Booking Request Form
IMPORTANT. Please ensure you have read and understood all terms and conditions before requesting a booking. We make these available via email, as well as online. If you have any question please give us a call on 0499 444 796.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS “CHARTER ORGANISER”:
Read all of the material that has been given to you carefully and completely.
Ensure your guests are made aware of key terms contained herein, and expectations on the day.
Provide us with a mobile contact number and be fully available in the lead up to your charter and on the day/morning of.
Advise us if there will be a different charter organiser on the day and provide them a copy of this document. We will require their mobile phone number. The charter organiser acts as the go-to person on the day between your group and our crew.
Act honestly and transparently at all times.
Ensure guests behave in a safe manner and follow all instructions given on the day. Failure to do carries penalties (to you / your guests) of a minimum of $2,520 under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (Cth), Schedule 1, Section 1 and 2.
OUR COMMITTMENT TO YOU
- To deliver a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your guests, to the best of our ability within the realms of our control.
- To provide you as much notice as practicable in the rare event of anything that may impact your charter.
- To make ourselves available before, during and after your charter within reasonable timeframes. Please note we are a small family run business so please consider the nee
- d for calls and texts out of hours (unless urgent).
Operator (Charter 1) Rights & Responsibilities
WE RESERVE OUR RIGHT TO:
- To enforce all terms of conditions, including any given to you verbally or in writing.
- Terminate your charter without compensation if any guest fails to comply with the terms and conditions and in particular the code of conduct.
- Refuse entry where any crew member observes intended passengers in an apparent state of intoxication or where there is reasonable cause to suspect they are under the influence of illicit drugs.
- Restrict the maximum passenger number on your charter.
- Alter the destination of your charter or the activities on offer for safety or weather reasons or where time restrictions require. E.g. you may be redirected to an alternative location, or an activity may not be safe to conduct considering conditions e.g. tide, wind.
- Refuse any guest entry if in the opinion of the crew they are not fit to sail.
- Refuse additional passengers attempting to board if it exceeds the maximum guests number listed on your booking confirmation.
- Comply with all government and regulatory requirements.
- Supply your details to law authorities if required including the police and AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority).
- Withhold amounts from your bond per the Bond Policy.
WE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
- Wildlife sightings, breakdowns, specific equipment being available on the day. Damage or losses do occur and we always try to fix them ASAP, but it is not always possible in the short timeframe between charters. Some equipment may need to be ordered in.
- The weather. It’s not something we have any influence over. Sailing is an outdoor activity. The skipper will choose the best bay / location for you based on the weather that day.
- Your ability to make your charter for any reason including but not limited to illness, medical emergencies, bereavements, border closures or quarantine requirements.
- Emails going into your Spam folder. We encourage you to save our email ([email protected]) as a “safe sender” to prevent this happening between now and your charter date. Spam filters are becoming very sensitive, particularly company ones.
- Payments not reaching our account in time, or going into the wrong account.
- Difficulty accessing the designated jetty. Guests should be aware that during peak times jetties are extremely busy. We may encounter situations that impact on our ability to gain access to the public jetty, e.g. if other charter boats are taking too long. In these situations, we may redirect you to an alternative nearby location – please have your phone on you at all times. In the event we are late to arrive, where the schedule and crew shift breaks allow, we may give you extra time at the end, however we are under no obligation to do so.
- Being late to leave the jetty. How quickly you load depends on your and your guests. Your booked charter time includes time loading and unloading. Your charter ends after the last person has disembarked.
- Finding a replacement to fill your charter if you cancel.
- Losses incurred if your charter is unable to proceed for any reason.
Alcohol Policy (BYO Policy) – No Party Charters
Our vessel offers luxury and comfort and a range of fun activities. Oceans, snorkeling and excessive drinking do not mix. Your safety is our #1 priority. Variations to the below will be denied.
- Party charters or “booze cruise” charters are not permitted. You are responsible for those you bring onboard, to please choose wisely.
- Alcohol (BYO) is welcome provided it is not the purpose of the event and consumption is ‘casual’ or social, not excessive. Antisocial behavior will not be tolerated. Please see our code of conduct below.
- You are permitted to bring un-opened beer, white wine or pre-mix cans. Pre-mix must be of standard strength only. Our crew are required to follow RSA guidelines for monitoring consumption even when it is BYO.
- There are absolutely no straight spirits, home mixes or shooters of any kind to be brought onboard. This includes low % alcohol spirits (Liqueurs, fortified wines etc).
- If you are serving alcohol, substantial food must be provided plus 600ml of water per 4 hours, per person (RSA guidelines).
- Our crew have complete authority to take any necessary action to ensure compliance, including rationing or removing access to drinks if necessary, or returning to port, with no refunds offered.
