Introduction
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the websites and services provided by Boat Hire Pty Ltd (ABN 52 659 815 513), trading as Boat Hire Australia ("we", "us", "our"). By accessing our websites or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
These Terms apply to all Boat Hire Australia websites, including boathire.com.au, boathiresydney.com.au, boathiregoldcoast.com.au, and boathirewhitsundays.com.au.
Our Role as Agent and Broker
Boat Hire Australia operates as a charter boat broker and agent. We connect customers with independent, licensed boat owners and operators. We do not own or operate any vessels.
When you book through us, we act as an intermediary to facilitate the arrangement between you and the vessel owner/operator. The charter contract is between you and the boat owner. Our role is to match your requirements with suitable vessels, coordinate the booking, and provide customer support throughout the process.
Vessel Standards
All vessels available through Boat Hire Australia meet the following standards:
- Commercially registered with the relevant state maritime authority
- Surveyed and compliant with applicable marine safety regulations
- Covered by the boat owner's marine insurance
- Operated by licensed and qualified skippers
We work exclusively with reputable boat owners who maintain their vessels to a high standard. However, as a broker, we rely on the vessel owner's representations regarding their vessel's condition, registration, and insurance status.
Limitation of Liability
As a broker and agent, Boat Hire Australia's liability is limited as follows:
- Our total liability for any claim arising from or related to our services is limited to the fees paid to us or AUD $200, whichever is greater
- We are not liable for any incidents, injuries, loss, or damage that occurs during a charter - the boat owner/operator carries their own marine insurance and is responsible for the safe operation of their vessel
- We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, including but not limited to loss of enjoyment, lost profits, or additional expenses incurred due to a cancelled or disrupted charter
- We do not guarantee the availability of any specific vessel and are not liable for circumstances beyond our reasonable control
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded or limited under Australian Consumer Law.
Customer Responsibilities
When booking and using our services, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information when making enquiries and bookings
- Ensure all guests behave in a responsible and appropriate manner while on board
- Follow the directions of the skipper and crew at all times, including all safety instructions
- Not bring illegal substances on board any vessel
- Not cause damage to the vessel, its fixtures, fittings, or equipment - you are financially responsible for any damage caused by you or your guests
- Comply with all applicable maritime laws and regulations
- Advise us of any special needs, medical conditions, or accessibility requirements prior to the charter
Best Price Guarantee
We are committed to offering competitive pricing. If you receive a written quote from an Australian-registered competitor for the same vessel on the same date, we will match that price, provided:
- The competing quote is from a registered Australian business
- The quote is for the identical vessel, date, and duration
- The quote is provided to us in writing before booking confirmation
- The competing quote is genuine and verifiable
If we match a competitor's price, you will also receive a $50 credit towards your booking as a thank you for giving us the opportunity to earn your business.
Intellectual Property
All content on our websites - including text, images, graphics, logos, videos, and design - is the property of Boat Hire Pty Ltd or our content licensors and is protected by Australian and international copyright laws.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or republish any content from our websites without our prior written consent. Limited reproduction for personal, non-commercial use is permitted provided you retain all copyright and attribution notices.
Website Use
By using our websites, you agree not to:
- Use our websites for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms
- Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems or interfere with our website's operation
- Transmit viruses, malware, or any other harmful code
- Scrape, crawl, or use automated tools to extract data from our websites without our consent
- Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity
We reserve the right to restrict or terminate access to our websites at our discretion.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Boat Hire Pty Ltd, its directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from or related to your use of our services, your breach of these Terms, or any damage caused by you or your guests during a charter.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving its original intent.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New South Wales, Australia. You irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales and any courts of appeal therefrom.
Dispute Resolution
In the event of any dispute arising from these Terms or our services, both parties agree to the following process:
- Direct negotiation: The parties will first attempt to resolve the dispute through direct communication in good faith
- Mediation: If the dispute is not resolved within 21 days, either party may refer the matter to mediation administered by the Australian Disputes Centre (ADC) or a mutually agreed mediator. The costs of mediation will be shared equally.
- Litigation: If mediation does not resolve the dispute, either party may commence legal proceedings in the courts of New South Wales
Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of our websites or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
Contact Us
For questions about these Terms, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 02 9469 6620
- Entity: Boat Hire Pty Ltd (ABN 52 659 815 513)
Last updated: March 2026