CAPCA Code of Ethics

1. Purpose

The Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association (CAPCA) is committed to maintaining high ethical and professional standards, as reflected in the conduct of its members. To that end, this Code of Ethics exists to provide members guidelines for their behavior in their professional activities. Membership in CAPCA indicates a member's commitment to adhere to these standards and to behave ethically and professionally at all times.

2. Competence

CAPCA members strive to maintain the highest level of competence in their work. They recognize the boundaries of their competencies and limitations of their skills. They provide only those services for which they are qualified by experience and license. CAPCA members do not misrepresent their skills or abilities.

3. Professional Conduct

CAPCA members deliver services in a manner consistent with high professional standards. This includes arriving to the assignment on time, dressing appropriately, behaving courteously, and being fully prepared to deliver services as advertised.

4. Delivering Services as Advertised

CAPCA members describe to their clients the services they will provide fully and candidly, including scope, risks, limitations, and expected outcomes. Members faithfully adhere to the description of services and not deviate from them without a clearly defined rationale for doing so.

5. Fees and Payments

CAPCA members disclose to their clients all fees and payments prior to the start of any contract. Disclosure is made in a manner so as to be certain that the terms of the agreement are clear to the client.

6. Adherence to Law

CAPCA members adhere to all local, state, and federal laws at all times while engaged in their professional activities. Members maintain their licenses, permits, and papers as required by law and/or regulation.

7. Nondiscrimination

CAPCA members do not engage in discrimination based on age, gender, race or ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic cited in a public law.

8. Sexual Harassment

CAPCA members do not engage in any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is: (a) sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, unwelcome, offensive, or creates a hostile work environment, where the member knows or is told this; or (b) any such activity that is sufficiently severe or intense as to be abusive to a reasonable person in the context.

9. Physical Health and Ability

CAPCA members present themselves for service in appropriate physical and mental condition, and free from any substance that may impair this condition. Members do not tolerate substance abuse of any kind by any crewmember, passenger, student, or guest while in command of a vessel.

10. Environmental Concerns

CAPCA members are sensitive to the fact that the health of the waters upon which we operate is very important. Members remind clients not to pollute those waters and to be careful to minimize damage to the tidal and underwater environment.

11. Safety and Welfare of Passengers

CAPCA Members place the safety and welfare of passengers above all other concerns.

Note: Each member should consult with his or her attorney when planning to incorporate this Code of Ethics into his or her contract.