VESSEL HIRE – BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

These Booking Terms & Conditions are issued by Rockfish Charters Pty Ltd (“Rockfish”, “we”, “us”, “our”) and apply to all private vessel hire bookings on Sydney Harbour and the Gold Coast Broadwater. By making a booking and paying a deposit, the Lead Hirer agrees to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

1. Definitions

In this agreement:

Rockfish Charters means Rockfish Charters Pty Ltd, the operator and vessel owner.

Lead Hirer means the person making the booking and responsible for payment and compliance.

Group means all guests invited, authorised, or present on board the Vessel.

Vessel means the chartered catamaran.

Skipper means the qualified master in charge of the Vessel and crew.

Charter means the vessel hire service provided by Rockfish.

2. Tentative Bookings

Tentative bookings may be held for up to 3 business days. A tentative booking does not secure a Vessel and does not constitute acceptance of these Terms & Conditions. A booking is only confirmed once the required deposit is received.

3. Making a Booking

Bookings may be made online, by email, or by phone.

A booking is confirmed upon:

• Receipt of the required deposit; and
• Acceptance of these Booking Terms & Conditions.

Bookings made within 14 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking. Accepted payment methods: Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard.

3A. Guest Safety Disclaimer & Waiver (Mandatory)

The Lead Hirer acknowledges and agrees that:

• Every guest must receive, read, and accept the Rockfish – Terms & Conditions, Safety Disclaimer & Waiver as a condition of boarding;
• Acceptance may be required electronically and/or in person prior to departure;
• Any guest who refuses or fails to accept the Guest Waiver will not be permitted to board, and no refund will be provided;
• The Lead Hirer is responsible for informing all guests of this requirement prior to the Charter date.

4. Deposit

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required unless otherwise stated in writing. Deposits are non-refundable under all circumstances.

5. Final Payment

Final guest numbers and full payment are required 14 days prior to the Charter, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

6. Vessel Capacities

Vessel capacities are strictly enforced:

• Rockfish – maximum 30 persons
• Rockfish III – maximum 43 persons

Capacities include children. There are no exceptions. Charters will not depart over capacity and may be cancelled without refund if exceeded.

7. Cancellations & Changes

Special conditions apply to public holidays and New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve:

• $5,000 non-refundable deposit required
• Full payment due before 1 December

All changes or cancellations must be made in writing to info@rockfish.com.au

8. Responsible Service of Alcohol & Behaviour

Rockfish Charters is BYO and complies with Responsible Service of Alcohol laws.

• Substantial food must be provided if alcohol is consumed;
• Alcohol consumption must comply with RSA guidelines;
• No illegal substances are permitted on board;
• Alcohol may only be consumed by persons aged 18+.

The Skipper and crew may refuse service or restrict alcohol at any time.

The Skipper has absolute authority to:

• Refuse boarding;
• Remove any guest;
• Terminate a Charter early due to unsafe, offensive, intoxicated, unsanitary, or disruptive behaviour.

No refund or reschedule will be provided in these circumstances.

9. Security Bond

A $1,000 security bond will be pre-authorised on the Lead Hirer’s credit card 1–3 business days prior to departure and released 1–3 business days after the Charter. (Bucks cruises only.)

10. Substitute Vessel

If a Vessel becomes unavailable due to mechanical or operational issues, Rockfish may provide a substitute vessel of similar type and capacity. If no replacement is available, a full refund of the Charter fee only will be issued.

10A. Operational Cancellation & Consequential Loss

Rockfish reserves the right to cancel a Charter at any time prior to departure due to operational, safety, compliance, crew availability, mechanical, weather-related, or regulatory reasons. Where Rockfish cancels a Charter for these reasons:

1. a) Rockfish will offer a substitute vessel of similar type and capacity where reasonably available; however, substitution is not guaranteed;
2. b) If no suitable substitute vessel is available, Rockfish’s sole obligation is to refund all monies paid for the Charter;
3. c) Rockfish is not liable for any additional costs, losses, or expenses incurred by the Lead Hirer or any guest, including but not limited to catering, transport, accommodation, entertainment, third-party services, or rescheduling fees;
4. d) A refund of the Charter fee constitutes full and final settlement of all claims arising from the cancellation.

11. Additional Charges & Damage

Any additional costs or damage will be charged to the Lead Hirer’s credit card, including but not limited to:

• Charter extensions;
• Additional services;
• Toilet blockages;
• Cleaning;
• Damage to the Vessel or equipment.

The Lead Hirer indemnifies Rockfish for all loss or damage caused by the Group.

12. Weather Conditions

Charters operate in most weather conditions.

If unsafe conditions require rescheduling:

• No refund will be provided;
• The Charter will be moved to the next available date.

Safety decisions are made within 24 hours of departure.

13. Responsibility of the Lead Hirer

The Lead Hirer is responsible at all times for the conduct, compliance, and behaviour of the entire Group. Any breach by a guest is deemed a breach by the Lead Hirer.

14. Limitation of Liability & Indemnity

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Rockfish excludes all liability for loss, damage, injury, delay, or expense arising from the Charter. Where liability cannot be excluded, Rockfish’s liability is limited to resupply of the services or refund of the Charter fee. The Lead Hirer indemnifies Rockfish against all claims arising from:

• Guest behaviour;
• Injury or death
• Failure to follow instructions;
• Intoxication;
• Unsafe conduct;
• Breach of these Terms.

15. Acceptance

By paying a deposit, the Lead Hirer confirms that they:

• Have read and understood these Terms;
• Agree to be bound by them;
• Will ensure all guests comply with Rockfish’s Guest Waiver.