Terms & Conditions for Chef Hire Services

OFFSHORE CHEF — TERMS & CONDITIONS (AUSTRALIA)

Last updated: 6 January 2026

 

These Terms & Conditions apply to all quotes, bookings and services provided by Offshore Chef (“we”, “us”, “our”) to the person or entity making the booking (“you”, “your”, “Client”). By approving a quote, paying a deposit, or accepting delivery of services, you agree to these Terms.

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1) Definitions

Booking means the confirmed engagement for specified dates and scope.

Service Period means the booked period of service including agreed prep/service windows.

Quote means our written price and scope based on the information you provide.

Deposit means the amount required to secure dates.

Direct Costs means costs we incur specifically for your Booking (e.g., travel, accommodation, transfers, provisioning orders, supplier costs, permits, third-party services).

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2) Scope of Services​

We provide professional chef services including (as booked): menu planning, provisioning coordination, galley operations, guest dining, charter catering, crew meals, and remote/offshore support.

 

Unless agreed in writing, our services do not include: supply of alcohol, stewarding/hosting, deck duties, vessel operations, vessel cleaning, or supply/hire of specialised equipment.

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3) Quotes, Changes & Variations​

3.1 Quote validity: Quotes are valid for 7 days unless stated otherwise.

3.2 Information accuracy: Pricing depends on accurate details (guest numbers, itinerary, location/port access, galley equipment, service times, dietary needs). If details change, we may re-quote.

3.3 Variations: Any change that increases time, complexity, cost, or risk (including late dietary requests, additional guests, extended hours, change of location/itinerary, upgraded menus/products) is a variation and will be charged at our applicable rate.

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4) Booking Confirmation & Payment​

4.1 Deposit to secure dates: A Booking is confirmed only when we receive the Deposit and written acceptance of the Quote (message/email is sufficient).

4.2 Standard deposit: Unless the Quote states otherwise, the Deposit is 50% of the quoted service fee.

4.3 Final payment due: Unless the Quote states otherwise, the balance is due as cleared funds no later than 14 days before commencement of the Service Period.

4.4 Short-notice bookings: If your Booking is made within 14 days of commencement, full payment may be required immediately.

4.5 Bank/transfer fees: Any bank/transfer/merchant fees are payable by the Client.

4.6 GST & currency: Prices are in AUD and include GST unless the Quote states otherwise.

4.7 Non-payment: If payments are not received by the due date, we may suspend work, withhold mobilisation, or cancel the Booking and apply the Cancellation terms.

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5) Provisioning & Food/Supply Costs​

Your Quote will specify which provisioning method applies:

 

A) Client-Supplied Provisions

You purchase and supply all provisions. We provide lists and support. Availability/substitutions are the Client’s responsibility.

 

B) We Provision — Client Reimburses at Cost

You reimburse the actual cost of provisions and supplies purchased for your Booking (receipts available on request). A provisioning/management fee may apply if stated in the Quote.

 

C) All-Inclusive (Limited Scope)

A single agreed rate includes an agreed provisioning scope. Any upgrades, premium items, or late changes are variations.

 

Important: Dietary requirements and allergies must be provided at least 7 days prior (or earlier for remote ports). Late requests may be declined or treated as a variation.

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6) Travel, Accommodation & Mobilisation​

6.1 Unless included in the Quote, the Client is responsible for all travel and access costs required for service delivery, including but not limited to flights, transfers, fuel, parking, marina/port access, accommodation, meals while travelling, and baggage costs.

6.2 For remote/offshore work, the Client must provide clear joining instructions, induction requirements, and mobilisation timelines. Delays or additional trips caused by access issues may be charged as a variation.

 

7) Service Hours, Overtime & Minimums​

7.1 Service hours, call times and minimums are as per the Quote.

7.2 Time outside the agreed Service Period (early starts, late finishes, additional services, itinerary changes) is charged as a variation.

