Essential Information

• The ferries are open boats and it is essential for passengers to be appropriately dressed for cold, rain and spray

• The ferries are MCA certified vessels operated by Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners and are licensed to carry up to 12 passengers. They can also carry dogs, bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs. They have a landing ramp giving disabled access to the shore. Beaches are shingle and suitable for walkers but may present difficulties for others.

• The ferry berths at the end of the public jetty at Brightlingsea. At Wivenhoe, either the ferry jetty; Sailing Club jetty or public jetty. The floating pontoon at Rowhedge and King Edward Quay (near the Sea Cadet Lightships) at the Hythe, Colchester. East Mersea Stone and Point Clear are beach landings.

Terms and Conditions of Carriage

• Are responsible for ensuring they arrive in time for the booking.

• Are responsible for ensuring they arrive in time for the return journey.

• It is not fair to deny potential passengers the opportunity to use the Ferry due to last minute cancellations or no shows, therefore payment will be taken at the point of booking .

• Passengers with online bookings may cancel their trip up to 24hours before the start of their first trip, subject to a £2.50 cancellation fee .

• Passengers with online tickets can edit the date and time of each trip up to 24hours before it is due to commence.

• Passengers with online tickets on the day of the trip can amend the time of trip 2 hours before trip is due to leave. Subject to availability.

• The ferry will continue even when cold and or raining, only if cancelled will a refund be given to a booking.

• Passengers should ensure that they are physically able to access the vessels, staff will always assist where required, if in any doubt please consult the office in advance.

• Low Season Ferry Crossings - To guarantee your crossing tickets must be booked in advance online otherwise the ferry will not take you across

• Mid / High Season Ferry Crossings - Passengers booked online will take priority over non booked passengers. The ferry will collect non booked passengers when seats are available and run repeat trips. During peak times in mid and high season it may not be possible to take all booked passengers across at the allotted time. In this instance the ferry will run repeat trips and there will be a slight delay.

• Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.

• BHC reserves the right to refuse carriage to anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Dogs are carried at the discretion of the Coxswain provided that they are on a lead and under control.

• BHC reserves the right to limit the number of dogs, bicycles, pushchairs and prams on the ferry on any particular journey.

• Passengers must remain seated whilst the ferry is moving and follow all verbal instructions and directions given by the Coxswain.

• No smoking is permitted on the ferry.

• The ferry service may need to be suspended in adverse weather conditions or at times of exceptional tides. At these times BHC is not responsible for providing alternative transport.

• Any property which reasonably appear to us to have been lost or abandoned on board our ferries will be removed and disposed of by BHC if not claimed within 6 weeks. We reserve the right to ask for reasonable evidence of ownership from anyone making a claim for lost property.

Charter Ferry

• As above. Essential information and terms and conditions of carriage.

• The minimum Charter is for 1 hour.

• All Charter bookings need to be pre-paid in full.

• If your Charter booking is cancelled by BHC an alternative date will be offered or a full refund given.

• If you cancel your Charter before 7 days of your booking a full refund will be given. If you cancel your Charter within 7 days of your Charter booking a refund will not be given, however, if an alternative date can be arranged payment can be transferred to the new booking date.

The Anchor Pub Lunch River Cruise & St Osyth Afternoon Tea

• As above. Essential information and terms and conditions of carriage.

• For the trip to run a minimum number of 6 passengers is required.

• The ticket is not transferable and cannot be used as part payment for ferry or The Anchor or Afternoon Tea at St Osyth Boatyard. .

• The Harbour reserves the right to cancel due to a lack of passengers, weather, tides etc. If your trip is cancelled BHC will contact you on the contact details provided and an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund given. Tickets are valid for one season only. Refunds will not be given if you cancel your booking within 7 days of the trip.

• The cruise to Rowhedge is about 1 hour 15 minutes each way and to St Osyth 30 minutes.. Our ferry is not completely enclosed so it is essential for passengers to be appropriately dressed for cold, rain and spray . Passengers are also required to be able to step down onto the boat from the public jetty at Brightlingsea. At Rowhedge, passengers must be able to step on and off the boat onto a jetty or be able to step up and down a ladder positioned on the seawall. At St Osyth passengers must be able to step on and off the boat onto a jetty and once on board the Thames sailing barge Bread & Roses be able to walk down a ladder below deck. For this reason sensible clothing and footwear is required.

TRIP VOUCHERS

• Vouchers issued for prizes are valid for one season only. Vouchers bought as gifts must be used by the date printed and are non-transferrable.
• Vouchers cannot be transferred to alternative trips offered by BHC.
• Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.
• Rescheduling of trips and cancellations are subject to BHC’s own T&C’s.

CHANGES TO TERMS

• BHC has the discretion to amend these Conditions from time to time automatically replacing all previous versions published.