Terms of Service

About Charter Captain

Charter Captain is an online marketplace that connects people looking for boat charters with independent captains and boat owners. Charter Captain operates the platform and processes payments through Stripe Connect, but does not own boats, employ captains, or operate any charter. Trip Operators (captains and boat owners) are independent businesses responsible for their own charters.

Acceptance of Terms

By using Charter Captain — whether browsing, booking, or listing — you agree to these Terms of Service. If you don’t agree, please don’t use the platform.

Roles

• Trip Operator— an independent captain or boat owner who lists and operates charters on the platform.
• Charterer— a person who books a charter through the platform.
• Platform— Charter Captain itself: the marketplace, payments processor, and software.

Trip Operator Responsibilities

Trip Operators are solely responsible for:

• Holding a valid USCG captain’s license (where required) and any state, harbor, or municipal permits.
• Maintaining commercial liability insurance appropriate for their charter operation.
• The condition, seaworthiness, and safety equipment of their vessel.
• Following all applicable maritime, environmental, and safety regulations.
• Conducting the charter safely and professionally.
• Setting and honoring their own cancellation, refund, and rescheduling policy.

Charterer Responsibilities

Charterers are responsible for:

• Providing accurate booking information.
• Arriving on time at the designated harbor.
• Following the Trip Operator’s safety instructions during the charter.
• Reasonable conduct on the boat.
• Paying the deposit, balance, and any optional tip per the booking terms.

Payments and Platform Fees

Charter Captain uses Stripe Connect to process payments. Charters are paid in two phases: a non-refundable deposit at booking, and a balance authorized the morning of the charter and captured after the charter is completed. Tips are optional and added at checkout. Charter Captain charges a platform fee on each phase, deducted before the Trip Operator is paid out.

Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellation terms are set by the Trip Operator. See our Cancellation Policy for how the platform processes cancellations and refunds.

Assumption of Risk

Boating involves inherent risk including weather, water, and equipment hazards. By booking a charter, you acknowledge these risks and agree they are part of the charter activity itself, not the platform.

Disclaimer of Liability

Charter Captain is not a party to any charter contract. The platform makes no warranty, express or implied, about any vessel, captain, or trip listed on the platform. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Charter Captain’s total liability for any claim arising from your use of the platform is limited to the platform fees Charter Captain retained on the booking that gave rise to the claim. Charter Captain has no liability for injury, property damage, or losses occurring during a charter — those claims are between the Charterer and the Trip Operator.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Charter Captain harmless from any claim, loss, or expense arising from your use of the platform or your participation in a charter.

No Agency

Trip Operators are independent businesses, not employees, agents, joint venturers, or partners of Charter Captain. Charter Captain does not control how Trip Operators run their charters.

Account Suspension

Charter Captain may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, applicable law, or the rights of other users.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. Disputes are resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts of Cook County, Illinois.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. The version in effect when you book applies to that booking.

Contact

info@chartercaptain.com