Terms and Conditions

Date: November 2025

Business Name: Illawarra BBQ Boats

Location: Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia

1. General

1.1 These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all bookings and hires made with Illawarra BBQ Boats (“the Operator”, “we”, “our”, or “us”). By confirming a booking or boarding a vessel, the Hirer (“you” or “the Customer”) agrees to comply with and be bound by these Terms.

1.2 The Operator reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time without prior notice. The version in effect at the time of booking shall apply.

1.3 In these Terms and Conditions, the Hirer is also considered to be the skipper of the vessel unless otherwise stipulated. Therefor a designated skipper may be appointed and made note of prior to departure.

2. Eligibility and Licensing

2.1 The vessels operated by Illawarra BBQ Boats are self-drive hire boats that do not require a boat licence under current NSW maritime regulations.

2.2 The Hirer must be at least 18 years of age and provide valid photographic identification before hire.

2.3 The Hirer must ensure that a responsible adult remains in control of the vessel at all times.

3. Bookings and Payments

3.1 A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of full payment.

3.2 All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST unless stated otherwise.

3.3 The Operator reserves the right to refuse any booking at its discretion.

4. Cancellations and Refunds

4.1 A full refund will be provided if the booking is cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled hire time.

4.2 Cancellations within 48 hours of the booking will not receive a refund.

4.3 The Operator may cancel or reschedule bookings due to bad weather, mechanical issues, or safety concerns. In such cases, the Hirer may reschedule or receive a full refund.

5. Security, Damage, and Cleaning

5.1 No bond is required; however, the Hirer is fully responsible for any damage, loss, or excessive cleaning.

5.2 The Operator may charge reasonable fees for repairs or cleaning arising from negligence or misuse.

5.3 The Hirer must report any damage or incident immediately upon return of the vessel.

5.4 Illawarra BBQ Boats is not responsible for any loss and/or damage of your personal belongings.

6. Safety Obligations

6.1 The Hirer must follow all instructions and safety briefings from the Operator.

6.2 Lifejackets must be worn as directed, and children must be supervised at all times.

6.3 The Hirer must not operate the vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs beyond legal limits.

6.4 The vessel must remain within designated boating areas.

6.5 NO swimming is permitted at the rear of the vessel while engine is running.

6.6 NO jumping off the vessel while the vessel is in motion.

7. Alcohol and Conduct

7.1 Responsible alcohol consumption is permitted on board. Excessive drinking or disorderly behaviour will not be tolerated.

7.2 The Operator reserves the right to refuse or terminate hire without refund if intoxication or unsafe conduct occurs.

7.3 Designated skipper of the vessel must at all times comply with NSW Maritime BAC (blood alcohol limit) regulations.

8. Weather Conditions

8.1 If weather conditions are unsafe, the Operator will offer to reschedule or refund the booking.

8.2 Once the vessel departs, no refund or reschedule will be provided due to changing weather, except at the Operator’s discretion.

9. Liability and Indemnity

9.1 Boating involves inherent risks. The Operator accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage except where caused by its own negligence.

9.2 The Hirer indemnifies the Operator and its employees against all claims or expenses resulting from breach of these Terms or negligent use of the vessel.

10. Use of the Vessel

10.1 The vessel must be operated safely and responsibly at all times.

10.2 The Hirer must not exceed eight (8) passengers.

10.3 Pets, fireworks, glassware, or open flames (other than provided BBQs) are prohibited.

10.4 The Hirer is responsible for the safety of all persons onboard and the safety of the vessel.

10.5 The Hirer must adhere to all maritime regulations and laws at all times.

10.6 The Vessel must only be operated in the area stipulated. Any breach may result in a termination of hire without refund.

10.7 Any accidents on the water MUST be reported to the correct authorities immediately.

11. Return of Vessel

11.1 The vessel must be returned on time and in its original condition.

11.2 Late returns may incur additional charges.

12. Privacy Policy

12.1 Illawarra BBQ Boats complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles.

12.2 Personal information is collected only for booking, payment, and safety purposes.

12.3 Information will not be shared with third parties except as required by law or for payment processing.

12.4 Data is stored securely, and customers may request access or correction by emailing info@illawarrabbqboats.com.au.

12.5 By making a booking, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia, and both parties submit to the jurisdiction of its courts.

14. Acceptance

By booking or operating a vessel from Illawarra BBQ Boats, the Hirer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.

Illawarra BBQ Boats

📍 Shellharbour, NSW

✉️ info@illawarrabbqboats.com.au