The following explanations and information form part of the terms and conditions of our membership.
Discretionary Service
Whilst River Canal Rescue will endeavour to provide the services contracted for, because of the variety of circumstances involved, and in particular the condition of the vessel upon which they are attending, River Canal Rescue maintain absolute discretion as to whether to provide the contracted services.
Examples of our need to use our discretion could include unfavourable weather, seaworthiness of the vessel, inaccessible location, daylight hours, condition of vessel and repeated calls for the same fault. In cases where we choose not provide any services other than for reasons beyond our control or where you are in breach of your agreement with us we will cancel your membership and provide a full refund of the membership fee.
However other cases of us using our discretion may include spending more time on site than provided by your membership or covering the cost of labour to repair or replace parts that have not failed through ‘sudden mechanical failure’. We may take into account your membership history with us when deciding on providing these additional benefits but in all cases our decision will be final.
This list is not exhaustive but illustrates why Our service is discretionary.
Breakdown Assistance
Your membership provides a suitably qualified mechanic to attend your breakdown for up to 2 hours to attempt to rectify an issue should you experience problems with your engine, propulsion or engine electrical system.
Other issues, such as domestic failures to electrics, plumbing or heating are not covered but assistance can be provided under a pay on use service through our RCR plus service.
Recovery Service
If the vessel cannot be repaired at the scene of the Breakdown within a reasonable time at your request, we will tow the vessel safely to a marina (within a maximum of 2 hours cruising), or – failing that – tow the vessel to a safe haven or mooring where work can be undertaken (advice and locations will be given).
The cost of any further repairs to the vessel will be your responsibility unless covered under our Replacement Parts Cover.
Recovery can take from 48hrs to 5 days to organise depending on location and availability of services * Recovery for retainer membership is chargeable p/h. *excludes towing on tidal estuaries and rivers.
Home Start & Crew Relay
If the vessel breaks down at your home marina, we will attend the vessel and try to rectify the immediate problem. However, if the problem cannot be rectified, we will provide assistance in arranging the repair of your vessel at your cost (unless covered by RPC), at your home marina, or by a suitably qualified person of your choice.
If the vessel breaks down while it is more than 10 miles from your home marina and the vessel cannot be repaired at that time, or be safely towed, we will transport you and your crew, at your request, to your home marina or to a single home address at our cost. If you prefer, we will transport you and your crew to a single hotel or accommodation of your choice. However, the cost of any accommodation for you and your crew is your sole responsibility.
Join on the SPOT
Should you require immediate assistance prior to your membership becoming active we will charge you a non refundable fee of £170 to attend.
If we are able to resolve the issue you will be required to join at the minimum level of Silver Membership (Retainer if you are a hire boat). However if we are unable to resolve the issue there will be nothing further to pay (other than for parts) unless you have requested further assistance.
Additional Charges...
If you request a service which is not covered by your level of cover we will charge you £75* if we attend (i.e. home start for a bronze member)
Issues such as domestic failures to electrics, plumbing or heating are not covered however assistance can be provided un a ‘pay on use’ basis through our RCR plus service. We will provide an estimate before undertaking. Click here to read more about this service
London Charge
Due to the additional cost for congestion charges, emissions charges and parking charges we now charge £30 when attending callouts within the M25 or in other towns that rollout clean air policies.
Return Charges
If we need to return to your vessel to fit parts or provide a 2nd Opinion we will charge you a £75 callout charge.
