Terms Of Hire

Terms of Hire Of Watercraft at ESC

The terms of hire for ESC dinghies, kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and windsurfers (referred to collectively in these terms as watercraft) are designed to keep people safe and the watercraft in the best condition possible. The hiring of watercraft is conditional upon the hirer adhering to these terms and following the 'Guidelines For Use'. Hirers who do not take care of equipment may be unable to hire in the future.

Definitions:

Hirer the ESC member who completes the transaction of hiring the watercraft

User the ESC member who uses the watercraft, when different from the above definition

Temporary Member as per definition in the Byelaws

Terms:

1. ESC watercraft may only be hired and helmed by ESC Members
2. The Hirer must be 18 years old or over at the date of hire
3. The Hirer is responsible for the watercraft while it is being used during the period of hire
4. The Hirer will be considered the "master" of the watercraft for the period of use
5. Temporary members or signed-in guests may only accompany the Hirer or User on watercraft designed for more than one person
6. The Member must remain at the helm of the watercraft at all times
7. No watercraft will be hired to the same person or family for a period in excess of 5 consecutive days without the written approval, in advance, from the Office
8. The Hirer may not launch the watercraft from any other location than the ESC site without the written approval, in advance, from the Office
9. ESC may require the hirer to provide a deposit against damage of not more than £50 prior to the hiring in addition to the hire fee
10. Any damage or loss to the hired equipment will be reported by following this link https://forms.office.com/e/UppZErHVFR
11. If damage to the boat is not reported the hirer may be liable for the full cost of repairs beyond fair wear and tear
12. Hirers shall reimburse ESC for any loss or damage caused during their period of hire to, a) watercraft and/or b) third party, and shall either, pay the full cost of replacement and/or repair, or pay the amount of any insurance excess applicable of £50 whichever is the lesser amount
13. Watercraft must be returned to their allocated slot on the terrace or Dinghy Park by the hire
14. All equipment used is to be washed down immediately after use and packed away free from sand. A surcharge may be applied to the hirer if this is not completed to a satisfactory standard
15. ESC/Bosun may make such enquiries of the hirer prior to the hiring, as it considers appropriate, to satisfy itself that the hirer is competent to sail the watercraft and has the right to refuse a hiring on such grounds as it considers fit
16. Hirers will be bound by the Emsworth Sailing Club Rules and Byelaws and go afloat at their own risk
17. All persons using the hire watercraft shall wear a buoyancy aid at all times whilst afloat. (Other safety equipment such as a handheld radio or mobile phone etc. are useful especially if taking the boat some distance from ESC.)
18. The maximum number of people on board will not exceed the number stipulated in the description of each watercraft this should be in accordance with the CE Plate that can be found within the cockpit of the vessel
19. ESC may impose such other conditions on the hire of the boats as it considers reasonably necessary
20. ESC reserves the right to cancel any bookings if watercraft are required for training purposes. Training will always take priority over bookings. ESC will endeavour to provide as much cancellation notice as possible
21. Smoking aboard any ESC watercraft is strictly prohibited
22. Attention is drawn to the need to comply with the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the Chichester Harbour Byelaws.
23. Refunds are at the discretion of ESC and will only be issued in exceptional circumstances