Booking policy

Hirer requirements

• The hirer must be at least 18 years of age.
• The hirer must hold a current Queensland recreational boat licence or an equivalent interstate or international licence recognised in Queensland.
• A valid photo ID (driver licence or passport) must be presented at the time of pick-up or handover.
• The hirer must be the person operating the vessel at all times, unless an additional licensed operator has been nominated and approved at the time of booking.
• The hirer is responsible for the safety of all passengers on board during the hire period.

Bond and security deposit

• A refundable security bond is required on the day of hire before the vessel is released.
• The bond amount varies by vessel and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
• The bond is processed as a pre-authorisation on a valid credit card. Debit cards are not accepted for the bond.
• The bond will be released within 5 business days of the boat being returned in satisfactory condition.
• If the vessel is returned damaged, excessively dirty, or with missing equipment, part or all of the bond may be retained to cover costs. If costs exceed the bond amount, the hirer is liable for the difference.

Fuel policy

• All boats are provided with a full tank of fuel at the commencement of the hire.
• The hirer must return the boat with a full tank of fuel.
• If the fuel tank is not full on return, Tide will refuel the vessel and charge the hirer for the fuel used at current pump prices, plus a $25 refuelling service fee.
• Fuel costs are deducted from the bond or charged to the card on file.

Delivery and launch service

• Tide offers a delivery and launch service for an additional fee. We will tow the boat to your chosen ramp, launch it, and have it ready in the water for your arrival. At the end of the hire, we retrieve and collect the vessel.
• Delivery fees are based on distance from our Manly base:
  • Within 20 km: $80
  • 20 to 40 km: $120
  • Over 40 km: price on application
• Delivery must be arranged at the time of booking and is subject to availability.
• If self-towing, the hirer must have a vehicle with an appropriate towbar and towing capacity. Towing requirements will be confirmed at booking.

Operating area

• The standard operating area for Tide hire boats is Moreton Bay, the Brisbane River (downstream of the Gateway Bridge), and surrounding tidal waterways.
• The hirer must not take the vessel outside the approved operating area without prior written consent from Tide.
• Offshore trips beyond the bay (e.g. open ocean beyond Moreton Island) are not permitted.
• If you wish to operate in a specific area not covered by the standard zone, contact us before booking to discuss.

Safety

• All vessels are equipped with the safety gear required by Maritime Safety Queensland for the operating area, including life jackets, flares, fire extinguisher, anchor, and navigation lights.
• The hirer is responsible for ensuring all passengers wear life jackets as required by Queensland maritime law.
• The hirer must operate the vessel in a safe and responsible manner, obeying all maritime rules, speed limits, and no-wake zones.
• Alcohol consumption is permitted on board but the vessel operator must remain under the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05% at all times.
• Tide reserves the right to refuse or terminate a hire if the hirer is deemed unfit to operate the vessel due to intoxication, reckless behaviour, or any safety concern.

Damage and liability

• The hirer is responsible for any damage to the vessel, motor, trailer, or equipment that occurs during the hire period, regardless of cause.
• Any damage must be reported to Tide immediately upon occurrence or discovery.
• The hirer will be liable for the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged or lost items. Costs may be deducted from the bond, and any amount exceeding the bond will be invoiced to the hirer.
• Tide holds insurance on all vessels. However, the hirer may be liable for the excess in the event of a claim. The excess amount will be advised at the time of booking.
• The hirer agrees to indemnify Tide against any third-party claims arising from the hirer's use of the vessel.

Late returns

• The boat must be returned by the agreed time specified in the booking confirmation.
• Late returns will incur a fee of $50 per hour or part thereof.
• If the boat is more than 2 hours late without prior arrangement, Tide reserves the right to charge a full additional day's hire.
• If you anticipate a late return, contact Tide as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate, subject to subsequent bookings.

Cancellations and refunds

• Cancellations made more than 7 days before the hire date will receive a full refund of the booking deposit.
• Cancellations made between 3 and 7 days before the hire date will receive a 50% refund of the booking deposit.
• Cancellations made less than 3 days before the hire date are non-refundable.
• No-shows will forfeit the full booking deposit.
• If Tide cancels the hire due to unsafe weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other circumstances beyond the hirer's control, a full refund or free reschedule will be offered.
• Rescheduling is available free of charge with at least 3 days' notice, subject to availability.

Cleaning

• The hirer must return the boat in a reasonably clean condition. Remove all personal belongings, rubbish, bait, and fish scraps.
• A quick fresh-water rinse of the vessel is expected on return (hose facilities are available at our Manly base).
• If the boat is returned excessively dirty (e.g. excessive bait, blood, or sand), a cleaning fee of up to $100 may be deducted from the bond.

Agreement

• By completing a booking with Tide, the hirer acknowledges and agrees to all terms outlined in this booking policy.
• A hire agreement will be signed by the hirer on the day of pick-up or handover, confirming acceptance of these terms and the condition of the vessel.
• Tide reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. The policy in effect at the time of booking will apply to that booking.
• For any questions regarding this policy, contact us at hello@tideclub.com.au or call 0485 670 603.