TRAILER BOAT TOURNAMENT

I have entered into the above fishing competition. I understand and accept that it involves a certain degree of risk to be associated with fishing either land based, from personal watercraft or from any sized vessel. Hazards that I could encounter whilst involved in this activity may include and is not limited to weather conditions, sea conditions, underwater obstructions, channel markers, other vessels, navigating, anchoring, traveling during darkness, mooring, and all other matters related to the sport of fishing and boating in general.

1. All skippers must sign a copy of this document prior to commencing the tournament.
2. Where possible it is recommended that all skippers should attend a tournament briefing.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the Skipper to advise his/her other team members of the information given at the briefing.
4. It shall be the responsibility of the Skipper to advise the correct authority of their intended fishing area and estimated time of return. - Coastguard Channel 63
5. In the event of an emergency on the water, participants are to notify their nearest Coastguard or radio operator.

6. All participants agree and accept:-
• To enter this Tournament at their own risk;
• That boating and fishing involves a risk;
• Not to hold Tournament organizers, Officials, Sponsors or any other person involved with the Tournament liable for any loss or injury to person or equipment incurred during the Tournament;
• Notwithstanding any representations made, it shall be the responsibility of all participants to ensure that the provisions of all statutes, ordinances, regulations and by-laws related to (but not limited) to boating and fishing are complied with;
7. All participants agree to have read and understood the Tournament Rules.

SKIPPER RESPONSIBILTY
It is the skippers responsibility to decide whether or not to put to sea on any one day, taking into consideration the prevailing conditions, the seaworthiness of their vessel, the status of safety equipment on board, and the crews seamanship skills.
• I have the necessary skill, knowledge and qualifications to safeguard all on board.
• My vessel & all equipment are properly maintained.
• My vessel carries all the necessary safety equipment.
• We have a minimum of two means of communication; i.e. VHF marine radio, cellphone, flares etc.
• Each passenger has a correctly fitting buoyancy aid.
• My passengers are briefed on the location and use of all safety equipment.
• My vessel is loaded within its limit and all equipment is securely stowed.

I agree that neither the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club (Inc) nor any parties associated with the event shall have any responsibility, financial or otherwise, for any risk incident that may arise, whether or not by negligence, from any direct or indirect loss, injury or death that might be sustained by me or my crew, from my intended or actual participation in the event or related activities.

I have made my crew aware of these conditions and have authority to sign on their behalf.