Blue Manna Boat Hire

Terms & Conditions

  1. Persons hiring or using any Hire Boats, Kayaks, Stand-up Paddle Boards, or any other hire equipment do so entirely at their own risk.
  2. Hirers must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  3. Hire boats may only operate between sunrise and sunset unless the hirer holds a Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST).
  4. Drivers must not operate any vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Zero tolerance applies.
  5. Mobile phones must remain on at all times during the hire period.
  6. Smoking is prohibited on all vessels.
  7. Passengers must not place limbs over the vessel’s sides or sit on the railings. Climbing on roofs or towing other vessels is strictly prohibited.
  8. The licensed capacity of each vessel, as displayed on the boat, is the maximum number of people allowed onboard, including adults, children, and infants.
  9. Fishing and crabbing are only permitted on designated vessels, and at least one person onboard must hold a valid RFBL (Recreational Fishing From Boat License).
  10. Swimming from vessels is at your own risk. Re-entering the vessel can be physically challenging, and engines must not be running while swimming.

Liability Waiver

  1. Hirers accept full liability for any damage, loss, or fines incurred during the hire period, whether caused by the hirer or other members of their party.
  2. Blue Manna Boat Hire and its employees are not liable for the actions or negligence of the hirer or their party.
  3. The hirer is not to be intoxicated at any time during their hire.
  4. Damage costs include (but are not limited to):

4.1 Loss of anchor and chain: $100

4.2 Recovery fee for grounding: $25 per km from the office, minimum $50

4.3 Damaged propeller: $150

4.4 Damaged gearbox: $1,500

4.5 Damaged roof: $250-$5,000

4.6 Smashed/cracked windscreen: $500

4.7 Excessive cleaning: $150

4.8 Fines apply for speeding, reckless behaviour, incorrect use of equipment, or climbing on roofs: $50-$1,000

  1. A recovery fee applies for assistance or recovery services ($50 minimum plus $25 per km).
  2. The $10,000 liability limit is subject to coverage by Blue Manna Boat Hire’s insurance policies. Any costs, damages, or liabilities exceeding this amount or not covered by insurance remain the sole responsibility of the hirer.

Safety and Conduct

  1. All hirers must complete a liability waiver and watch the mandatory safety video or have an in-person briefing prior to departure.
  2. Safety briefings commence at the scheduled hire time and are included in the hire period. Watching the safety video in advance will reduce this time.
  3. Hirers must adhere to all speed limits and remain in designated hire zones. Taking vessels into the ocean or prohibited zones will result in additional fees or termination of hire.
  4. Misuse of equipment, threatening behaviour, or failure to comply with instructions from staff or authorities may result in immediate termination of hire without refund.
  5. The hirer agrees not to engage in any activities that are illegal, dangerous, or prohibited by local regulations, including reckless driving, speeding, harassment of wildlife, or endangering passengers or other waterway users. Such behaviour will result in termination of hire without refund.
  6. The hirer acknowledges they are physically and mentally fit to operate the vessel in accordance with safety guidelines provided.
  7. In the event of a medical emergency or incident requiring assistance, Blue Manna Boat Hire will not be held liable for delays, damages, or outcomes resulting from the provision or absence of such assistance.
  8. The hirer is responsible for the behaviour and actions of all passengers onboard the vessel. Any damages, violations, or incidents caused by passengers will be treated as the responsibility of the hirer.

Cleaning and Additional Costs

  1. Vessels must be returned in a clean condition. Excessive mess will incur a $150 cleaning fee.
  2. Fees apply for missing, lost, or damaged equipment. The hirer is liable for all associated costs.
  3. Blue Manna Boat Hire reserves the right to deduct from the security bond to cover any damage, fines, or breaches of the terms and conditions. The bond may be withheld in part or in full, depending on the nature of the incident. Additional charges may be applied if the bond does not cover the costs.

Termination of Hire

Blue Manna Boat Hire reserves the right to terminate hires without refund for:

  1. Failure to comply with terms and conditions or legislative requirements.
  2. Threatening or abusive behaviour toward staff.
  3. Unauthorised use of equipment, overloading vessels, or operating outside designated areas.
  4. Any behaviour deemed reckless, including but not limited to speeding, erratic driving, chasing wildlife, dangerous driving, or climbing outside of the vessel.
  5. The skipper is caught consuming alcohol or drugs, or if passengers are excessively intoxicated.