Unit File

Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe and joyful stay, please adhere to the following:

Indemnity: All guests are required to have received a copy of the indemnity form and adhere to the contents thereof.

Departure times:  Accommodation may be occupied from 14h00 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 10h00 on the day of departure (Eden, Larus, Serenity and Eve) Nirvana is from 15h00 for arrival and 11h00 on departure date.

Boats: If arriving in your own boat please be sure to get a boat permit from SANParks. Please inquire at the following number (022) 7722144

Fishing: Please have your fishing permit in hand. Saldanha Bay (including Langebaan lagoon) is a crayfish (rock lobster) and abalone (perelemoen) reserve. Removal of these organisms from this area is a punishable offense. Pleas also ensure that you acquaint yourself with the West Coast National Park fishing regulations and areas where fishing is allowed. (Information provided when obtaining a fishing permit from any SA Post Office)

Post Office Permits

Alcohol: No alcohol is permitted in any of the public areas such as picnic and braai sites as well as on the beaches.

Littering: Please refrain from littering in the lagoon. Please use provided dustbins. Littering in the lagoon is a punishable offense.

Fire Hazard: Starting or causing any fire, whether intentional or unintentional other than in the designated braai is strictly prohibited, note that no fires are allowed on beaches.

Please do not smoke inside any of the houseboat.

No overnight camping or gathering are allowed on Kraalbaai beach after hours.

No animal carcasses, bones or any other artifacts may be removed from the protected areas.

Travel in the park is only allowed during designated hours unless otherwise arranged with SANParks.

September to March 7am to 18:30pm

April to August 7am to 17:30pm

Note that no loud music is allowed in a National Park. Please be considerate of nearby landowners and other guests. A call out fee of R500 will be charged should music extend after 23:00 each time we have to advice guest of this (Only background music played from a cell phone would be considered OK up to 23:00)

Nothing may be removed from the Houseboats.

Please refrain from flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. No sanitary products are allowed to be flushed. (Closed bins are provided in each bathroom)

Strictly No pets are allowed.

For your own safety, no diving from the roof or deck of the boats is allowed.

Please work sparingly with water, electricity and gas (As we are off the grid, you could likely run out of these. Please inform your skipper on duty if any of the above happens.  The more we use, the less we have.

Always follow instructions given by the skippers.

Small children should preferably not go upstairs without constant parental care and should also be supervised at all times by the parents/guardians.

We reserve the right to charge individual guests or lead guests for the cost of rectifying any damage which has been caused by the deliberate, negligent, or reckless acts of guests to the Houseboat’s property or structure. If such damage is discovered during the stay, it will be drawn to the guest’s attention but if discovered on departure then we will charge the guest for the cost of rectifying such damage or the cost of excessive cleaning to get the houseboat in its original state as presented to the guest on arrival. The lead guest will be required to undertake a full inspection with the skipper on duty upon departure and will be required to settle any, and all charges that may have been added to the booking account.

All non, and/or incompetent swimmers are only allowed on board the vessel on the basis that they wear life jackets at all times. Children’s life jackets are to be provided by their parents or guardians.

No Day visitors are allowed on the vessel if exceeding the maximum capacity.

Our crew stay on shore and are on call for all operating duties and various necessities as well as our guests’ waterborne transport needs, during reasonable hours (07h00 to 20h00) (They are not to do domestic duties. Guests can call them for emergencies, at all times by phoning them on their cell phone.(This will be provided on boarding) They will also respond to the alarm. (Load-shedding may impact cell reception, and this is beyond our control.

Two people in the guests’ party must assume responsibility as the “People in charge”, for the duration of their stay.

In all of the houseboats, prominently displayed are signs, notices and instructions that guests are required to adhere to. There is also a list of emergency services in Langebaan including police, hospital, ambulance NSRI and our contact details.

Under no circumstances are life jackets to be used for recreational swimming. Similarly, other safety equipment on board is not to be played with or tampered with. Guests not adhering to instructions will be required to leave immediately, as such behavior will not be tolerated, in the interest of the safety of all. Similarly, the emergency siren is not a toy. "It is only for extreme emergencies". It is designed for the safety of guests in need and must only be used for this reason. A fine of R1000.00 will be charged to the guest for tampering with fire extinguishers, swimming with life jackets and unnecessary use of the Alarm.

If anything goes wrong or needs attention, "Phone our staff" for assistance. Guests "Must Not" attempt to “fix” things, themselves.

