Safety & Captains

Your safety and comfort come first

Every voyage aboard VADA is operated with a commitment to professionalism, safety, and hospitality. VADA operates in compliance with applicable United States Coast Guard (USCG) requirements for Uninspected Passenger Vessel (UPV) operations.

Captain Vance Stallings aboard VADA with the American flag and Dames Point Bridge in view

Pre-Cruise Briefing

A safety briefing on every charter

Before lines are cast, every guest receives a clear walk-through of life jacket locations, emergency procedures, and how to move safely around the vessel — so you can relax once we're underway.

Required Safety Equipment & Operational Standards

Licensed captains
Type 1 life jackets
Fire extinguishers
VHF communications
Distress signaling devices
First aid equipment
Drug & alcohol testing
Passenger capacity compliance (max 6)
Safety briefings
Maintenance standards

As a federally documented vessel — NO. 1363765 operating with a Coastwise endorsement — VADA has completed the required processes necessary for commercial charter operation and is operated by licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captains.

Meet the Crew

Licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captains

Captain Vance Stallings

Owner & Captain

Captain Vance Stallings is the owner of VADA and has been an active boater since 1993, owning and operating several vessels over the years. He received his U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License in 2012 and has renewed his credential multiple times.

Master Captain – 25 Gross Tons Inland
Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement
Reference No. 3024177

In addition to operating VADA, Vance previously served as a part-time Sea Tow captain. Along with his wife, Dana, Vance owns and operates several Jacksonville-area businesses including Kilwins Jacksonville, Kilwins Beachwalk, and Jax Kitchen.

Captain Jack Feeny

Co-Captain

Captain Jack Feeny brings decades of boating and sailing experience to Cruise Jacksonville.

Master Captain – 100 Gross Tons Inland
Near Coastal Mate
Auxiliary Sail Endorsement
Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement
U.S. Merchant Mariner O/S – STCW Endorsement
Reference No. 2512556

Captain Jack also holds several American Sailing Association certifications and is a certified Small Boat Sailing Instructor. Learn more.

Captain Vance delivering a pre-cruise safety briefing aboard VADA

In Good Hands

Cruise with confidence

Reserve Your Date Read the FAQ