This Rental Agreement & Waiver (the “Agreement”) sets out the terms under which Coasting Around permits the individual named on the reservation dashboard (the “Customer”) and their passengers (the “Participants”) to rent and operate our commercial vessels and safety equipment (the “Vessel”).
By finalising a booking, signing digitally, or boarding, you legally bind yourself to these terms. Coasting Around retains the absolute right to cancel a voyage, deny boarding, or enforce an immediate return to shore if any safety standard or terms within this document is breached.
– The Journey / Activities: The operation, anchoring, docking, or physical presence on our self-drive picnic boats, including the use of life jackets and supplied marine gear.
– The Operator / Skipper: The designated person over the age of 18 who assumes physical and legal command of the vessel for the duration of the rental.
– The Term: The precise time frame confirmed in your booking receipt. Extensions are never automatic and depend entirely on real-time fleet availability and management approval.
– Incidental Fees: Any charges applied post-departure for cleaning, unapproved late returns, recovery costs, or physical damage not covered by basic wear-and-tear.
– The Boundary: The specific local waterways, speed zones, and geographical limits outlined during your pre-departure brief.
2.1 Payments & Security Holds
Before taking physical possession of the Vessel, the Customer must settle the rental fee in full and authorise a credit card security hold (the “Security Bond”). Coasting Around is authorised to deduct any Incidental Fees, structural repair costs, or late penalties directly from this bond or the card on file immediately upon the conclusion of the rental or once repair costs have been obtined.
2.2 Late Return Penalties
Time management is critical for water safety and scheduling.
– Overtime Rate: If the Vessel is returned past the scheduled Term, a penalty of $50.00 AUD for every 15-minute window (or fraction thereof) will be levied.
– Fixed Window: A delayed departure caused by the Customer does not shift the return deadline. The Vessel must still be tied up at the designated dock at the original scheduled time.
2.3 Asset Loss
Title and ownership of the Vessel remain with Coasting Around at all times. If a Customer abandons, sinks, or fails to return the Vessel for any reason, they assume immediate liability for its full retail replacement cost, which exceeds $35,000 AUD.
3.1 Fleet Condition & Acceptance
We ensure every vessel departs the dock clean, mechanically sound, and stocked with approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). At Commencement, the Skipper must inspect the craft. By departing the dock, the Skipper confirms the Vessel is fit for purpose and free of obvious damage, unless a specific defect is flagged with staff before departure.
3.2 Strict Skipper Mandates
The designated Skipper is legally responsible for the craft and all souls on board. The Skipper must:
– Be at least 18 years of age and hold valid photo identification.
– Maintain a strict 0.00% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and be entirely free of intoxicating substances.
– Remain in active control of the helm. Minor passengers under 18 may never operate the Vessel without direct, side-by-side adult supervision.
3.3 Weight & Capacity Thresholds
To ensure stability and marine safety, the vessel must never carry more than 10 passengers or a total weight of 1100 kilograms** (including gear). Management reserves the right to cancel a hire on the spot if a group attempts to overload a vessel.
3.4 Mechanical Integrity
Customers and passengers are strictly forbidden from altering, adjusting, or attempting mechanical repairs on the motor, battery, or onboard electrical systems. Any mechanical anomalies or collisions must be reported to shore staff immediately.
4.1 Onboard Protocols
Every participant joining the voyage must actively listen to the pre-boarding Safety Briefing and adhere to the following rules:
– Life Jackets: Safety vests must be worn or utilised strictly in accordance with Coasting Around directives and local Queensland marine laws.
– Water Entry: Diving, swimming, or exiting the vessel while the motor is engaged or outside explicitly permitted anchorage zones is strictly prohibited.
– Environmental Protection: No littering or discharging of liquids into the waterways. Fishing, harvesting marine life, or harassing local wildlife is banned.
– Public Order: Behavior must remain respectful. Excessive noise, disruptive antics, or hazardous horseplay will result in immediate termination of the hire without a refund.
4.2 Personal Property Disclaimer
The elements of sun, wind, and water pose inherent risks to electronics and luxury items. Coasting Around accepts zero liability for water damage, loss, or theft of personal items brought onto our vessels. Safeguarding personal property is exclusively the passenger’s responsibility.
5.1 Standard Notice Windows
– 72+ Hours: Cancellations made outside this window receive a full refund, minus any standard, non-refundable card processing merchant fees.
– 24 to 72 Hours: Cancellations within this window receive a non-refundable digital business credit voucher for a future booking.
– Under 24 Hours / No-Show: The booking fee is forfeited entirely.
5.2 Adverse Weather & Safety Delays
The marine environment is unpredictable. Coasting Around monitors local maritime warnings closely. We reserve the absolute right to cancel or alter bookings due to gale warnings, lightning, or dangerous weather conditions. If we cancel a booking for safety reasons, a refund, credit voucher or rebooking window will be issued.
5.3 Upgraded Protection
If a customer chooses to purchase our optional Cancellation Protection during checkout, they may cancel up to 4 hours before departure for a full refund or credit (minus the premium cost of the protection itself).
6.1 Consumer Protections
Nothing in this contract seeks to exclude, restrict, or modify any statutory consumer guarantees guaranteed under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010).
6.2 Liability Caps & Risk Acknowledgement
To the maximum extent permitted under law, outside of non-excludable consumer guarantees, Coasting Around excludes all liability for personal injury, indirect economic loss, or property damage connected to the rental. Our liability for any proven breach is capped at either resupplying the rental service or refunding the original Hire Charge.
6.3 Insurance Excess Obligations
Coasting Around carries comprehensive marine commercial insurance. However, if a Participant causes or contributes to an accident, collision, or property damage covered by our policy, the Customer is directly liable to pay the standard insurance excess of $1,000.00 AUD.
If the incident involves gross negligence, intoxication, or breaches of maritime law that void our insurance policy, the Customer assumes full, un-capped financial liability for all resulting repair costs, third-party damage, and legal fees.
7.1 Catering Conditions
Food and beverages are entirely BYO unless pre-ordered through our curated options. Because we work with third-party culinary partners, we cannot guarantee an absolute allergen-free environment. Catering orders are locked in and non-refundable within 72 hours of the booking time.
7.2 Data Privacy
Coasting Around manages, processes, and stores your personal and financial credentials strictly in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
7.3 Governing Law
This Agreement operates as a standing contract for this and any future bookings made with our business. It is governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Queensland, Australia.
7.4 Non-Commercial Use Clause
Our fleet is designed and insured strictly for private recreational outings. Commercial exploitation, professional film shoots, paid events, or sub-leasing of the Vessel without explicit, written contractual consent from Coasting Around management is entirely prohibited.
8.1 This Agreement and the accompanying Booking Form constitute the entire agreement between the parties, superseding all prior oral or written communications.
8.2 If any provision within these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of law, it will be severed or modified to the minimum extent necessary, without affecting the remainder of the terms.
8.3 Provisions regarding liabilities, insurance excesses, indemnities, and payment debts survive the completion or termination of the Hire Period.