7.3 If we are required to stand by due to Client delays (late boarding, delayed access, unavailable galley, supplier delays not caused by us), standby time may be charged.

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8) Client Obligations (Vessel / Site / Venue)

You agree to provide a safe and lawful work environment and to ensure:

 

• the galley/work area is reasonably fit for purpose and hygienic

• essential equipment is functional (or you accept menu adjustments)

• adequate storage and utilities are available for the agreed scope

• a clear point of authority exists for approvals (spend, timing, variations)

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We may refuse to commence or continue services where safety is compromised, where working conditions are unlawful, or where harassment/abuse occurs. In such cases, the Booking may be treated as a Client cancellation and charged accordingly.

 

9) Cancellations, Rescheduling & Credits​

All cancellations or reschedule requests must be made in writing to the contact details shown on your booking confirmation/invoice.

 

 

9.1 Cancellation by Client

Cancellation charges apply because we reserve your dates and may turn away other work. Unless your Quote states otherwise:

 

• More than 30 days before commencement: Deposit is refundable less (a) a $500 administration fee and (b) any non-recoverable Direct Costs already incurred.

• 30 days or less before commencement: 100% of the total quoted service fee is payable, plus any non-recoverable Direct Costs. Service Fee means the total of all line items in the Quote/Invoice that are clearly identified as chef services, labour, time, management or professional fees (e.g., “Chef Service Fee”, “Day Rate”, “Labour”, “Prep/Service Hours”, “Overtime”, “Menu Planning/Provisioning Management Fee”). Service Fee excludes provisions/food costs and reimbursable expenses such as travel, accommodation, transfers and any other Direct Costs unless expressly stated as included.

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9.2 If we rebook your dates​

If we successfully rebook the cancelled dates for the same value, we may refund the service fee component we recover, less the administration fee and any non-recoverable Direct Costs.

 

 

9.3 Rescheduling by Client​

One reschedule may be permitted (subject to availability) if requested 21+ days prior to commencement. An administration fee may apply.

Rescheduling inside 21 days may be treated as a cancellation unless we can fill the original dates.

 

 

9.4 Cancellation by Us​

If we cancel due to serious illness/injury, safety concerns, or events outside our reasonable control, we will offer a reschedule or refund of amounts paid for services not provided, excluding non-recoverable Direct Costs.

 

10) Weather, Sea State & Operational Constraints​

You acknowledge that marine/offshore conditions, weather, port access, and operational requirements may affect provisioning, menus, timing and service style. We will adapt professionally, but delays, substitutions and operational changes do not constitute failure of service.

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11) Late Payment & Recovery

11.1 Late payment may result in mobilisation being withheld, services suspended, or Booking cancellation.

11.2 The Client is responsible for reasonable costs of debt recovery for overdue invoices.

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12) Damage, Loss & Client Property

12.1 The Client is responsible for damage or loss caused by the Client, guests, crew, or contractors to any equipment we supply.

12.2 If additional cleaning/reset is required due to misuse or excessive mess beyond normal operational use, additional time may be charged.

 

13) Photos, Content & Confidentiality

13.1 We may take photos/video of food/galley work for portfolio/marketing unless you request confidentiality in writing before the Booking.

13.2 We will not publish identifying Client information, vessel name, or exact location without permission.

13.3 If an NDA is required, it must be provided before Booking confirmation.

 

14) Liability, Consumer Guarantees & Limits

14.1 We will provide services with due care and skill.

14.2 Except where required by law, we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss (including lost charter revenue, lost profit, or reputational loss).

14.3 Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies rights you may have under Australian Consumer Law.

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15) Third-Party / Agency Bookings

If your Booking is made through a crewing agent, charter operator, broker, or third-party platform, their terms may also apply. Where there is a conflict, the written booking agreement for that engagement will govern.

 

16) Disputes

If any issue arises, you agree to notify us as soon as practicable so we can attempt to resolve it quickly and in good faith.

 

17) Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia and the state/territory where the services are primarily delivered, unless otherwise agreed in writing.