1.    Cancellations:

• Cancellations up to 60 days results in a loss of the *deposit. This also applies to shortened charters.
• Cancellations less than 60 days results in the loss of the **balance. Unless an alternative charter to the same value and dates can be arranged, then charterers will receive 50% of amount paid less a card processing fee (if applicable). This also applies to shortened charters.
• Group bookings for 2 or more vessels - as above but up to 90 days and less than 90 days.
• Multiday discount - Full payment is required at time of booking. Above cancellation Terms apply.
• Hot Deals - Our normal cancellation policy does not apply to these deals. Full payment is required at time of booking and there is no refund should you decide to cancel for any reason.
• Adverse weather - No refunds are given for cancellations due to adverse weather conditions. If concerned, Travel Insurance is advised.
• No refund will be given for charters cancelled or shortened after the charter commencement time.

* Deposit is 50% of charter total. ** Balance is 100% of the charter total.

2.    Compass Charters Ltd reserves the right to provide a substitute vessel or cancel a charter.

• If for a specific reason a vessel cannot be made available for charter.
• Due to adverse weather conditions, see 4. No refund applicable.
• If Compass Charters Ltd at the charter commencement are not satisfied with the ability of the charterer's to sail, handle, navigate and respect the charter vessel, or alternatively at any time during the charter period consider the vessel to be in an unsafe location, or if the actions of the charterers are endangering the vessel, its occupants or any third party. Compass Charters Ltd reserves the right to either: Provide a professional skipper at the charterer's expense, terminate the charter without refund, recall the vessel to any mooring or anchorage which it considers to be secure.
  

3.    The skipper is responsible for assuring that he/she and the crew are competent to undertake the planned itinerary. The skipper must take note of Safety information contained in the Chart brief, Safety/Systems briefing onboard and any written material in the vessel. The Skipper is responsible for briefing the crew on all safety and the vessels systems. The skipper has primary responsibility for the safety and acts or omissions of the crew and craft at all times and is responsible for briefing the crew on all safety and vessel systems.

4.   The skipper must obtain at least 2 up to date weather forecasts per day for the duration of the charter and plan their itinerary accordingly (3 forecasts daily when strong 35 knots + wind is forecast). 

In the event of a forecast of 45 knots or greater (which is a "GALE WARNING" - winds to exceed 83.4km/hr) the vessel must be secured on a registered mooring suitable for your vessel size and forecast wind direction, at least 6 hours before the forecast GALE. 

However, in the event of a forecast 55 knots or greater (which is a "STORM WARNING" / FORCE 11 - winds to exceed 102km/hr) the vessel must be secured in an approved marina a minimum of 6 hours before this is due to occur. It may be necessary to berth a lot earlier than the minimum 6hrs, in order to transit safely. For this reason attention needs to be paid to the forecasts regarding developing fronts and systems. Refer to #9 for hours of maneuverability. You don't want to be caught in the situation of being on a mooring in 45 knots only for the wind to get stronger/or trying to get back to the marina in 40+ knots.

5.    Vessels may not be maneuvered single handed and the second crew member should be fit and have at least a basic knowledge of the vessel. Neither night passage making nor partaking in any third party race is permitted without our prior written approval.

6. As with the other activity based holidays, water sports activities contain an element of risk. It should be understood that participation in these activities is your decision and at your risk. The skipper is responsible for checking the inventory and systems before the vessel departs each day.

7. The daily rate is based on 24hrs (excl single day charters). All charters commence from the marina berth at the agreed charter commencement time (between 0900hrs and 1600hrs) and "handover" of the vessel must be at the same time on the last day (unless an extension has been agreed to in advance) : eg: 1100hrs charter commencement to 1100hrs handover (as per the handover check-sheet). If opting for "onboard accommodation" the charter commencement time is 1000hrs and "handover" is 1000hrs on the last day.

8. Vessels must remain in the designated survey area (as per the Survey Certificate and/or area briefing) at all times with numbers of people not exceeding number allowed onboard under the vessels survey.

All vessels under 39ft are restricted to Queen Charlotte Sound. A minimum charter period of 6 days is required for vessels departing Queen Charlotte Sound Harbour Limits.  For yachts intending to exit Queen Charlotte Sound an itinerary of intent prior to departure. 

