Terms & Conditions
1. Definitions
“Company” means Teign Boat Hire.
“Customer” means the person(s) hiring the vessel.
“Vessel” means any boat or equipment hired.
“Hire Period” means the agreed booking duration.
“Skipper” means the Customer responsible for the Vessel during hire.
2. Booking and Payment
2.1. All bookings are subject to availability.
2.2. A deposit or full payment (as specified) is required to secure a booking.
2.3. The balance must be paid in full before the Hire Period begins.
2.4. The Company may cancel a booking if payment terms are not met.
3. Use of the Vessel
3.1. The Skipper must be at least 18 years old and competent to operate the Vessel.
3.2. The Vessel is for leisure use only and must be operated safely and responsibly.
3.3. The Skipper must comply with all applicable UK maritime legislation, harbour authority byelaws, and navigation rules.
3.4. The Vessel must not be overloaded and must only carry the maximum number of persons stated.
3.5. Operation under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
3.6. Sub-letting or transfer of hire is not permitted.
3.7. The Skipper is responsible for the conduct and safety of all persons onboard.
4. Safety and Equipment
4.1. The Vessel is equipped in accordance with relevant small commercial vessel and hire boat safety guidance.
4.2. A safety briefing will be provided before departure and must be followed.
4.3. Lifejackets or buoyancy aids must be worn where instructed or where conditions require.
4.4. The Vessel must only be operated within the designated operating area explained at handover.
4.5. The Customer must report any defects or safety concerns immediately.
5. Weather and Tidal Conditions Policy
5.1. The Company operates in accordance with safe operating practices and monitors weather and tidal conditions.
5.2. The Company may delay, restrict, or cancel hire where conditions fall outside safe operating limits.
5.3. If cancelled by the Company due to weather or tides, the Customer will be offered:
- a full refund, or
- an alternative booking date (subject to availability).
5.4. The Skipper must comply with any instruction to return due to changing conditions. No refund will be given for unused time.
6. Cancellation Policy (Customer-Initiated)
6.1. Cancellations must be made in writing (email accepted).
6.2. Cancellation charges are as follows:
- More than 5 days before hire: full refund
- 2–4 days before hire: 50% refund
- Less than 48 hours before hire: no refund
6.3. Failure to arrive (“no-show”) results in full loss of payment.
6.4. Rescheduling is at the Company’s discretion.
7. Damage, Loss, and Liability
7.1. The Customer is responsible for the Vessel and equipment during the Hire Period.
7.2. Any accident, damage, or incident must be reported immediately.
7.3. The Customer is liable for damage resulting from negligence, misuse, or failure to follow instructions.
7.4. The Company maintains commercial marine insurance in accordance with industry requirements.
7.5. Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
7.6. Subject to clause 7.5, the Company is not liable for:
- personal belongings,
- indirect or consequential losses,
- losses arising from misuse or non-compliance.
8. Late Return
8.1. The Vessel must be returned at the agreed time.
8.2. Late returns may incur charges.
8.3. Repeated lateness may result in refusal of future hire.
9. Cleaning
9.1. The Vessel must be returned in a reasonably clean condition.
9.2. Cleaning charges may apply where necessary.
10. Company Rights
10.1. The Company may refuse or terminate hire if:
- these Terms are breached,
- safety is compromised,
- instructions are not followed, or
- the Vessel is operated outside permitted limits.
10.2. No refund will be issued in such cases.
11. Data Protection
11.1. Customer information is handled in accordance with UK GDPR.
11.2. Information is used only for booking and operational purposes.
12. Governing Law
12.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
12.2. Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the English courts.
13. Acceptance of Terms
13.1. By booking, the Customer confirms acceptance of these Terms.