Things you need to know about boat hire

GROUP LEADERS

Group Leaders must satisfy the club'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.
Group leader’s should be aged a minimum of 18 years old. This section does not apply Private Hirer’s.

COLLECTION

Normally on the first day of the hire period the boat will be available from 10.00 am on the mooring at the Pirate Castle, or, in the case of long weekend bookings, from 6.00pm on Friday evening. 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 induction procedure and safety talk.

ACCOMMODATION & CREW

Overnight accommodation on Pirate Prince is limited to a maximum of 10 people and otherwise on both vessels at other times it is strictly limited to a maximum of 12 passengers. Essential crew members are not regarded as passengers provided they are distinct from the normal members of the group. 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 Leaders 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 / hirer’s to ensure that such rules are adhered to.

All groups must include at least two responsible adults who will answer for the behaviour and organisation of the group both aboard and ashore.

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.

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 and recycling 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 bath towels or tea 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 Leaders must return with the boat to the home mooring (unless an alternative venue has been agreed) in good time to vacate at the agreed departure time. The boat should be left in a clean and tidy condition.

ACCIDENTS AND INSURANCE

The Hirer is responsible for the condition of the boat during the period of hire and must report to the Skipper and Pirate Castle full details of any accident, injury or damage as soon as possible after its occurrence. Under no circumstances should the Group Leaders 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 Pirate Castle 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 a booking cancellation by the Hirer, or the Pirate Castle we will endeavour to re-let, or find a suitable alternative date. All refunds will subject to the terms of our Cancellation Policy, which can be found on our website and is also attached to the booking invoice.

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, crew sickness or any other reasons. 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.

RESTRICTIONS

We will not be held liable for delays arising from obstruction, repair or damage to the waterways, or for water shortages or flood in rivers and canals, and we reserve the right to restrict cruising if hazardous conditions prevail. The skipper, at all times, has the right to decide to curtail or end any trip or on board activity if at any point he/she decides that the prevailing conditions or behaviour of the hirers constitutes a danger to the safe operation of the boat, or to the safety of the public. The skipper's decision is final.