Gold Coast BBQ Boat Hire   Revised 24 September 2026 
Waiver, Terms & Conditions and Post-Hire Card Policy 

1. Acknowledgement of Risk
Hiring and operating a boat involves inherent risks, including changing weather and water conditions, equipment failure, slip hazards, BBQ use, hot surfaces, sharp objects and fishing equipment. I acknowledge these risks and agree to follow the safety instructions. Nothing in these terms excludes rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded.
2. Arrival & Safety Briefing
I agree to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in and the mandatory safety induction. Late arrival will reduce my hire time. All listed passengers must board and disembark from the designated berths to ensure accurate head counts and safety briefing compliance.
3. Hire Duration & Late Return
I understand my allocated hire time and agree to return the vessel on time. Late returns incur a $55 fee per 30 minutes. Grounding or beaching the vessel may cause damage and result in recovery charges.
4. Cruising Area
I will operate only within the approved cruising area shown on the map provided. Operating outside these boundaries may result in immediate termination of hire. All vessels are GPS tracked.
5. Alcohol & Drugs
• The legal blood alcohol limit for operating a vessel is 0.05 BAC.
• Gold Coast BBQ Boat Hire requires the nominated skipper to remain sober and free of illicit substances while operating the vessel.
• Unsafe alcohol or drug use may result in early termination of the hire. Any applicable damage or other costs will be assessed under clause 7.
6. The Hirer & Nominated Skipper
The hirer must be at least 21 years old. The nominated skipper must be at least 18 years old and able to understand and follow all safety instructions. Basic boating training will be provided before departure.
7. Post-Hire Card, Damage & Charges
A valid payment card must be provided before departure, including when the hire was paid for by PayPal or cash. With the cardholder’s separate written authorisation at check-in, the card may be securely saved in Square for post-hire charges. No bond payment is collected, pre-authorised or held. The card number and CVV are not recorded on this agreement.
I agree to pay the following costs if incurred during or because of my hire:
• Documented damage to the vessel, engine, BBQ, upholstery or equipment, and missing equipment such as the anchor, Esky, speaker or BBQ tools.
• Grounding or recovery, minimum $350; excessive cleaning, minimum $100.
• Interference with or damage to the onboard safety camera, minimum $500.
• Fuel used above the 25 litres included, charged at $3.20 per litre.
• Toilet blockages caused by foreign objects, where the vessel has a toilet.
• Reasonable costs directly caused by a breach of these terms.
Actual damage and other charges may exceed the hire fee. If an insurance claim is required, an insurance excess of up to $1,500 may also be payable. Gold Coast BBQ Boat Hire will document and notify me of a proposed charge, and may charge the authorised card for amounts properly payable under these terms. If a card payment is declined, I remain responsible for the amount owed.
8. Safe Vessel Operation
I agree to follow all instructions provided during the safety briefing, including safe handling of the vessel and equipment, maritime rules, immediate reporting of incidents and remaining contactable by phone. Beaching is permitted only on an incoming tide when conditions are suitable and the procedure has been explained during the handover. I will approach slowly with the engine lifted one third up, lift the swim ladder before motoring, and avoid becoming stranded by a falling tide. Tying up to pontoons or jetties is strictly prohibited.
9. Children
Children under 12 years must wear life jackets while the vessel is in motion. Whilst there is no minimum age, babies and infants count toward the vessel’s passenger capacity.
10. Cancellations & Weather
• One reschedule is allowed with at least 14 days’ notice.
• Unsafe weather may result in cancellation or an early request to return the vessel.
• Reschedules or refunds under this policy are provided when instigated by Gold Coast BBQ Boat Hire, subject to any rights under Australian Consumer Law.
11. Pets
Small to medium short-haired dogs are welcome. Life jackets can be provided if required. Due to government restrictions, dogs are not permitted on South Stradbroke Island, including Tipplers Resort.
12. Fishing Rules
• Keep bait, fish and fishing gear off seats and carpet.
• Do not bring crab pots. Use the provided bait board only.
• Do not place fish or bait in the supplied Esky.
13. Clean Return of Vessel
I will keep the vessel reasonably tidy, use the bin provided, scrape the BBQ while warm, and avoid flushing foreign objects down the toilet (where fitted). Excessive sand, mud, pet hair, fishing debris or misuse may result in additional cleaning charges.
14. Mechanical Issues
If a mechanical failure occurs, Gold Coast BBQ Boat Hire may cancel or terminate the booking. Any refund or other remedy will be provided in accordance with applicable law. Nothing in these terms limits rights that cannot lawfully be limited.
15. Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Use
If a SUP is hired, wearing a life jacket while on the water is recommended. The SUP must not be towed behind the moving vessel, with or without a person on it. Failure to comply may result in termination of hire or applicable charges.
16. Snorkels, Goggles & Swim Fins
Snorkelling equipment, including masks, snorkels, goggles and fins, may be made available as an optional extra. Participants must use the equipment safely and follow the briefing. The hirer is responsible for loss or damage arising from misuse by their group, to the extent permitted by law.
17. Acknowledgement
By signing, I confirm that I have read and understood these terms, accept the responsibilities associated with the hire, and will ensure that all passengers comply. The cardholder will separately authorise any card saved for post-hire charges at check-in.
Hirer name: ___________________________________________
Hirer signature: _______________________________________ Date: __________________