Risk Evaluation
Activities conducted directly by Dawn Expeditions and those of our immediate suppliers will also be classified in different categories.
Each category will have its said minimum requirements to cushion our clients from engaging in activities that could be of their personal health risks. This explains why we have categorized all our activities as low, medium, or high risks. In the event of high-risk activities clients engaged in them will be professionals in the said activities with written proof of the same.
At dawn expeditions we classify the following activities as high risks:
- Parachuting
- Paragliding
- Submarines in submersibles
- Water rafting
- Mountaineering
Training would be necessary before engaging in any of the above activities. Mountaineering will also require all participants to undergo acclimatization and be in good health and shape before commencing the same. The decision to undertake or not to undertake the above activities shall be at the disposal of our professional services providers.
Though Dawn Expeditions trains its staff to fully undertake their responsibilities professionally it should be acknowledged that the said staff members would not have the professional training to guide through some medium risk activities, namely:
- Snorkeling
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Kayaking
- Nature walks
We will therefore seek these services from professional providers whose services have been assessed and certified and offer the same services on behalf of Dawn Expeditions.
However, a Dawn Expeditions disclaimer form would be signed to accept responsibilities as we would be seeking services from another provider.
It should also be noted that a company staff member will always be present as he or she is a direct contact between Dawn Expeditions and the clients.
Low risk activities will be fully operated by Dawn Expeditions crew in observation of the health and safety policies. These will include:
- Game drives
- Airport transfer
- Bush breakfasts
- Bush dinners
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements while commencing any trip with us. As much as we try to cushion our clients of the possible hazards and avoid those that we can. At Dawn Expeditions, we recommend having a policy to cushion you due to unforeseen hazards and circumstances like international flights delays and luggage lost amongst others.
As indicated in our employment policy, our staff will undergo regular first aid training with a reputable organization and sharpen their skill in saving life. A little help might go a long way in saving a life and we believe that by equipping them with even first aid skills and kits they can also be of great help.
Each vehicle either on trip or transfer will have a fully equipped first aid kit.
Our tour leaders on any trip will have a smaller portable kit to be carried always during activities.
Transport
Dawn Expeditions vehicles will always comply with the minimum standards set by authorized transport regulating bodies in countries of operation. They must also comply with the set fleet management policy that has been internally set by the company. The said vehicles will have the following besides complying with internal and external requirements:
- Fire extinguisher.
- Fully equipped first aid kit.
- Good rectangle reflectors.
- Working A/C for transfers and safari vehicles.
- High range Walkie talkies.
In case that the clients are cycling the bicycles should be in good condition and cycling helmets and other cycling gear are issues.
There should be a sweeper (stay behind everybody else) and leader (leading the group from the front) just in case of trekking.
Water Transport
Life jackets must be issued to all our clients during all water-related activities. It is in the interest of the guests’ safety that we recommend that all guests participating in the dame be willing to use the available amenities.
No client should cross massive water body aboard a ferry while aboard a motor vehicle. All clients should alight from vehicles or trucks and immediately get the motor vessel onboard the ferry. The location of the life jackets should be known well by travelling guests onboard the ferry.
In the case of overnight travel clients should collaborate with the crew and ensure that the cabin doors are not locked from the outside.
Engine boats where possible will always be recommended.
Accommodation Establishment
All establishments should have a clearly labelled escape route.
Escape/emergency staircases should be well shown contrary to the lifts (If any).
Cooking equipment should not be encouraged in sleeping areas in any property that we use with our guests.
Establishments with swimming pools should indicate the depth in meters and centimeters for easier understanding and for safety reasons. The same establishment with the swimming tools should indicate the availability of a lifesaver.
Local Flights
We do recommend the following on all our local flights:
- Two pilots for all scheduled flights and charter flights.
- Minimum capacity aircraft on our trips will be the Cessna Caravan (12 passengers, 2 Pilots).
- Designated (Licensed) pick up and drop off points by the local civil aviation authority for all scheduled and charter flights.
- Safest pick-ups and drop off points for the charter helicopters.