Hire Agreement Terms & Conditions
The hire vessel is to be under the control of the nominated skipper at all times and it is the nominated skipper responsibility to make sure of the safety of the boat’s passengers and safety and well being of the boat. The nominated skipper is to be aware of the current weather forecast and sea conditions for the area of boat operation and for the time frame for the boat hire.
Only holders of current West Australian Skippers Tickets (or other states equivalent power boat license) can drive the boat. All qualified boat drivers must be listed on the hire agreement and their licence number duly noted or photocopied. All boat drivers are to attend the boat’s skipper’s briefing.
Boat operation is to be in day light hours only. The boat is not to be operated in open waters if swells are greater than 2 meters and/or if wind speeds exceed 20 knots. The boat is only to be used in the agreed operating area. Navigational hazards such as reefs, shoals, sand bars, etc are to be avoided by keeping a vigilant lookout and also monitoring the electronic charts. When in the vicinity of navigational hazards, boat speed is to be reduced to 10 knots or the speed limit (whichever is the least). The same holds for operating in channels or restricted waterways.
The nominated skipper is responsible to ensure that the boat is operated within the current marine laws and abides to the required speed limits and maritime regulations and common courtesy to other boats.
Children under 12 years of age are to wear PFD at all times while on the boat.
The boat radio is available for the hirer to use to notify maritime authorities as required or appropriate. Radio protocol is to be observed at all times.
Commercial hire is subject to the boat meeting the required survey category and agreement by Boating West and noted on the hire agreement by Boating West.
Late return of the boat is unacceptable and will be charged at a late return fee of $100 per hour past the agreed return time. It is the nominated skipper’s responsibility to make sure that adequate time is allowed to return the boat at the agreed time. If the boat is not going to be returned on time, it is the nominated skipper’s responsibility to notify Boating West accordingly by mobile phone. By keeping Boating West advised of the boat’s ETA the late return fee may be cancelled. We are not being unreasonable as if the boat is late to return we need to assess if we need to notify the authorities for search & rescue or police for boat theft. The charges for Boating West notifying the authorities will be the responsibility of the hirer. Simply keep us informed if you are not able to meet your agreed ETA.
At the beginning of the hire, the boat was issued with the fuel tank full. The boat is to be returned to Boating West with the fuel tank full of the appropriate fuel. Please note that the appropriate fuel is Unleaded. If any inappropriate fuel (E10, Diesel, Water, ..) is used, the nominated skipper will be charged for its removal from the boat and for any damage to the motor.
For tow away hires – if the boat is not returned with the fuel tank full, Boating West will charge the nominated skipper at the rate of $3.00 per litre for fuel and a $100 administration fee.
Hire Charges & Fees
At time of booking a boat a deposit is required to secure the booking. Deposit per number of hire days is $100 / day for the Tinny and $200 / day for all other boats.
The full hire fee is to be paid in full prior to commencing the hire.
In addition to the Hire Fee a bond of $1,000 is required. The bond can be paid in cash or by credit card. If the boat is returned in good condition and full of fuel the bond will be repaid or credited to the hirer’s account.
If there is damage to the boat beyond normal wear and tare, the cost of repairs shall be deducted from the bond including a $100 administration fee.
Late return fee is $75 per hour late
Booking Cancellations
Boating West reserves the right to cancel bookings if we deem the weather and conditions to be unsafe or unsuitable. Boating West shall hold the deposit in credit for a replacement booking within 2 months of the original hire.
Customer cancellations require appropriate advance notice to Boating West. If the appropriate advance notice is not given, the deposit is forfeited by the customer. The appropriate advance notice is detailed below:
· Total hire of 1 day – the required advance notice is 2 days
· Total hire of 2 days – the required advance notice is 3 days
· Total hire of 3 to 6 days – the required advance notice is 6 days
· Total hire of 7 + days – the required advance notice is 1 month