Ocean sailing expeditions Terms And Conditions
This an approved and licensed, professionally managed, international yacht charter business.
Do’s and Don’ts
These are ocean going yachts and safety is our highest priority at all times. As a guest you agree to the following;
Observe all safety procedures, training and instruction provided.
Only use safety equipment as instructed and when requested by your crew.
To take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well-being aboard.
Any alcohol consumption onboard is to be in moderation. Wine, beer and manufactured pre-mix drinks can be bought onboard or will be supplied / sold. No hard spirits or home made alcohol can be brought onboard. Excess alcohol contributes to poor sleep, sea sickness and anti-social behaviour. This is not a ‘booze cruise’ and ‘excessive drinking sessions’ are not tolerated, for the benefit of all onboard.
No illegal drugs are to be brought on board. Any prescription or allergy medication must be stored in the ships medical cabinet while aboard.
No smoking or vaping is permitted onboard the yachts, tenders, kayaks, paddle boards or around any other OSE owned equipment. Yachts carry LPG, petrol, diesel and other flammable contents onboard.
To treat everyone aboard with respect regardless of their gender, race, religion, political preferences, age, geographic origin, or prior sailing experience. No yelling, abusive language, socially offensive or threatening behaviour will be tolerated.
To follow all reasonable and lawful requests and directions given to you by your Captain and crew.
Your physical ability
Please tell us upfront if you have any physical limitations including prior injuries, back problems, health issues and anything that will prevent you enjoying your time on board. We can work around most things, but it’s important we know so we don’t put you at risk or in a position you are unlikely to be able to fulfil safely and enjoyably. It’s important that you have a great experience and we will do everything we can to make it possible.
Can you swim? Please let us know if you can’t before undertaking any water activities so we can tailor a flotation device to suit.
While onboard
Each person will be assigned their own personal berth, cabin and storage spaces.
Each person should bring soft gear bags as it makes them easier to store once you stow you clothes and personal items away. No gear is to be stored on the floor, it must be secure and put where it belongs at all times.
Meals & diet
All meals are prepared and supplied aboard. While we provide a wide selection of snacks, you are also welcome to bring those you prefer to eat while at sea if you have specific preferences. Avoiding excessive sugar, fat and caffeine at sea is recommended.
All food should be consumed within in the saloon, galley or cockpit. No liquids or food at the Bridge (due to potential damage to equipment if spilled) and no food to be consumed in cabins.
Please confirm if you have any dietary limitations or allergies, as we provision to cater to everyone’s needs in the follow up questionnaire we will send you.
Weather & comfort
We set our schedule based on various special events and seasonal weather. We use the latest in Predict Wind weather forecasting technology and commercial weather subscription services, to plan for safe passages at all times. We download updated weather forecasts twice a day while at sea, to ensure we monitor and adapt to any changes in the forecast, that may affect our comfort or passage time.
Reality does not always match the forecast and we have to adapt to the weather we get and manage the yacht to optimise for performance, comfort and safety in all conditions. The schedule and itinerary can be impacted by weather and be amended prior to departure or while underway. Changes in schedule and itinerary do not constitute grounds for a refund.
We are equipped to handle the most extreme weather safely and confidently, but we will always choose to avoid it where possible.
Sometimes you may get cold, wet, tired, hungry, seasick and scared. There is a lot you can do to manage or prevent these things, but those are the challenges that you have to deal with at times when offshore. Sometimes there is no wind and endless days of sunshine and excitement.
We will support you through all of the challenges you encounter and we have strategies that can help you maximise your comfort and wellbeing. Lots of things are scary in life until you confront them, once you do, you can chalk it up to experience.
Pre & post passage
Before we get started, we will complete a full training and safety induction to ensure you start off confident and comfortable and feel right at home onboard. We have friendly crew that will do their utmost to share their knowledge, to ensure you can play your part from day one onwards. This ensures you get maximum enjoyment.
Other stuff
The itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. These may include delays due to weather, sea conditions, national holidays and natural disasters. The safety of the vessel and crew is always our priority. Booking flexible flights or those that can be changed for a small fee is recommended. Travel insurance is also an option.
You agree that any photos or video recorded during the event, that include you, can be used at our discretion in any marketing material, without requiring approval from you or making payment to you.
There are no refunds if you decide to arrive late, leave early or depart during any stopover or for failing to provide accurate information about your physical and mental health, medication, allergies and any other omission that leads to the early termination of your place on the crew.
The scheduled dates for the event may change due to unforeseen circumstances and any change will be notified as far as possible in advance and no less than 2 days prior to departure. Date changes do not constitute grounds for cancellation or refund. If you are unable to attend an event due to a date change, a credit note will be issued for 100% of the value you have paid to date, to redeem on a future sailing event of your choice.