9. Vessels must be secure on anchor or a registered mooring, or in the marina, between 2 hours before "sunset" and 1 hour after "sunrise"(as per the NZ Nautical Almanac). Vessels must not maneuver outside these times unless in an emergency or permitted by Compass Charters by prior arrangement. The skipper must remain aboard the vessel at all times when anchored.

10. All moorings are used at the skipper's own risk. It is impossible to monitor the daily condition of any mooring in the Compass Charters manual.

11. Charterers must adhere to current M.P.I fishing regulations.

12. No animals/pets allowed on charter vessels, unless prior permission has been granted by Compass Charters Ltd.

13. No firearms allowed on charter vessels.

14. Smoking, burning candles and incense is not permitted inside any vessel.

15. All rubbish must be returned to the marina for disposal.

16. The skipper or person in control of the vessel may not consume alcohol or any judgment impairing drugs during the hire period.

17. The charter vessel must at all times be under the control of the designated skipper.

18. The skipper must be a minimum of 21 years of age for vessels under 30 feet and 25 years of age for vessels 30 feet and over unless specifically agreed upon by Compass Charters Ltd.

19. Everyone will have to abide by the Maritime Rules and Regulations. 

20. Children must wear life jackets.

21. Everyone must wear life jackets at all times whilst on all runabouts.

22. All equipment supplied, is used by charter party at their own risk. The skipper is responsible in briefing the crew on all equipment before the charter commencement.

Conditions of Payment

1.    A booking is confirmed after the payment of a 50% deposit of the charter fee and after satisfactory completion of Booking Request Form.

The balance payment is due 60 days prior to the charter & 90 days prior to charter for Group bookings.

2.    Self-drive charters: I acknowledge that the information supplied on the booking form is correct and complete. 

The Security Bond is to be held or paid by Credit Card (MasterCard/VISA) or paid into our Bond Account prior to arrival for the charter. The Security Bond is $3000.00 for all bareboat charters. The Security Bond will be processed within 20 days of the termination of the charter. (If major damage does occur, the 20 days could be extended & charterer will be notified.) The following costs (if applicable) will be charged to your Credit Card or deducted from the Security Bond paid:

• Loss or damage to charter vessel or equipment (moorings included).
• Cost of refueling the vessel with diesel or petrol, outboard oil or diesel conditioner.
• Defrayment of costs due to vessel not being returned at scheduled time.
• Cleaning Fees: Cleaning of the vessel if returned in an unreasonable state. Please "Leave the boat as you found it". Please ask staff for an End of Charter checklist.
• Maintenance & Blocked Toilet Fees: i.e. To repair any damage and if toilets are blocked by charterers, due to excessive paper, wet wipes, sanitary pads or hair and other foreign items etc.
• Administration time spent from Compass Charters Ltd Staff.
• Any other outstanding debits on the client account (fishing tackle hire, tuition fees etc.)
• Bond authorization and admin processing fee of 3% on Bond charges.
• Any breach of the Terms and Conditions will result in the forfeiture of the security bond.

3.  Insurance: All vessels are fully insured against fire - marine & collision risks - third party liability. If during the charter period damage or loss occurs the full Security Bond is forfeited to cover the following & the charterer is liable as follows:

• To the full extent of loss and damage which in Compass Charters opinion is not claimable against vessel insurers.
• To pay full excess on vessel insurance policy plus any Compass Charters Ltd time/expenses in processing the claim.
• To pay full amount of loss or damage should the claim be declined by the Insurance Company for any reason.
• All equipment supplied, is used by charter party at their own risk. The skipper is responsible in briefing the crew on all equipment before the charter commencement.
• All moorings are used at the skipper's own risk. It is impossible to monitor the daily condition of any mooring in the Compass Charters manual.
• In case of an Insurance claim, fuel used and other outstanding debits (if applicable) will be charged in addition to the Security Bond.

THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE READ & ACCEPTED AT TIME OF BOOKING

failure to do so will result in the charter not taking place and no refund will be applicable.

Completing this form does not guarantee acceptance of the charter booking. We also need a Booking Request Form completed and submitted before we can accept the charter.

Note: These Terms and Conditions can change at anytime.

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