Instruction: Before you take over the boat, we will provide for you suitable instruction/demonstration/explanation, and information on safety, how to operate the vessel, rules of the river, and how to use locks (if part of your itinerary).  

Boat Capacity: Passenger capacity whilst in use as a hire boat is clearly stated on the dashboard of the vessel (limited to 6 persons).  Allowing further passengers to board the boat at a later time, and hence overloading the boat, is prohibited and is liable to prosecution by the River Authority. 

Camboats reserve the right to refuse a booking to any party/person where, in the opinion of Camboats, the boat/hirer is not suitable for health/weight/safety reasons.  No person(s) over 20 stone/127 kg are able to board the hire boat.

Alcohol: We operate a strict ‘no alcohol’ policy on our hire boats. Over the years River Authorities, hire boat businesses and insurers have identified that alcohol is the primary cause of accidents. Therefore, alcohol must not be taken on board, nor consumed by the skipper during the hire.

Fire Risk: The hirer must not take on board any form of portable heater, naked flame or heating/cooking device, or lighting equipment, fuel (or anything else) which could compromise the safety of the boat/people onboard. Portable/disposable BBQ’s are not permitted to be carried nor used on the boat.

Boat stability: Hirers must be aware that boats by design will naturally move/tilt as passengers move around or board the vessel. No claims may be made for injuries caused by falling/losing balance. Some boats may have small steps down/up and other trip hazards or rough edges.  Hirers accept this and use/move around the boat with care at their own risk.  Certain areas of the boat are out of bounds i.e. sitting on the outside of the bow of the boat – each boat has a diagram aboard of the areas accessible for passenger use, and will be pointed out at the time of boat handover.

Clothing and Life Jackets:  Appropriate clothing for outdoors is required.  No stiletto/high-heels should be worn aboard hire boats. Flat style deck shoes are recommended for safety and comfort.  Lifejackets provided are mandatory for everyone for the duration of the hire whilst aboard.

Navigation: You, the hirer, are in charge of the vessel and all those on board and agree to comply at all times during the hire with the Rules of Navigation as explained to you by our staff and contained within the information pack provided on the boat. i.e. To give way to rowing boats, sailing craft and other human propelled craft, plus any laden or unladen commercial cargo boats.  Camboats reserves the right to restrict cruising areas or routes in the light of prevailing navigation conditions.

At all times to observe all byelaws, navigational limits or instructions and advice of The Environment Agency and the Cam Conservators, along with Camboats and their respective officers and employees.  To observe all speed limits. Mooring the boat and navigating busy stretches of river, bridges, locks and other river obstructions must only be undertaken by adults.  Minors (under 18) are not permitted to take control of the boat without constant and vigilant direct supervision of an adult.

The Hirer is responsible for getting the boat off mud banks or other grounding and for removal of weeds, rope and other detritus from the propeller. The Hirer shall notify Camboats if any of these operations cannot be carried out safely by the hirer without risk of accident or damage. 

Vessel speed:  Speed limits must be strictly adhered to as outlined in the onboard information pack and training provided for safety and environmental protection. Hirers agree to observe speed limits; not engage in races and not to cruise at a speed which creates a breaking wash or disturbs or inconveniences other waterway users, nor behave in a manner which may compromise the enjoyment of other river users, or cause damage to river banks, nesting wildlife and waterway structures. Speeding or other fines are the responsibility of the hirer.

Fishing: Not to have aboard fishing tackle nor live fishing bait.

You MUST NOT:  Tow (or raft), or be towed (nor rafted) by other vessels unless with professional assistance; cruise after dark (as a hired day boat your vessel is not equipped or insured for night navigation); take a hire boat above Jesus Lock or below Denver Sluice; use the boat for business purposes, nor sub-let the vessel.

The Hirer is in charge of the boat and must take all reasonable care, and is responsible for its safe navigation and return.

Passengers with limited mobility: If any members of your party have limited mobility, you must enquire as to the suitability of the boat prior to booking. Whilst no guarantee can be given, Camboats will offer assistance and advice so far as is reasonably practical. Unfortunately our hire boats are unable to accommodate wheelchair users.