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CONDITIONS OF HIRE & BOAT CAUTIONS
How to enjoy a holiday afloat!
Please read in advance of boarding “Blue Bayou”, a copy of which will also be on the boat. As this advice is sent to you in advance, it is deemed that you have read, understood and agreed to conditions of hire.
Enjoyment of “Blue Bayou”.
All the following points are normal “house-keeping” on any boat and go hand-in-hand with the wonderful sense of peace that comes with time on water. If you’re not used to boats, it’s simply a case of commonsense. For any “boatie” you are probably aware of procedures however it is important to read the following notes.
Accidental Damage & Loss.
As noted in our website, $500.00 bond is chargeable for loss or damage to “Blue Bayou”. Obviously, if major damage occurs due to carelessness or unreasonable behaviour, you will be responsible for repair or replacement.
Ship’s Log & Briefing.
If you are leaving the marina, we must have you sign the boat’s log and be given a briefing on such aspects as life-jackets, safety, emergencies and the like by our skipper. It’s very important that you read these instructions and take notice of the briefing carefully. Not only are we bound by law to make you fully aware of the aspects of boating but we also want you to have a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable holiday.
“Dedicated skipper” in your party.
As a policy, “Blue Bayou” is not permitted for self-skippering. However it is essential that a senior person in your party is nominated as “designated skipper”. The skipper is in ultimate control of the vessel, even if not leaving the marina. Thought should be given to appointing a responsible person who will absorb our briefing and supervise others on board to ensure the safe passage of your floating home. Your skipper will also have the role of “safety officer”. The safety officer will know exactly where the safety equipment is situated. Always keep away from propellers when the boat is in use. Always verge on the side of caution and if in doubt, contact ourselves or the Coast Guard on various emergency numbers.
240/12 volt power.
All power systems on marine vessels have limited capacity. It’s important to realise that the amperage available (for toasters, jugs, hairdryers, etc.) is strictly limited.
Whilst you’re at the marina, you are connected to 240 volt power supply. However, the fuses on wharves will only cope with limited drain and if you use numerous appliances at one time, the power could “trip”. You will be shown
where the “trip switch” is on the boat and the wharf, so you can easily restore power.
When on the mooring or at anchor, invertor power is in use and you must be even more strict with power usage. Lighting, TV and microwave comes through the invertor but must be used sparingly. Away from the marina, it is absolutely vital that the electric jug, toaster and hairdryers are NOT USED. There is a kettle for use on the gas stove for boiling water. Only switch lights on when required and turn off in bedrooms, etc. when you leave the room. The microwave should be used for short periods only. Turn off the TV at the power switch when not in use as the stand-by uses power continually. If the power cuts out away from the marina this means the inverter is overloaded and needs to be reset at the switchboard. Always call us if this occurs
The marine toilet.
Marine toilets are sensitive creatures and need to be treated with respect. It is necessary to use only 2 ply toilet paper – however excess use of this or tampons, etc. will block the toilet. Blockage repairs are only available Monday to Friday working hours/days at Sanctuary Cove Marina so please be careful!! $250.00 will be charged if a call-out/repair is required. Be sparing with use of toilet paper (however we don’t number the sheets!)
To use the toilet.
1. Do your thing!
2. To flush simply press top round flush button once only (gently!) The system then draws the contents of the bowl out and refills it with water. This process takes a few minutes. Do not press the button again until the procedure is finished.
3. IMPORTANT: Flush will not work if the yellow treatment light is on so you must wait until the yellow light goes out.
4. If the red light comes on, please read instructions above the toilet in regard to full toilet and processing. You might like to give us a call if this occurs and we can reconfirm the steps with you.
5. The toilet must not be emptied at the marina or close to swimmers or beaches. The toilet can only be emptied well away from such areas.
6. We sometimes get a “marine smell” in the toilet area. This is unavoidable. Do not add disinfectants, etc.
Gas system.
The fridge is connected to gas when away from the marina. The hot water system pilot light is activated by water pressure and is automatic. If the pressure seems to drop away check the gas bottles on upper deck in the cupboard next to the barbeque. It may be that you will need to switch the gas from one bottle to the other and there is also a spare gas bottle in the right hand cupboard near the helm station. It will be found that the hot water takes a little time to come through to the taps. With marine hot water systems there is a balance between flow rate and water heat. The water does not normally
come out boiling but is quite suitable for general use and mixing with cold water.
Caprice gas stove.
Gas lighter and matches are in the top drawer where the cutlery is situated. In first lighting, it is necessary to press and hold the knob in for a few seconds.
LCD Xi-en Marine TV/DVD Player.
This is a very modern unit and it’s important that children don’t play with the settings on the remote or on the set. Also, most important, when taking a DVD out of the loading slot on the left-hand side of the set, never force this as the set can be damaged. Take it out IMMEDIATELY once it pops out and if for some reason you don’t do that, press the Eject button again. When loading the DVD, label to the wall side and shiny side to the front.
To operate the TV use the AV button. For digital TV reception, look for “DVB” on the right hand top of the set. For DVDs set the AV button at “DVD”. For Analog set the AV button to “TV”. Give the set time to move between each phase using the AV button. The DVD will not accept a disc if the set is not already positioned at “DVD” at the remote AV button.
On the Remote, you’ll see 5 buttons on the right upper side, from mute to TV/AV. Top button – to select Digital/DVD/Local TV/Etc. 2nd button, eject DVD disc, 3rd button – play/pause DVD disc. 4th button stop DVD disc. 5th button is mute.
There is an instruction manual for the Xi-en TV/DVD player at the back of these notes.
CD player.
This is simple to operate and has a Remote Control. Read the Instruction Manual if any problems.
Radio.