- Persons under the age of 18 must not consume alcohol, regardless of whether you have allowed it. It is the law and you will be fined.
- At least 25% of beverages should be low alcohol or mid strength.
- Please leave eskies at home / in your car. We have ample chilled storage onboard – eskies become a trip hazard at ground level.
- Remember to BYO ice. 4-5 bags per 20 people approx.
- By law, you cannot disembark onto public spaces with an open drink in your hand.
Permitted Guest Numbers
Daytime standard charters allow you to have up to 27 people, including yourself.
- Evening (sunset) charters are generally restricted at 24.
- You may request a higher number of guests in advance, provided it does not exceed our legal maximum and operational safety limits we have in place. A higher charter rate applies and alterations may be required to the destination. This must be requested well in advance – no later than 14 days prior (for rostering purposes) and is never guaranteed.
- Your maximum guest number will be on your final booking confirmation. This must be adhered to on the day.
Payment & Bookings Policy
- We cannot hold dates under any circumstances. A 50% payment is required upfront to secure all bookings. Emails stating availability will be at the time only and subject to change. It is not held until you confirm the booking and make payment.
- All remaining amounts including catering if applicable are to be received no later than 14 days before your charter date (excl. Bond)
- Direct Deposit is preferred. Visa and Mastercard will incur a 1.8% merchant fee. Sorry, we are unable to accept Diners or AMEX.
- Where there are multiple requests for the same date: The first person is given 24 hours to provide remittance of payment after which it will be offered to the next in line.
- In the event of outstanding amounts not paid by the due date, your date may be re-sold and deposit forfeited.
- We cannot accept split payments (I.e. $ per person). All payments are to match the invoice total, including GST.
- Your charter time includes time spent loading luggage and/or guests. Please ensure everyone arrives 15 minutes early at a minimum to avoid delay. Jetty loading times are strictly limited to 15 minutes. The vessel will return to the jetty 10-15 minutes prior to the charter end time to provide time to unload bags and guests. Your charter concludes once all passengers have disembarked.
MARINE PARK ENTRY FEES (Charters to Rottnest Island Only)
Charter 1 is required to collect entry fees on behalf of the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA). Fees are set by the RIA and subject to annual review. As at 1 Nov 2024, this is $20.50/adult. Charter guests who remain water based, e.g. visit a bay but do not disembark onto the island, pay a discounted rate of $12.50 adult. Fees will apply as a group, i.e. if 1 person goes ashore, all guests are charged at the higher rate. Children are approx. half the adult rate. RIA fees are normally included in ferry tickets – they apply to anyone visiting the island.
Bond Policy
- All charters require a minimum bond of $1,000, via credit card “pre authorisation” 2 days before to your charter.
- No charter proceeds without a bond. You must ensure you have a Visa/MC available with a minimum of $1,000 available.
- We reserve the right to withhold money from your bond for reasons including but not limited to:
- RIA fees (subject to change at any time by Rottnest Island Authority)
- Excess cleaning costs. Including but not limited to: blocked toilets (below) vomit, spills, stains, excessive crumbs or popcorn, or rubbish left on or inside the vessel, wet carpets inside.
- Blocked toilets: Minimum fee $300. Replacement parts or additional time spent fixing will incur higher charges.
- Damage to the vessel or equipment due to negligence, rough handling or failure to follow crew instructions.
- Glitter and confetti or decorations with dye are not permitted.
- Late charters (where the delay is caused by you).
- Additional passengers surcharge
- Charters that fail to comply with the alcohol policy or breach our code of conduct.
- Where the bond fees do not cover the amount incurred, addition charges will still apply.
- Labor costs will be charged for time spent by management dealing with unexpected repairs.
- Where your action (or inaction) has impacted on our ability to provide services to another customer, charges will apply.
- Bonds are processed as a ‘pre authorisation’ meaning it places a hold over the amount for 5-7 days but does not deduct it, unless we make a claim. The exact time taken for the hold to disappear will vary depending on your card issuer.
CANCELLATIONS BY YOU
If you are required to cancel your booking, the following terms regarding refunds will apply:
- More than 1 months notice: refund less 25% of total booking amount (excl. catering)
- More than 14 days notice: refund less 50% of total booking amount (excl. catering)
- Less than 14 days notice: 100% loss of total booking amount (note: includes catering costs)
Our cancellations policy is firm but in line with general industry practice. Once a date is held by you we turn away all booking enquiries for that date. We reserve our right to recover losses if you decide not to proceed for any reason including if you wish to change the date, having the same impact as a cancellation.
COVID-19: Standard cancellation terms apply. Charter 1 complies with all government requirements and has a covid safe plan in place.
