TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HIRE
BOAT HIRE NORWICH
1. Definitions and Interpretation
- “The Company”: Boat Hire Norwich.
- “The Hirer”: The person named on the booking confirmation, who is legally responsible for the Vessel and the entire party.
- “The Vessel”: The specific Electric Boat or Canoe hired by the Hirer.
- “Hire Period”: The agreed-upon duration from the Handover Time to the scheduled Return Time.
2. The Contract of Hire
2.1. The booking becomes legally binding only when the Company issues a written Booking Confirmation.
2.2. By completing the booking, the Hirer warrants they are authorized to accept these Terms on behalf of their entire party.
3. Price, Payment, and Security Deposit
3.1. Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking.
3.2. Security Deposit: The Company reserves the absolute and exclusive right to require a refundable Security Deposit prior to handover. The decision to require a deposit is at the sole discretion of the Company. Standard rates are:
- Canoes: £100.00
- Electric Boats: £250.00 3.3. Refunds: Deposits will be released/refunded within 4 hours of the Vessel being returned on time, undamaged, and in compliance with this Agreement.
4. Cancellation and Rescheduling by the Hirer
4.1. No Refund Policy: All payments are non-refundable.
4.2. Rescheduling: A single, one-time rescheduling is permitted if requested in writing at least 24 hours before the Hire Period. The new date must be within 6 months of the original booking.
4.3. Failure to provide 24 hours’ notice results in total forfeiture of the Hire Fee.
5. Cancellation by the Company
5.1. The Company may cancel due to Adverse Weather (high winds, floods, etc.) or Unforeseen Circumstances (mechanical breakdown, river closure).
5.2. In the event of Company cancellation, the Hirer will be offered a choice of:
- a) A full refund of the Hire Fee paid.
- b) An alternative booking date/time. 5.3. Exclusion of Consequential Loss: The Company’s liability is strictly limited to the Hire Fee. Under no circumstances will the Company be liable for the Hirer’s travel costs, accommodation, or any other third-party expensesresulting from a cancellation.
6. Asset Protection & Refusal of Hire
6.1. The Company operates a strict Asset Protection Policy. The Company reserves the absolute right to refuse hire or terminate an ongoing hire immediately if the Company determines, in its sole and unchallengeable discretion, that the Hirer presents a risk to the Vessel, the public, or the Company’s reputation.
6.2. No Justification Required: The Company is not required to provide a specific reason for refusal.
6.3. Liability Limit: If the Company refuses hire under this clause, a full refund of the Hire Fee will be issued. The Company has no liabilityfor any other associated losses.
7. Hirer’s Obligations and Safe Navigation
7.1. Eligibility: Minimum age is 21 for Electric Boats and 18 for Canoes.
7.2. Mandatory Life Jackets: Every participant MUST wear a Company-supplied buoyancy aid at all times. Failure to comply is a fundamental breach and results in immediate termination of the hire.
7.3. Conduct & Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are permitted at the Company’s discretion. The Hirer is 100% liable for any damage caused by pets.
8. Damage, Loss, and Indemnity
8.1. The Hirer is fully responsible for the Vessel and all equipment.
8.2. The Hirer is liable for all loss, damage, or theft caused by deliberate acts, omissions, or negligence.
9. Return of Vessel
9.1. Late Return Fee: A charge of £20.00 per 15-minute period (or part thereof) will be applied if the Vessel is returned late.
9.2. The Vessel must be returned in the same clean condition as handed over.
10. Jurisdiction
This Agreement is governed by the Laws of England and Wales.