On the left of the downstairs helm station is a local radio. You can play this either to the lower or upper deck. If upper deck, please keep music soft!
Courtesy to other marina users.
Please keep noise to a minimum whilst on board
“Blue Bayou” at the marina. Should other berth holders could complain and inform Security you could be requested to leave the boat.
Garbage.
There is a garbage bin on the front deck. Wheelie bins are located in the car park. Always empty the garbage bin on departure from the boat.
Towels.
Towels are situated in the cupboard in the hallway at the back of the fridge.
First Aid.
There is a first aid kit, fire blanket and emergency equipment including torch in the passage cupboard.
No Smoking.
Please note “Blue Bayou” is a non-smoking vessel. Drugs are not permitted on board.
Fire Extinguishers.
There are plenty of fire extinguishers on board the boat. The “designated skipper” should make him or herself aware of their location on the boat and method of use.
Barbeque.
The barbeque is self-starting and straight-forward to use. Before use, open the cupboard at the back of the barbeque and press down the safety valve on top of the gas bottle to allow the gas to flow through. It is required that clients clean the barbeque themselves after use otherwise a cleaning fee of $100.00 will be charged to your credit card following departure from the boat.
Windows.
If leaving the boat unattended, do not leave windows or doors open in case of rain. If damage occurs due to windows being left open this must be paid for.
Life Jackets.
A full complement of adult and child life-jackets are in the cupboards on the upper deck front area.
When “Blue Bayou” is underway.
It is important that front doors are closed when boat is moving through water. Heavy wash from passing boats could ruin the floor coverings. Also make certain the access gates are closed.
Boat movement whilst away from the marina.
Whilst “Blue Bayou” is a very stable boat and there is no motion whilst at the marina, when underway you may encounter heavy wash from large passing craft. It is important that you hold onto something firm until rocking passes .
Avoid the stairs at this time and be conscious that anything unsecured could fall.
Keys.
You will be given one set of keys to open and lock the port front entrance door of “Blue Bayou” and also a key to use the marina facilities at Sanctuary Cove
which include toilets, showers and a washing machine/dryer. This also includes the key for entry to the personal car park and the gate to “I” Wharf. Loss of boat keys incurs a cost of $50.00 and loss of the gate key $100.00.
Dinghy with 5 hp motor.
This is available to clients with boating experience in small craft. Maximum 5 persons are allowed in the dinghy. Make sure hands are kept clear from the sides when handling the dinghy. Before commencing make sure the petrol tank is ready and connected. .
Use of dinghy motor.
Start with very little choke and throttle after connecting petrol and opening air vent on petrol. Press rubber blub, lower motor from upright holder (catch at back of motor). Usually motor will start quite readily. Do not over-choke or over-throttle. Forward neutral and reverse gear next to handle. With both adults and children in the dinghy, everyone should be wearing a life jacket. Never ever swim or go in the water whilst the motor is running. Make sure the lines are kept inside and don’t tangle with the prop. After use the engine must be raised with power off – firstly shift gear lever to forward - raise the motor until it clicks into position – then put gear lever into netural.
Always make sure dinghy is well secured and tied close to the boat.
Man Overboard.
It’s never happened yet, but if somebody goes overboard, very quickly throw one of the two life-buoys from the upper deck. If at night use the life-buoy which is attached to a light which automatically comes on for night sighting.
Conditions of Use.
As stated, it is important that you and your party accept the responsibility that commonsense and care are exercised whilst on board. It is a condition of our agreement with you that all people aboard must be aware that boating and the marine environment can create situations not found in normal daily life. Any activity that could lead to accident, injury or damage that occurs without recognition to the above will not be the responsibility of Houseboats Worldwide Pty. Ltd. or its employees/associates. Hire/use of “Blue Bayou” and associated equipment is subject to the above.
Deposit & Payments.
Confirmation of any booking is made on receipt of deposit of $500.00. The balance of moneys must be paid one month prior to arrival, otherwise the booking is subject to cancellation. Visa and Mastercard payments are accepted. American Express is accepted at a surcharge of 3%. Alternatively payment can be made by direct deposit to Houseboats Worldwide Pty. Ltd. Macquarie Bank Account 1210 43814 BSB 184 446.
Arrival & Departure Times.
Normal check-in time is 2.00 p.m. and check-out is 10.00 a.m. These times can be varied by prior agreement. If it is planned to sail to an anchorage on the arrival day, it is important that arrival and boarding arrangements are completed early. Ideally we find the best program is to have the first and last nights on the marina.
We request that clients arriving ring our mobile 0418 155 077 or 277 approx. One hour prior to planned arrival to reconfirm the timing. We then arrange to meet you at the boom gate for parking, boat briefing and key hand-over. “Blue Bayou” is berthed right next to the private car park and has easy access.
If arriving from interstate and coming to Sanctuary Cove by car an excellent place for supplies is the Bi-Lo shopping complex at Hope Island Marina approx. 1 km. prior to Sanctuary Cove village.
Weather Conditions.
Strong winds and bad weather can affect sailing plans and such are totally at the discretion of our skipper.
Cancellations.
No refund is available unless we can relet the booking dates at similar rates in which case your moneys can be used for a future booking within 12 months.
CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
1. Boat should be in clean and neat condition.
2. Nothing to be left in fridge/freezer.
3. Garbage bin to be emptied.
4. Barbeque to be cleaned.
5. Check all windows and doors closed.
6. Do not strip beds, leave used towels in shower cubicle.
7. Do not lock boat – leave keys in wooden bowl on dining table.
We trust you thoroughly enjoy staying on board “Blue Bayou”!
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
John Forsyth 0418 155 077
Aileen Collins 0418 155 277
Coast Guard 5531-1421
Medical Emergency 000
Queensland Ambulance 131 233
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