Terms & Conditions: PBT – Rental and general conditions
VESSEL CHARTER AGREEMENT & GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
(Private Yacht Charter – Individual Owner)
This Vessel Charter Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between THE OWNER / LESSOR, an individual, being the lawful owner, operator, or authorized controller of the vessel described herein (“Vessel”), and the CHARTERER / CLIENT, whose details appear in the reservation, collectively referred to as the “Parties.”
- NATURE OF THE CHARTER
This is a private recreational vessel charter and does not constitute common carriage, passenger transportation for hire, or public transportation. This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with applicable maritime law, including international maritime principles and, where applicable, the laws of the flag state and/or jurisdiction of operation.
- ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RESPONSIBILITY
The CHARTERER assumes full and sole responsibility for their own conduct and the conduct of all guests, passengers, and invitees.
The CHARTERER hereby fully, expressly, and irrevocably releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless the OWNER, captain, crew, operators, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, injuries, or expenses (whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential) arising from the acts or omissions of any passenger.
- AUTHORITY OF THE CAPTAIN
The captain has absolute authority aboard the Vessel at all times and may, at the captain’s sole discretion:
Refuse boarding to any person
Alter the route, destination, or itinerary
Delay, suspend, or terminate the charter
Remove or disembark passengers
for reasons including, but not limited to: safety, weather, sea conditions, intoxication, substance use, disorderly conduct, or breach of this Agreement.
Such actions shall not entitle the CHARTERER to any refund or compensation.
- CANCELLATION BY OWNER
If the OWNER cancels the charter solely due to reasons directly attributable to the OWNER, the CHARTERER’s exclusive remedy shall be a refund of monies actually paid, without interest or further liability.
- FORCE MAJEURE & MARITIME CONDITIONS
No refund shall be due if the charter is delayed, modified, or canceled due to circumstances beyond the OWNER’s control, including but not limited to:
Adverse weather or sea conditions
Swells, high winds, storms, or heavy rain
Mechanical failures not caused by negligence
Orders or restrictions from maritime authorities
Acts of God or force majeure
In such cases, the OWNER may reschedule the charter at their discretion, with no obligation to refund.
- CANCELLATION BY CHARTERER
30 days or more prior to charter date: Up to 80% refund, less administrative, banking, and processing fees
29 days or fewer: Non-refundable
All deposits are non-refundable earnest money and shall be forfeited upon cancellation.
- RESCHEDULING
29–16 days prior: One (1) reschedule permitted, subject to availability, with no refund
15 days or fewer: No rescheduling or credit permitted
- NO-SHOW POLICY
Failure of the CHARTERER or any guest to arrive on time and at the agreed location shall be deemed a charter fully performed, with no refund or rescheduling.
- ALCOHOL, DRUGS & CONDUCT
The OWNER assumes no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses arising from:
Alcohol consumption
Illegal or controlled substances
Reckless or unsafe behavior
Unauthorized swimming or diving
Physical altercations or violations of safety instructions
All passengers participate entirely at their own risk.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the OWNER shall not be liable for:
Indirect or consequential damages
Emotional distress or loss of enjoyment
Loss of profits or business
Theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings
Passengers are solely responsible for their property.
- DAMAGE TO VESSEL
The CHARTERER shall be fully liable for any damage caused to the Vessel, equipment, furnishings, or systems, including repair costs, replacement, labor, and loss of charter revenue.
- MEDICAL CONDITIONS & PREGNANCY
Passengers with medical conditions or who are pregnant board entirely at their own risk. The OWNER or captain may deny boarding if a safety risk is determined, without refund.
- SUBSTITUTE VESSEL
The OWNER reserves the right to substitute the Vessel with another of equal or greater class due to operational or mechanical necessity, without breach of this Agreement.
- IDENTIFICATION & DOCUMENTATION
All passengers must carry valid government-issued identification and required travel documents. Failure to comply shall not entitle the CHARTERER to any refund.
- INDEMNIFICATION
The CHARTERER agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the OWNER and crew from any claims, damages, fines, or liabilities arising from the charter, including acts of guests or third parties.
- ACCEPTANCE
Payment of any portion of the charter fee constitutes full, informed, and irrevocable acceptance of all terms and conditions of this Agreement.