CANCELLATIONS BY US
In the rare event of mechanical failure, unsafe weather, or any other unforeseen event that prevents us from operating, your charter may need to be cancelled or postponed. If this occurs, we will work with you to find a comparable alternative date/time to reschedule your charter. If this is not practicable, we will provide you with a refund, less any third-party transaction fees (if applicable). We will always communicate with as much notice as possible. The decision may not be made until the day, in the case of unstable weather forecasts, but we will be in contact with you prior.
As a sailing vessel and outdoor experience please be prepared that we operate in most conditions, provided it is safe to do so. Your skipper monitors all weather forecasts well in advance of each charter. Clouds, rain or strong winds are not grounds for cancellation. If we foresee a risk to your charter we will be in touch with you with as much notice as possible prior. More often than not, it is just a courtesy so we can discuss a potential plan B. A weather warning does not mean your charter is going to be cancelled. Forecasts can and do change at late notice.
The final decision to proceed is at the sole discretion of your skipper. Rest assured we have your safety and enjoyment top of mind but outdoor experiences are inherently unpredictable.
CHARTER ALTERATIONS
We reserve the right to modify or abandon part of whole of the charter at any time if in the opinion of the skipper there is a risk to the safety and well-being of passengers or crew. If it is deemed unsafe to travel to Rottnest the charter will be transferred to Carnac Island or Woodman Point.[
Re-Sale Prohibited
- Unless a separate agreement has been formed, private charters (and the rate you have been quoted) is a discounted group hire for private events only and not for standalone ticketed re-sale. Anyone found to be promoting a ticketed event for commercial benefit of any kind will have their charter cancelled without any refund.
- If you wish to discuss partnering with us, please contact us directly.
- Splitting the cost between those attending (i.e. non commercial use) is permitted.
- “Commercial benefit” is not limited to monetary and includes influencers and not-for-profit enterprises.
Prohibited Activities
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT OR PAID HOSTS – Seek an alternative vessel. Strictly no adult entertainment allowed, including drink servers, hosts or otherwise.
ILLICIT DRUGS – Strictly prohibited onboard. If any guest is found to be in breach the charter will be terminated and returned to port with no refund given. Authorities will be called if necessary. Any guest under the influence prior to boarding will be denied entry.
Code of Conduct
Everyone has a responsibility be safe and secure on board. Especially our crew, who work incredibly hard behind the scenes for you. Our Code of Conduct calls for a minimum standard of behaviour to help everyone have an enjoyable, safe and incident-free trip. It applies to all aspects of your experience with us, including over the phone, when boarding, duration and after your journey.
- The use of offensive or abusive language towards other guests or crew will not be tolerated. Abusive behaviour or disrespect towards our crew will result in the immediate termination of your charter with no refund given.
- Noice levels including music must be kept to an appropriate level for the time and location.
- Guests are not to enter any crew areas – these will be advised to you during the safety briefing.
- Be responsible in relation to alcohol use. A good guide is to remain at or below the safe driving limit. The ocean is not the place for increased risks that are commonly associated with high alcohol consumption.
- The use of illicit drugs and illegal substances is prohibited onboard and will result in immediate charter termination.
- Do not engage in abusive behaviour such as uninvited physical contact, harassment, theft, violence or any action that would be considered unacceptable in a public place.
- Do not engage in unsafe behaviour such as sitting, climbing or standing on any barriers or railings. Your crew will advise any “no go” zones during your safety briefing – this is for your safety.
- Treat other guests with respect and obey the rules and directions set out by our crew members at all times.
- Treat our crew with respect and remember that the vessel is their workplace and often their home while at sea.
- Do not photograph or video other guests or crew members without consent.
- Failure to adhere to the Guest Code of Conduct can have serious consequences. The Skipper has the complete authority to terminate your charter and report you to authorities. It doesn’t matter if it’s the person your cousin invited or your aunt who you don’t know very well – you are responsible for all of the guests you bring, and ensuring they comply, not us. So choose widely. It only takes one for necessary action to be taken.
- Where it may be necessary for disembarkation or other actions such as reporting to appropriate government and law enforcement authorities, any costs involved in repatriation will be the responsibility of the guest. Refunds will not be provided.
Catering
- Catering is entirely optional. We provided this service for your convenience only.
- All BBQ packages are sourced from a curated group of suppliers, not Charter 1.
- By opting to have us cater your event, you understand and agree that:
- Charter 1 acts as the distributor and agent and is not the caterer. Crew are trained in the safe handling of food and hygiene and safe handling and safe storage measures are used with regard to transport and delivery.
- Charter 1 makes a small fee per person which is factored into the prices charged. Plus 10% GST