No person may operate a vessel or the vessels equipment whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No person may operate a vessel if he/she is not physically able to do so and/or of sound mental health.

No person is allowed to tamper with settings of the water pumps, solar system or gas geysers, any damage caused will be for the guest’s account as well as a call out fee to reset settings altered.

Misuse of any equipment will be for the guest’s account.

Guests are requested to make sure the fridge door is closed properly after opening and that the toilets do not continuously run after use.

On the Eve, Nirvana, and Serenity (not relevant to Larus, and Eden) no person may add any combustible material or items in the fireplace. (They are Strictly Gas only operation) (Please take care not to place items on top of the fireplace as the surface can become quite hot)

Inconsiderable behavior. Should staff need to be send out for loud music or inconsiderable behavior. The first warning will indicate that any continuation will carry a call out fee of R500 per call out, should this not be adhered to, guest will be asked to leave the property and all cost related will be for the account of the guest and or guests being removed from the property. Only Cell Phones are allowed to be used for background music up to 23h00 (11pm) after this consideration is required for all guests in the area (No music sound systems, speakers or instruments allowed at any time)

Cleaning. Guests are expected to leave the houseboat in the same condition that it was received, additional charges may be added to the account if any excessive cleaning is required to take place on departure.

 INDEMNITY FORM

1. I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that I/we are entering an area under the jurisdiction of South African National Parks (SANParks) where I/we could be subject to man-made, natural elements or the contraction of viruses or diseases and where dangerous animals could be a risk.  I understand and appreciate fully the risks involved.

2. Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats, SANParks, its board, directors, employees, and agents are not liable for any illness, loss, or damage:

• To the property or possessions of any guest or resident (or accompanying minor) whether such damage or loss is caused by the negligent act or omission by Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats, SANParks, and/or by the defective functioning of any apparatus.
• Arising from death illness or any bodily injuries of whatsoever nature sustained by a guest or resident (or accompanying minor) whether such illness or injuries are caused by the negligent act or omission by Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats and SANParks, and/or by the defective functioning of any apparatus.
• To the property or possessions of any guest or resident (or accompanying minor) whether the damage or loss is caused by the negligent act by another guest/resident or an outside party.
• Arising from death, illness or any bodily injuries of whatsoever nature sustained by a guest or resident (or accompanying minor) whether such illness death or injuries are caused by the negligent act of another guest/resident or an outside party. I hereby acknowledge the risks involved in water sports and indemnify Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats, SANParks, its board, directors, employees, and agents.
• I may be exposed to hazardous activity, including some of the following: unpredictable currents, drowning, death, falls, fractures, concussions, dangerous weather, overexertion, injuries from my lack of fitness or conditioning, equipment failure, or my failure to wear appropriate protective gear.
• I indemnify Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats and SANParks from all medical expenses that may arise from illness death or injury and will pay for this by myself.
• I agree to follow instructions given by the leaders of the activity, including wearing a flotation device while on the water.
• All non or incompetent swimmers are only allowed on board the houseboats on the basis that they wear life jackets at all times. Parents or guardians undertake to provide children’s life jackets and are aware that we do not supply these. The stairways are steeper and protective railings are not as adequate as those of normal buildings. Small children should preferably not go upstairs without constant diligent parental care and should also be diligently cared for at all times by the parents/guardians.
• As we are off the grid, you could likely run out of gas, water and/or electricity. Please inform your skipper on duty if any of the above happens.  The more we use, the less we have. I hereby understand the possibilities and will inform my skipper in the event any of the above arises, I understand that this can happen and that I will not be eligible for any compensation or refund from Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats and or SANParks, in the event of no water, no power and/or no gas, and/or by the defective functioning of any apparatus.
• I hereby agree to adhere to instructions issued to me/us by Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats and SANParks. The guest or resident and/or his/her/their estate hereby indemnifies Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats and SANParks against any claims, action, judgment, costs and/or expenses which may be made against Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats and SANParks and that may in any way be related to the above.
• SANParks and its affiliates reserve the right to conduct random searches of any boats, incoming and departing vehicles within the boundaries of the West Coast National Park.

