✅ Verification Process

All hosts are reviewed by the BookABuoy team before their listings go live. We verify identity, contact details, and that the mooring or berth actually exists and is safe to use.

Sailors are required to provide valid vessel insurance before completing a booking. This protects both parties in the event of an incident.

⚓ Mooring Standards

Hosts are responsible for ensuring their mooring meets New Zealand maritime standards and is fit for the vessel sizes they advertise. Listings include key specs such as maximum LOA, vessel weight limits, and LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide) depth.

We encourage all hosts to have their moorings inspected regularly and to keep their listings up to date.

⚠️ Weather Disclaimers

BookABuoy does not provide weather forecasts or guarantee safe conditions at any mooring. New Zealand waters can be unpredictable. Sailors are solely responsible for monitoring weather conditions and making safe navigation decisions.

Always check MetService and Maritime NZ advisories before departing. If conditions are unsafe, contact your host to discuss options.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

In a maritime emergency, contact:

🛡️ Insurance Guidance

All sailors booking through BookABuoy are required to hold valid vessel insurance. This must cover third-party liability for the vessel being used on the booking.

We recommend policies that cover:

• Third-party liability (minimum recommended)
• Hull and machinery damage
• Personal accident cover

If you need guidance on vessel insurance in New Zealand, we recommend contacting NZI, Vero, or Club Marine.

📋 Responsibility Boundaries

BookABuoy is a marketplace platform. We facilitate bookings between sailors and hosts but are not responsible for the physical condition of any mooring, berth or buoy.

Hosts are responsible for the safety and accuracy of their listings. Sailors are responsible for ensuring their vessel is appropriate for the booked mooring and for safe seamanship at all times.

⚖️ Dispute Process

If something goes wrong with a booking, we encourage both parties to first communicate through the BookABuoy messaging system to resolve the issue.

If a resolution cannot be reached, contact BookABuoy support at ahoy@bookabuoy.co.nz or call 028 255 09129. We will review the situation and work toward a fair outcome for both parties.

Payments are held securely via Stripe and will not be released until the booking is confirmed or appropriately resolved.

❌ Cancellation Handling

Cancellations made more than 48 hours before check-in will result in a full release of any payment hold — no charge to the sailor.

Cancellations within 48 hours of check-in are subject to the host's cancellation policy. Please contact the host directly via the BookABuoy messaging system if you need to cancel close to check-in.

All cancellation receipts are emailed automatically. If you have not received yours, contact ahoy@bookabuoy.co.nz.