General Conditions
All bookings made with Bann River Cruises Ltd are made subject to the following Conditions of Hire. For the purpose of these Conditions of Hire and any contract or agreement the term “The Hirer” shall be taken to mean all those persons collectively making-up the hire party and authorised by Bann River Cruises to be on the cruiser whether specifically named on the hire invoice or not.
Bookings & Cancellations
A deposit of 30% of the total hire cost is required at the time of booking. On payment of the deposit the Hirer becomes responsible for the total hire fee which is payable not less than six weeks before commencement of hire. Should the hirer be unable to take-over the cruiser, he should notify Bann River Cruises immediately. Refunds may be given for cancellations depending on re hire of boat.
Insurance
You have 2 options for insurance on your cruise:
You can pay a refundable £800 insurance excess to cover any damage or loss. This is a fully refundable amount if the boat is returned undamaged, to the correct marina on time and in a clean and fit state.
or
You can reduce the £800 excess to £150 by paying a one off, non refundable waiver of £109.
Embarkation
On arrival to Drumaheglis Marina the Hirer will pay their chosen insurance option. Hirers will then be given full instruction on the operation of the boat and navigation followed by hands on tuition with a trainer to ensure that they are capable and confident with the boat. Please allow 2 hours on the day of arrival for Handover training and tuition.
Boat Handling
It is our policy to be adaptable and flexible to meet your specific training needs. Therefore we are willing to offer training on specific situations and areas so you enjoy your cruiser trip and gain experience throughout your navigation. Our training will cover every aspect of boating on the Lower Bann, incorporating a combination of skill learning and safety. Training before the trip will include:- Theory of boats and boat handling including leaving and returning to mooring and lock work. Rope work., how to secure your boat. How to coil and successfully, throw the rope from the boat. How to tie a basic knot. How to leave the mooring safely and efficiently. Steering and control of the vessel. Turning the boat, utilising the flow of the river. Stopping the boat and controlling it whilst static. Practice in coming alongside a jetty. Negotiating a Lock safely and efficiently. You will be instructed how to enter the lock, secure the boat correctly and then leaving the lock. We understand for many that this is perhaps the most frightening of boat work. If required your trainer will offer to assist you through the first 2 lock gates at Carnroe and Movanagher.
Collection/Return Time
This will normally be 14.00 hrs. on the first day of hire date. Bann River Cruises will not be responsible for any unforeseen delays due to damage of incoming Craft or to failure of returning clients to return their cruiser.
The cruiser must be returned to Drumaheglis Marina in a clean and tidy condition by 10.00 am on the end date of the hire arrangement. Failure to return the cruiser on the due date will incur a charge of double the daily rate plus any other charges or incidental losses incurred by the Company. It is the responsibility of the Hirer to make any allowance for bad weather and lock passage. The security deposit will be fully refunded on the return of the cruiser and its inventory in a clean and undamaged condition.
Cruiser Availability
Every precaution will be taken to ensure that the booked cruiser is available in a fully serviceable condition but if owing to conditions and circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Bann River Cruises this is not possible, then every effort will be made to supply a similar or suitable Craft. Should this not be possible the deposit paid and any hire fee paid by the Hirer will be returned in full but the Hirer will have no claim on any account against the Company.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Bann River Cruises reserves the right in unfavourable weather or river conditions to set limits of navigation, cancel or refuse the hire of cruisers in the interests of safety, or to instruct hirers to remain in a safe mooring for the duration.
Crew members
Only the stated number of Hirers as indicated on the booking form may be on board either overnight or whilst underway. Insurances are invalid if these numbers are exceeded and Bann River Cruises reserve the right to terminate the hire without refund or recompense. Cruisers may not be hired or be under the control of persons under the age of 21 years. The minimum crew per boat is 2 able bodied people, 1of which must over 21.
Suitability and Behaviour
Bann River Cruises reserve the right to decline a booking or to hand-over a cruiser to any person who in their opinion is not suitable to take charge on the grounds of ill-health, age, disability, or any other reason which in their opinion would lead to a serious risk of accident or damage. In such cases, the hire fee will be refunded in full and the contract terminated without further liability on either party.
The Hirer must accept responsibility for the proper conduct of him/herself and any members of their party. We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without further notice the holiday arrangements of any client who either refuses to comply with the instructions or orders of Bann River Cruises staff, or whose behaviour in their opinion is likely to cause distress, damage or danger or annoyance to other customers, staff, any third party or to property. Upon such termination our responsibility for your holiday ceases and we shall not be liable for any extra costs incurred by you, and therefore no refund will be made. In this event and provided the hirer has compiled with all obligations, the security deposit will be refunded.
