined with your Powerboat Level 2 training.
Uploading Your Certificates
Once you have your qualifications, log in to your account and navigate to My Certifications. Upload a clear photograph or PDF of each certificate. Our team verifies certificates within 24 hours on business days. You’ll receive an email notification when your account is cleared to book.
If you’re working towards your qualifications and want to browse the fleet in the meantime, you can do so — you just won’t be able to confirm a booking until verification is complete.
Making Your First Booking
With certifications verified, you’re ready to book. From the fleet browser you can see all available RIBs, their maximum passenger capacity, and real-time availability.
A few things to know before you book:
- Advance booking window: Bookings open 30 days in advance.
- Cancellation policy: Cancel at least 48 hours before your departure time for a full credit. Late cancellations are not refunded.
- Fuel: Charged separately at marina rates on return. You don’t need to pay in advance.
- Guests: Full and Weekday members may bring up to the vessel’s stated passenger capacity. Guests must be briefed on safety procedures before departure — your skippering responsibility.
Select your vessel, date, and time slot. Confirm the booking. You’ll receive a booking confirmation by email with the marina address, what to bring, and when to arrive.
What to Bring
On the day of your booking, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Bring:
- Photo ID — passport or driving licence
- Appropriate clothing — waterproofs, non-slip footwear. Even in summer, spray can be cold.
- A fully charged phone — stored in a waterproof case
We provide lifejackets, flares, a VHF radio, a first aid kit, and a throw-line on every vessel. You do not need to bring your own safety equipment.
The Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you depart, our team will run through a pre-departure inspection with you. This covers:
- Safety equipment check — lifejackets, flares, VHF radio, first aid kit, throw-line
- Engine and fuel level — recorded at departure
- Vessel condition — note any pre-existing marks on the boat log
- Weather and tide briefing — current conditions, forecast, and any notices to mariners
- Emergency contact — a shore contact who knows your intended route and return time
Once signed off, you’re free to go. The Solent is yours.
Post-Return Procedure
When you return to the marina:
- Reduce speed well before the marina entrance
- Moor at the designated Escape Boat Club pontoon
- Complete the post-return inspection with our team — note fuel used and any damage
- Fuel is billed automatically to your account at the day’s marina rate
Getting Help
For questions not covered here, visit the FAQ or email us at [email protected]. For urgent queries on the day of your booking, call the marina directly — the number is in your booking confirmation email.
