Demise Charter Agreement for Vessel ARC I
Demise Charter Agreement for Vessel ARC I
Breach of the Demise Charter Contract by the CHARTERER could occur in several ways, such as failing to pay the charter fees or deposit, not maintaining required insurance, using the vessel for unauthorized purposes, or failing to maintain the vessel in good order resulting in damage due to negligence . Consequences may include termination of the contract by the OWNER, legal action for damages, and forfeiture of the security deposit to cover related costs . Non-compliance with the vessel’s operation requirements or engaging in unauthorized activities could also lead to legal liabilities and financial losses for the CHARTERER .
The main terms under the Demise Charter Contract include: the duration of the charter (initial term of one month), automatic monthly renewal unless terminated by giving 15 days' notice, and the location of delivery at the Manila Yacht Club with the vessel in good seaworthy condition . The charter fee is one million pesos monthly, with a two-million-peso deposit required . The CHARTERER must maintain the vessel in good condition, pay for damage due to their own negligence, and hire a qualified skipper . CHARTERER also agrees to secure marine insurance and indemnify the OWNER against certain liabilities . The vessel is for the CHARTERER's exclusive use and cannot be subchartered without consent .
The CHARTERER may have grounds to cancel the charter agreement if the OWNER fails to deliver the vessel on the agreed start date due to reasons beyond control, or if the vessel has been lost or disabled, particularly if such failures lead to a delay in delivery beyond one day after the specified date . Furthermore, the CHARTERER could potentially cancel if there are breaches of the contract terms by the OWNER that are not remedied, especially concerning the vessel’s seaworthy condition .
The OWNER can terminate the contract if the CHARTERER fails to remedy any defaults within five days after notice, or within a reasonable time if extended, by giving written notice of termination . Additionally, if the CHARTERER fails to comply with specified insurance obligations or does not maintain the vessel as agreed, it could prompt termination . Termination can also occur if the vessel is not delivered due to reasons beyond the OWNER’s control or if lost or disabled, allowing the CHARTERER to cancel .
The CHARTERER must ensure that the skipper employed is a qualified and competent person . The skipper is to be an employee of the CHARTERER and responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel . This requirement implies that the CHARTERER takes full responsibility for employing a capable crew for managing the vessel .
The OWNER is responsible for ensuring the vessel is in good seaworthy condition when delivered to the CHARTERER and must maintain it in such condition throughout the charter, making necessary repairs not arising from the CHARTERER's negligence . The OWNER must also provide necessary maintenance materials so that the CHARTERER can fulfill their maintenance obligations . This responsibility ensures the vessel remains compliant with applicable laws and regulations concerning seaworthiness .
The CHARTERER is required to make an advance payment of two million pesos as a security deposit, which secures against potential repairable damage to the vessel . Additionally, the monthly charter fee of one million pesos is due on or before March 1, 2014, for the first month and monthly thereafter . These financial obligations ensure the OWNER is compensated upfront for potential damage and operational use .
The CHARTERER is responsible for securing and maintaining a standard marine insurance policy with hull coverage to the vessel's full value, and protection and indemnity coverage . This insurance must protect the OWNER against liability arising from the vessel's operation, except when caused by the OWNER’s negligence . The insurance policy must name the OWNER as an additional insured and require the carrier to notify the OWNER 15 days before any cancellation or policy change .
The CHARTERER is restricted to operating the vessel exclusively for private purposes and may not transport merchandise or passengers for hire, nor engage in trade or violate laws of the Philippines or other jurisdictions . The vessel is also limited to operation within the Philippine Area of Responsibility . These restrictions aim to ensure the vessel's use is consistent with agreed terms and to protect it from being engaged in unauthorized commercial activities .
The contract specifies that the CHARTERER has no authority to impose liens or encumbrances on the vessel . A copy of the charter agreement must be kept on the vessel and shown to anyone whose business might involve a lien . The CHARTERER is required to redeliver the vessel free of liens not incurred by the OWNER or covered by insurance and must indemnify the OWNER against any other liens arising from the vessel’s use during the charter .