Injury or Damage to You or Your Property.
Hirers are specifically advised that there is no insurance cover provided for death, personal injury or loss damage or to property (including any motor vehicles parked at the marina) under the hire agreement. Neither is such cover provided for any licensee or invitee of the Hirer. Hirers are strongly recommended to take out their own personal travel insurance.
Cruising Water/Navigation Restrictions
The cruisers can only be navigated within the range hightlighted on the navigation maps provided. Craft may not be taken beyond the lower limit of navigation at Coleraine or beyond the canal at Toome. Craft may not cruise after the hours of darkness and must be moored at an approved mooring overnight. Bann River Cruises will not be held liable for delays or restriction of cruising water resulting from repairs or navigational works. Additionally, the Company may impose limits on navigation if in their opinion, hazardous conditions such as high/low water levels, weed, or abnormal weather conditions prevail. No craft may undertake towing or pulling off of other cruisers without the specific permission of the Company. All cruisers using the Lower Bann are subject to the bye laws and regulations of that waterway and must observe the speed limits. The Hirer is responsible for the safe navigation of the cruiser at all times and for all damage or costs or third-party claims arising out of accident or mishap from cruising outside the marked navigation channels or otherwise in breach of specific instructions. The Company accept no responsibility for changes in buoyage or navigational markings. Such information as the Company has will be passed on to Hirers.
Cleaning of Cruisers
As the cruisers are self-catering accommodation, it is the responsibility of the Hirer to keep them in a fit and clean condition both inside and out. A charge will be made for cleaning if cruisers are returned in an unfit condition and for the unblocking of toilets. Rubbish should be stored in the bins provided and disposed of whenever possible.
Live bait is not allowed on the cruisers at any time.
Safety Conditions
The Hirer shall observe all speed limits and shall not navigate at a speed which disturbs or inconveniences other waterway users.
The Hirer shall not race the cruiser.
The Hirer nor any of his passengers shall not bring onto the cruiser any portable heaters, cooking appliances, gas cylinders, candles, tea lights, incense burners, inflammable liquids or substances. No deep fat fryers or any electrical appliances. The cruiser is suitable for 12v appliances only.
Bann River Cruises reserves the right to board and repossess a cruiser if it feels safety of hirers, other cruisers or the boat is in danger.
Breakdowns and Repairs
We will always endeavour to attend and repair a breakdown or technical incident as soon as possible. All repairs, service and maintenance are the responsibility of Bann River Cruises unless made necessary by the wilful conduct or neglect of the Hirer. The Company must be notified immediately if any repairs or service are required and they may not be placed in the hands of other firms of repairers without the specific approval of Bann River Cruises. Where a Hirer cruises outside the designated navigation and grounds the cruiser, a service charge will be applied. The Hirer may be subject to a service charge if repairs are necessary due to neglect or wilful behaviour. Bann River Cruises is not liable to pay or recompense for any loss of cruising time due to breakdowns, damage or any other defects or unforeseen causes.
Disputes
The Hirer is required to notify Bann River Cruises of any alleged shortcomings or problems with the cruiser immediately they occur and a reasonable opportunity must be given to management to investigate and put right any faults found. No claims can be considered in respect of such alleged shortcomings if not notified as aforesaid. Bann River Cruises will not investigate nor deal with complaints received later than four weeks after the termination of the hire.
Retention of the security deposit will not in any way limit or prejudice any claim which Bann River Cruises may have over and above the sum of the security deposit paid by the Hirer where the loss or damage was caused or contributed to by the Hirer. In the event that the losses or damages suffered by us as a result of any breach by the Hirer of these booking conditions and any damage caused to the boat or its contents during the period of your arrangements is less than the security deposit paid by you, we shall refund, as relevant, part of the Security Deposit paid by you to you as soon as reasonably possible after the damage has been repaired or the repair costs have been ascertained. In the event of any disagreement over damage or loss, we shall retain the relevant Security Deposit paid by you until the matter is resolved. Please note that if loss or damage caused by your gross negligence or reckless conduct is in excess of the level of the security deposit we reserve the right to pursue a claim against you for the full extent of our loss.
Accidents
The hirer is responsible for the boat and its safe navigation. In the event of an accident or damage the hirer must notify Bann River Cruises immediately with full details and names and addresses of other persons involved and of witnesses.
There is a form provided for this in your Captains Handbook on board.