Terms and Conditions of Hire
RESERVATION OF HIRE
A contract of hire comes into effect only after our Hire Reservation Form has been signed and returned to us together with the deposit payable and we have confirmed the booking in writing.PAYMENT
The balance payable will be due three weeks prior to commencement of the hire period, failing which we reserve the right to cancel the hire.TRAINING
Group Leaders must satisfy the Project's requirements regarding appropriate training and experience prior to the start of the hire period, failing which the Pirate Club shall be entitled to cancel the hire. Please see Levels of Qualification for Skippers and crewCOLLECTION
Normally on the first day of the hire period the boat will be available from 10.00 am at the mooring at the Pirate Castle, or in the case of weekend bookings, from 6.00pm on the Friday. In all cases we reserve the right to stipulate a different time and venue if necessary. Unless an alternative arrangement has been made the Hirer must arrive within an hour of the stated time for the hand-over procedure.ACCOMMODATION & CREW
Overnight accommodation on the boat is limited to a maximum of 12 people and otherwise the vessel is strictly limited to 12 passengers. Essential crewmembers are not regarded as passengers provided they are distinct from the normal members of the group. A minimum of 2 able-bodied crew is required for cruising. At no time is it permitted for the boat to carry more than the above number of people. Pets are only permitted with our written consent.GENERALLY
The Group Leader and all other users of the boat must behave at all times with due consideration for other waterway users and local residents. Local waterway rules and regulations must be observed at all times.You will be advised on the rules concerning safety and conduct when you arrive on board. It is the responsibility of the group leaders to ensure that such rules are adhered to.
All groups must include at least two adults who will be responsible for the behaviour and organisation of the group.
The toilets on board must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. The toilets will be empty at the time of collection and should not normally need additional pump-outs on weekend trips.
A supply of diesel sufficient for the hire period is normally provided.
Smoking is not permitted at any time inside the boat.
All parts of the boat must be kept in a clean and tidy condition at all times. Rubbish must be stored in the bins provided and disposed of as often as possible.
No portable heaters, lighting equipment, TV sets or other electrical appliances (apart from transistor radios, hair dryers, electric razors and equipment provided by the Pirate Club) may be taken or used aboard.
Cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils are provided but not bedding, pillows or towels. We reserve the right to seek reimbursement from the Hirer the full cost of repair/replacement in respect of any damage, breakages or losses.
RETURN
The Group Leader must return the boat to the mooring (unless an alternative venue has been agreed) in good time to vacate and 'hand over' at the agreed time. The boat should be left in a clean and tidy condition.ACCIDENTS AND INSURANCE
The Hirer is responsible for the boat during the period of hire and must report to the Pirate Club full details of any accident, injury or damage as soon as possible after its occurrence. Under no circumstances should the Group Leader or any member of the hire party attempt to undertake any repairs whether personally or through any third party.We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to require reimbursement from the Hirer of any uninsured repair or other costs howsoever arising caused by the actions or in-actions of the Hirer. The Hirer shall be responsible for the uninsured excess of £100 in any event.
The Pirate Club is fully covered for damage to the boat and for public liability. It is recommended that the hirer take out adequate travel insurance.
CANCELLATION
In the event of cancellation by the Hirer of its booking prior to four calendar weeks from the date for the commencement of hire, we will endeavour to re-let. However, we will only be obliged to refund the hire money if we are successful in re-letting. Otherwise all money paid in advance may be forfeited and the Hirer shall, if demanded, pay in full any balance.Cancellation by us may be necessary for reasons beyond our control such as breakdown or damage to the boat, water shortage, severe weather (river in flood), closure of waterways, etc. In such cases all hire money paid will be refunded but no liability will be accepted for any other expenses or consequential damages or costs, howsoever incurred by the Hirer.