In the event the yacht is unable to commence an event or depart on a scheduled event and it is cancelled altogether, we will issue a credit note for 150% of the monies received to date, to redeem on a future sailing event of your choice, whether its an existing booking or new event.
If you act in a socially unacceptable manner or display offensive or threatening behaviour or are uncooperative to the point where it is affecting the enjoyment of others aboard, we have the right to ask that you leave the crew and head home at your own expense. This includes becoming heavily intoxicated and/or consuming or smoking drugs at any time immediately prior to joining the crew, or at any time during the event, whether onboard the vessel or ashore. You agree that any costs or inconvenience caused, are at your expense and you will not seek compensation for costs or damages. The Captain’s decision shall be final if you are asked to leave the crew. The Captain is responsible for the safety of the vessel and welfare of all crew and is required to make decisions for the greater good of all onboard.
Booking and payment policies
Late payment policy - Non-payment of pre-agreed weekly payments under payment option 2 when you register, for more than 4 weeks, without other payment arrangements being agreed to, will be considered a cancellation and the same cancellation policy terms apply as detailed below.
Deposit and decline policy - Once your registration form has been reviewed and approved, you'll receive an invoice for your deposit (and the details of your weekly payment by automatic payment if you have selected option 2). Your deposit is due for payment immediately in order to officially reserve your crew position and is non-refundable. Your weekly payment plan is required to start within 7 days of paying your deposit if you have chosen option 2.
Cancellation policy - If you give or receive written notice of your cancellation at least 60 days before departure, you will not be billed for any final 50% balance if you selected payment option 1, or the balance remaining if you selected payment option 2 and all payments made to date will be refunded as a credit note for the equivalent value, that you can use on an alternative sailing event. You understand that prior to departure, no refund will be given for illness or death. The exception to this is, if we are able to replace your crew position with another person, then any refund is limited to the value paid by the crew member replacing you. Due to the last-minute timing of any cancellation and replacement, it may have to be discounted to fill your vacated position. You understand the importance of taking out a travel insurance policy to cover cancellations initiated by you, which is your own responsibility to obtain.
Assumption of Risk
Each person participating in an event with Ocean Sailing Expeditions waives all claims against Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors for injury, accident, illness or death during or by reason of their joining a sailing passage, expedition, cruise, race or regatta with Ocean Sailing Expeditions. I acknowledge that I am aware that during a sailing event on the yacht in which I will be participating, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to, the hazards of traveling on the open sea, falling overboard, storms, high winds, collision of vessels, shipwreck, travel ashore in remote terrain, the forces of nature, and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities.
I am also aware and clearly understand that Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors, will have no liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. I have read the expectations supplied to me by Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited and agree to abide by the rules on board or ashore, for the duration of the sailing event on the yacht. I understand that although Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors may make suggestions as to airlines and travel agents, they assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, irregularity or loss of baggage relating to airline travel.
In consideration of the Agreement with Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited to participate in this sailing event on the yacht, I hereby agree that I will assume all risk for this trip and I will not make any claims against Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors or sue for bodily injury, emotional trauma, death and/or property damage resulting from negligence or unseaworthiness of the vessel, or other acts, however caused, as a result of my participation in this expedition. I, therefore, release, indemnify and discharge Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited and its booking agents, directors, shareholders, employees or contractors from all claims, actions and demands that I may have for bodily injury, death or property damage arising from my participation in the expedition.
This release of liability, agreement to hold harmless and indemnify, and assumption of risk Agreement is entered into on behalf of all members of my family, including any minors whether accompanied by me or participating unaccompanied. If any person who accompanies me on this trip as part of my family, makes claim, or if a claim is made on their behalf, my estate or I will indemnify and hold harmless; Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors from any loss, including reasonable legal fees incurred in the defence of such claim. This Agreement is binding upon my heirs, legal representative and assigns. If any portion of this Agreement is unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. All applicants are subject to acceptance by Ocean Sailing Expeditions Pty Limited. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into in the State of Queensland, Australia and shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Queensland, Australia. In the unlikely event a legal dispute should arise, I agree the dispute shall exclusively be brought before the appropriate court in the Gold Coast Region, in the State of Queensland, Australia. I have carefully read this and understand its terms. I execute it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance.
By checking ‘Yes I accept’ the Ocean Sailing Expeditions Terms And Conditions on the Registration page, when registering for a sailing passage, expedition, race or regatta on the yacht, you accept and are bound by the Ocean Sailing Expeditions Terms And Conditions and any subsequent updates to these terms as set out above.