Terms & Conditions

• The term “BW” or “us” or “we” or “the company” refers to Boston Waterways Ltd.
• The term “you” or “the hirer” means any person, body of persons, firm or company that Boston Waterways Ltd enters into a contract with for the provision of services.

The Company’s responsibility

The company will instruct the Hirer how to operate all necessary safety equipment on board the boat in an emergency situation.

Ensure that the boat and its equipment are in a functional state during the hire and that there is sufficient fuel for the hire.

Make available buoyancy aids for all members of the party.

Provide sufficient insurance, comply fully with our safety management plan and operate within the constraints of our passenger certificate issued by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

During hire the vessel will remain under complete control of the Master. If for weather, tidal or other reasons the Master may consider it necessary to vary the scheduled trip.

BW and its representatives or employees will not allow passengers to board who appear intoxicated or whose behaviour is deemed inappropriate.

No confetti, party poppers or chewing gum to be brought on board. Food and drink are not allowed to be brought onboard unless by prior arrangement and may incur a surcharge.

All clients and customers will be treated fairly and in accordance with their need regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation or religious or other beliefs.

The company will not share your personal details with any other parties.

We reserve the right to make amendments to these Terms & Conditions without notice.

The Hirer’s responsibilities

The person responsible for hiring must be over 18 years of age and provide the company with a full name, address and phone number.

The hirer will ensure that all members of the party comply with these terms and conditions.

The hirer will be liable to the Company for all damage to the boat, its contents and equipment caused by the Hirer’s unreasonable behaviour or misuse of the vessel.

No member of the hirer’s party shall attempt to embark/disembark the boat without supervision of a crewmember when appropriate boarding apparatus is deployed.

No member of the hirer’s party shall enter the wheelhouse or interfere with any mooring equipment on deck.

No rubbish is to be thrown overboard.

No smoking is allowed in the cabin; however smoking is permitted on deck. Ashtrays are available on request.

No liability to the Hirer is accepted by the Company for loss or damage to the Hirer’s belongings

No liability to the Hirer is accepted by the Company for injury to or death of the Hirer during the course of the hire or during embarkation or disembarkation. Hirers use the pontoons, quays and other landings on the river entirely at their own risk.

Booking – Private Charter

To secure your private charter booking we require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total price quoted. The outstanding balance is due in cleared funds 14 days prior to your cruise.

Final numbers for catering must be confirmed 14 days before your booking, with a maximum leeway of 5% from initial booking. Fluctuations above this may incur a deposit charge for non-attendees at our discretion.

For bank holidays or high demand dates we may charge a higher deposit to be disclosed at the time of the initial quote.

Booking – Public Cruises

Prior booking is preferred in all cases. We do take payments ‘on the door,’ however we will only reserve places for prepaid passengers. If a cruise is oversubscribed, passengers will be boarded on a first come first served basis.

Cancellations and Curtailments

All monies paid to BW are non refundable.

Curtailed cruises are chargeable at the original rate.

At the discretion of BW Ltd, your deposit or full fee may be put towards a future booking with BW, subject to availability.

Should the hire be cancelled by the BW for any reason, we will refund any payments made, but shall not otherwise be liable and the contract be discharged.

By paying monies to Boston Waterways Ltd. You are agreeing to these terms and conditions.