3. Damage to Houseboat Property

We reserve the right to charge individual guests or lead guests for the cost of rectifying damage which has been caused by the deliberate, negligent, or reckless acts of guests to the Houseboat’s property or structure. If such damage is discovered during the stay, it will be drawn to the guest’s attention but if discovered on departure then we will charge the guest for the cost of rectifying such damage or the cost of excessive cleaning to get the houseboat in its original state as presented to the guest on arrival. The lead guest will be required to undertake a full inspection with the skipper on duty upon departure and will be required to settle any, and all charges that may have been added to the booking account.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE KRAALBAAI LIFESTYLE HOUSEBOATS AT LANGEBAAN.

PRIOR TO GUESTS BOARDING THE HOUSEBOATS, VARIOUS ITEMS ARE BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION.

1. In the KLHB’s and SANParks Reservation/Quotation documents that are sent to guests, they are notified that:

• All guests will be required to sign a very comprehensive indemnity document prior to boarding.
• All non, and/or incompetent swimmers are only allowed on board on the basis that they wear life jackets at all times. Children’s life jackets are to be provided by their parents and or guardians.
• Day visitors are not allowed on the vessel if at full capacity.
• On Nirvana and Eve, stairways are steeper, and, on all houseboats, protective railings are not as adequate as those of normal buildings.
• All guests must adhere to the rules and regulations of the West Coast National Park and that of KLHB at all times.
• Sea Fisheries permits are available at all post offices and are required for fishing.
• All boats, and people skippering the same, must conform to local and SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority)  requirements.
• Our crew stay on shore and are on call for all operating duties and various necessities as well as our guests’ waterborne transport needs, during reasonable hours. They are not to do domestic duties. Guests can call them for emergencies, at all times by phoning them on their cell phone. They will also respond to the alarm. (Load-shedding may impact cell reception, and this is beyond our control)

2. Once a booking is made, “Arrival Details and Directions” are sent to the party that made the reservations. They must forward these to all their guests. These include:

• Directions to the West Coast National Park on the R27 from Cape Town and from the Airport, with SANParks gate hours.
• The cell numbers of the staff that will be on duty during their stay as well as the management cell number are displayed on the vessel.
• A reminder of the condition re 4.b above - life jackets for children and non-competent swimmers.
• A reminder that guests will have to sign a waiver/indemnity form prior to boarding.
• They are also advised that two people in their party must assume responsibility as the “People in charge”, for the duration of their stay.
• They are given the cell numbers of our staff and requested to phone them on arrival at Kraalbaai. Our staff will introduce themselves and help carry the guest’s belongings to the floating platform. Our staff then make sure that guests park their vehicles in the right place before boarding the houseboats.

3. Once the guests are "On the Jetty:

• Our staff make absolutely sure that "Guests" do not boards the tenders without signing the waiver/indemnity form.
• There are life jackets in each tender. Guests are asked whether they want a life jacket.
• Our staff will limit the “load” and number of passengers ferried to each tender.
• Both leaders have Skippers Certificates and have a minimum of 6 years’ experience. All staff members are competent boatmen.
• The tenders deliver the guests to the appropriate houseboat and are helped on board, safely.

4. General for the houseboats

• In all of the houseboats, prominently displayed are signs, notices and instructions that guests are required to adhere to. There is also a list of emergency services in Langebaan including police, hospital, ambulance NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute), and our friendly skippers.
• Under no circumstances are life jackets to be used for recreational swimming. Similarly, other safety equipment on board is not to be played or tampered with. Guests not adhering to instructions will be required to leave immediately, as such behavior will not be tolerated, in the interest of the safety of all. Similarly, the emergency siren is not a toy. "It is only for extreme emergencies". It is designed for the safety of guests in need and must only be used for this reason only. A fine of R1000.00 will be charged to the guest for tampering with fire extinguishers, swimming with life jackets and unnecessary use of the siren.
• If anything goes wrong or needs attention, phone the skippers for assistance. Guests must not attempt to “fix” things, themselves.
• No person may operate a vessel or any vessels equipment whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (Maximum of 0, 05 gram/100ml alcohol in blood or 0, 24mg/ 1000ml alcohol in breath) No person may refuse that a specimen of blood or breath be taken in an accident regarding any vessel or equipment on a vessel. No person may operate a vessel if he/she is not physically able to do so and/or of sound mental health.

5. On boarding the houseboats:

• Our staff member/s explains the relevant operational and safety/procedures to the “People in charge” who are then required to sign acknowledgement of understanding and acceptance of the S.O.P and explanations. They are also required to pass these instructions on to their fellow guests/friends or family on the vessel.

