Terms & Conditions

About these terms

These terms govern enquiries and bookings for Sounding Line historical sailing experiences provided or arranged by Norfolk Historic Shipwrecks LTD, 217 College Road, Norwich, NR2 3JD, VAT ID GB 944069411. They should be read together with the booking information supplied for a specific departure.

An enquiry submitted through the website is a request for information only. It does not reserve a yacht, create a booking or require payment. A booking exists only when the date, route or experience, price, inclusions and booking conditions have been confirmed and the required payment has been accepted.

Nature of the service

Sounding Line experiences are surface yacht passages with historical interpretation. They are not diving expeditions, archaeological recovery operations or guarantees that a particular wreck will be visible. Descriptions of wreck-sites and historical locations explain the theme of a route, but the skipper retains authority over the actual passage plan.

Weather, sea state, tide, traffic separation requirements, harbour directions, vessel availability and safety considerations may require a route to be changed, shortened, postponed or cancelled. Historical interest never overrides safe navigation.

Prices, VAT and what is included

Prices are stated in pounds sterling and the relevant fare card identifies what is included. Where a card states that 20% VAT is included, the displayed consumer price already contains that VAT. Items identified as excluded, such as transfers, parking, accommodation, optional insurance, alcohol or upgraded catering, are not part of the displayed fare.

Before a booking is completed, we provide the applicable price and key inclusions for the selected departure. Additional services requested after that point are charged only where the additional cost has been explained and agreed.

Payment and confirmation

Any deposit, balance date and payment method are set out in the booking confirmation. A booking may be released if payment is not received by an agreed deadline. Payment records may be retained to meet accounting, tax and dispute-handling obligations.

Changes by the customer

If you wish to change a confirmed date, party size or experience, contact us as early as possible. Changes are subject to vessel capacity, operational availability and any cost already committed to the original booking. A requested change is not effective until we confirm it.

Changes, postponement and cancellation by us

Marine conditions can change quickly. We may postpone, alter or cancel a sailing where the skipper or operator considers conditions unsuitable, where harbour or regulatory restrictions apply, where a vessel becomes unavailable, or where another operational issue prevents safe delivery.

If we cancel a sailing and cannot offer a suitable replacement, the booking communication will explain the refund position for the affected service. We are not responsible for separate travel, parking, accommodation or other third-party costs unless the law requires otherwise, so customers are advised not to make inflexible arrangements that depend on a sailing proceeding in all conditions.

Passenger responsibilities

Passengers must follow safety instructions, attend at the agreed time and meeting point, wear suitable clothing and footwear, and behave in a way that does not endanger themselves, the crew, other guests or the vessel. Relevant mobility concerns or other circumstances that could materially affect safe boarding or participation should be disclosed before confirmation so practical arrangements can be considered.

The skipper may refuse embarkation or end participation where a person is intoxicated, seriously disruptive, refuses safety instructions or presents a risk that cannot reasonably be managed. This is a safety decision and not a substitute for any statutory rights.

Historical content and route interpretation

Historical notes are prepared from published sources and are intended to help guests understand the maritime landscape. Accounts of wartime events can differ between sources, and wreck conditions can change over time. No statement in the editorial content should be understood as a guarantee of underwater visibility, wreck condition, archaeological status or access.

Liability

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability where exclusion or limitation would be unlawful, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. Subject to those protections, responsibility for losses is assessed according to applicable law, the booking contract and whether the loss was reasonably foreseeable.

Force majeure

Events outside reasonable control may prevent or materially affect a sailing. These can include severe weather, port closure, navigation restrictions, government action, industrial disruption, emergency response activity, major mechanical failure not caused by a failure to take reasonable care, or other exceptional events. We will communicate material changes and take reasonable steps to manage the booking fairly in the circumstances.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, subject to any mandatory consumer protection that applies to you. Disputes may be brought before the courts with jurisdiction under applicable law. Nothing in these terms removes statutory consumer rights.

Changes to these terms

We may revise these website terms from time to time. The terms provided with a confirmed booking are the terms that apply to that booking unless a lawful change is agreed or required.