Annotated bareboat charter contract example
1. Parties and vessel
This educational example identifies [Owner legal name] as Owner and [Charterer legal name] as Charterer, and describes the vessel as [name, identification, description].
Review note: Use the correct legal parties and vessel records. Counsel should confirm authority to enter the agreement.
2. Charter period and delivery
The agreed period is [start date and time] to [return date and time], with delivery at [location] and return at [location]. Delivery is recorded in the attached acceptance record.
Review note: Define late delivery, extension and return arrangements for the actual transaction.
3. Possession and control
During the agreed period, Charterer assumes possession and control of the vessel under the terms reviewed for this transaction. Owner and Charterer will conduct the arrangement consistently with those terms.
Review note: A written statement cannot create a genuine bareboat arrangement if the actual conduct contradicts it.
4. Captain and crew engagement
Charterer’s captain and crew arrangements are described in [separate engagement details], including selection, payment and authority.
Review note: Have maritime counsel assess independence and actual control. Do not use this example to disguise an owner-provided crewed service.
5. Charter fee and deposits
The charter fee is [amount], payable [schedule]. The deposit is [amount], held by [holder], with release, deduction and refund terms set out in [schedule].
Review note: Explain charges clearly and have deduction and refund terms reviewed for enforceability.
6. Expenses
Responsibility for fuel, crew, provisions, dockage, cleaning and other operating expenses is allocated in [expense schedule].
Review note: List amounts or calculation methods where known and explain approval for additional expenses.
7. Permitted use and area
The agreed use is [description] within [operating area], subject to applicable law and the professionally reviewed conditions in this agreement.
Review note: Counsel should assess how restrictions affect the arrangement. Vessel eligibility and passenger rules require separate review.
8. Insurance
The parties identify the applicable insurance policies and written coverage confirmations in [insurance schedule].
Review note: Do not assume a recreational policy covers the proposed transaction. Ask the insurer about the actual arrangement.
9. Condition and inventory
The delivery and return records document condition, inventory, fuel and existing damage, with supporting photographs where appropriate.
Review note: Invite both parties to record discrepancies and retain copies.
10. Defects and incidents
The parties will use the agreed contact and reporting process in [incident schedule] for defects, damage and incidents.
Review note: Emergency assistance and legally required reporting take priority over routine contract administration.
11. Cancellation and weather
Cancellation, rescheduling and weather-related arrangements are stated in [policy schedule] and acknowledged before payment.
Review note: Have the terms reviewed and preserve the responsible operator’s safety decision-making.
12. Damage and liability
Responsibility for loss, damage, claims and any proposed indemnity is addressed in [counsel-prepared terms].
Review note: No blanket waiver or indemnity is supplied here. These provisions need advice specific to the parties, insurance and operation.
13. Return and reconciliation
At return, the parties record condition and reconcile agreed charges under [return and deposit procedure].
Review note: Define evidence, notice and the process for disputed amounts.
14. Disputes and execution
Governing law, dispute procedures, notices and execution requirements are supplied in [counsel-prepared terms].
Review note: Complete legal review and all schedules before considering execution. This annotated example is not an execution-ready contract.
Connect the contract to the operation
Read how bareboat arrangements work and the guide to independent captain selection before discussing the example with counsel.
USCG: illegal charter enforcement and bareboat control ↗
Read the companion guide
Before using this resource, read Understanding a Bareboat Charter Agreement.