6. On the lower deck of the houseboats:

• Staff will point out the position of the fire extinguisher and explains the use and operation thereof.
• Then they will point out the gas geyser and request that no one alter the settings!!
• Then point out the gas bottle and gas shut-off valve which closes all gas supply to the lower deck.
• They will emphasize the position of the emergency button which activates the siren in case of emergencies.
• They will show the guests the whereabouts of the first aid kit.
• Then demonstrates how to light the stove and oven.
• They will also point out the fire blanket and explains its use.
• They will request that guests make sure the fridge door is closed properly at all times and that no toilets are constantly running.
• Our staff will then inform guests to only use biodegradable cleaning items on the vessel.
• and then point out where the life jackets are kept and emphasizes that they are not to be used for recreational purposes/swimming, and then also demonstrates the correct way to put them on.
• Lastly, they will instruct Guest on how to reach the on-duty skippers for any assistance.

7. On Eve, Nirvana, and Serenity (not relevant to the Larus, and Eden guests as these items are not available on them)

• Our staff tells all guests how to light a fire in the lounge fireplace and emphasizes the risk of adding any combustible material in the fireplace. (Gas only operation) (Bottles R300 per bottle if needed)

8. On the Nirvana’s upper deck (also not relevant to the Eden, Eve, Larus & Serenity)

• Staff points out the position of the 2 fire extinguishers.
• Then demonstrates how to light the stove and oven.
• They point out the fire blanket and explains its use.
• They will show them the fridge and gas bottle for the fireplace.
• And lastly, they will show guests the gas cut off valve, in the cupboard above the fridge which shuts off all gas supply to the upper deck.

9. On the houseboats "If there is a Fire- Don't Panic". Stay Calm and do the following:

10.We recommend that one of the “People in Charge” delegate the following duties to his friends/guests.

• One guest calls our staff member and activate the alarm button.
• Another guest phones the other staff member or the office.
• Another guest puts the hosepipe into position for use, if necessary. Taps are situated on the starboard lower and upper decks, fore and aft. (Right side facing the vessels entrance)
• Another guest stands by with a fire extinguisher for use, if necessary.
• The person delegated by one of the “people in charge” decides whether to use the fire extinguisher, the fire blanket or water, depending on the type of fire and depending on the arrival of our staff to assist.
• In an orderly, calm appropriate manner, attempt to put the fire out.
• Should there be any possibility that the fire may become dangerous, guests must collect their life jackets and assemble UP-WIND from the smoke in an orderly, controlled manner. The staff will transfer guests from this position to the jetty for their safety. If the fire is severe and guests need to be evacuated urgently, they will be ferried to other close by houseboats pro tem, and later to the jetty.
• General Note: Do not discharge the fire extinguisher close to cooking oil that is burning as it may spread the burning oil. Do not use water on an “Electrical fire.” You may electrocute yourself.

11. Music, and inconsiderable behavior

• Should staff need to be send out for loud music or inconsiderable behavior. The first warning will indicate that any continuation will carry a call out fee of R500 per call out, should this not be adhered to, guest will be asked to leave the property and all cost related will be for the account of the guest and or guests being removed from the property.
• Only Cell Phones are allowed to be used for background music up to 23h00 (11pm) after this consideration is required for all guests in the area (No music sound systems, speakers or instruments are allowed at any time)

12. Damage and Excessive Cleaning

• We reserve the right to charge individual guests or lead guests for the cost of rectifying damage which has been caused by the deliberate, negligent, or reckless acts of guests to the Houseboat’s property or structure. If such damage is discovered during the stay, it will be drawn to the guest’s attention but if discovered on departure then we will charge the guest for the cost of rectifying such damage or the cost of excessive cleaning to get the houseboat in its original state as presented to the guest on arrival. The “people in charge” will be required to undertake a full inspection with the skipper on duty upon departure and will be required to settle any, and all charges that may have been added to the booking account.

13. Late entry to the park

       The Park’s gate operates at the following times:

       September to March 7am to 18:30pm

       April to August 7am to 17:30pm

• Should late entry be unavoidable, you will still be able to enter for a R500 escort fee. The park then requires us to escort you from the gate as there are no road signs or lights. This may only take place up to 23h00 where-after no entry will be permitted.

Please make arrangement well in advance for late escort.

Contact +27 76 017 4788 for more information