Marine Connect Pty Ltd — Marine Services Platform
Marine Connect Marketplace Platform
Version 1.4 | Effective Date: 26/05/2026
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Marine Connect platform, including our website at www.marineconnect.com.au, our mobile applications, and any related services (collectively, the “Platform”). The Platform is operated by Marine Connect Pty Ltd (ABN 62 669 189 315), a company incorporated in New South Wales, Australia (“Marine Connect”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).
By registering an account, submitting a job request, accepting a quote, or otherwise using the Platform, you (“you”, “your”, or the “Client”) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.
You may be using the Platform as an individual recreational boat owner, a corporate vessel operator, a fleet manager, a superyacht owner or manager, or a licensed charter boat operator. These Terms apply in each case, with any user-type specific obligations called out where relevant.
Marine Connect operates an online marketplace that connects vessel owners with independent marine trade professionals (“Contractors”) across a range of marine service categories. Marine Connect is not itself a marine services provider and does not perform any trade works.
Marine Connect acts as the intermediary between you and the Contractor at every stage of a job. All communication, quoting, approvals, scheduling, variations, completion notices, and payments flow through Marine Connect. Contractors do not have direct contact details for vessel owners, and vessel owners do not have direct contact details for Contractors. This applies before, during, and after a job.
Where information needs to be exchanged between you and the Contractor — including access instructions, hazard notifications, variation requests, completion confirmations, or any other matter relating to the job — Marine Connect will pass that information between the parties via the Platform. You should not seek direct contact with the Contractor, and Contractors are prohibited under their own agreement with Marine Connect from seeking direct contact with you.
Marine Connect processes payments on behalf of both parties, manages the administrative flow of each job, and is the single point of contact for any questions, issues, or disputes. The Contractor engaged for any job is either an independent business or a sole trader, not an employee or agent of Marine Connect.
Marine Connect takes reasonable steps to verify Contractor credentials, licences, and insurance at the point of onboarding and on an annual basis thereafter. However, Marine Connect does not warrant the quality, outcome, or fitness for purpose of any work performed by a Contractor. You may make your own judgement about a job based on the Contractor’s rating, qualifications, and the quoted scope of works prior to approving any job.
By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you:
You may submit job requests through the Platform across any of the available marine trade categories. The following process applies:
You must not instruct a Contractor to commence work before the deposit has been paid and the job has been formally confirmed through the Platform. Direct engagement of a Contractor outside the Platform is a breach of these Terms and may result in suspension of your account.
All quotes provided through the Platform are prepared by the Contractor based on the vessel and job information supplied by you and the Contractor’s reasonable assessment of the works at the time of quoting. Quotes are presented through the Platform as either:
Each quote will clearly indicate which pricing basis applies. Where this is not clear, you should request clarification from Marine Connect before approving the quote.
Unless stated otherwise on the quote, quotes are:
Quotes are not binding on the Contractor or Marine Connect until they have been approved by you through the Platform and the corresponding deposit invoice has been issued.
Marine Connect charges a single fee — the Platform Service & Administration Fee (the “Platform Fee”). This is the only fee Marine Connect charges vessel owners. There are no signup fees, listing fees, account fees, or subscription fees of any kind.
The Platform Fee is charged only on jobs that are completed through the Platform. It is itemised as a separate line item on each job invoice, in the same manner as GST, so you can see exactly what the Contractor is being paid and what Marine Connect is being paid. The Platform Fee is in addition to the Contractor’s quoted service fee.
The Platform Fee is calculated on the total Contractor invoice value as follows:
| Job Invoice Value | Platform Fee | Total You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $2,500 | 13% | Contractor fee + 13% |
| $2,501 – $10,000 | 11% | Contractor fee + 11% |
| $10,001 – $25,000 | 8.5% | Contractor fee + 8.5% |
| $25,001 – $75,000 | 6% | Contractor fee + 6% |
| Above $75,001 | 4.5% | Contractor fee + 4.5% |
All fees are inclusive of GST where applicable.
The Platform Fee is non-negotiable and applies to all jobs facilitated through the Platform regardless of job size, Client type, or pre-existing relationship with a Contractor. Marine Connect reserves the right to update its fee schedule with 30 days’ written notice.
All payments for jobs facilitated through the Platform are processed by Marine Connect. The following payment structure applies:
By default, no deposit is required to confirm a job. The Contractor’s invoice is payable in full on completion of works.
Where the Contractor is required to procure parts, materials, or specialist equipment to perform the works, the Contractor may request a deposit to cover the cost of those parts and materials. Any such deposit must be:
Where a deposit is required, it is due within 3 business days of you approving the quote. The Contractor will not order the parts or mobilise to site until the deposit has been received and confirmed by Marine Connect.
If you do not approve a deposit requested on a quote, the job will not proceed and the quote will lapse. You may request the Contractor to re-quote on a different basis (for example, supplying the parts yourself), subject to the Contractor’s agreement.
The remaining balance of the total invoice (or the full invoice amount, where no deposit applied) is due within 3 business days of Marine Connect issuing a completion notice to you. Marine Connect will issue the completion notice and final tax invoice upon receiving the Contractor’s completion confirmation through the Platform.
Parts and materials procured by the Contractor using deposit funds remain the property of the Contractor until the final invoice has been paid in full, at which point title transfers to you. Where a job is cancelled after parts have been ordered, Clause 8 applies.
All payments must be made to Marine Connect’s nominated bank account as detailed on the invoice, or via any other payment method made available through the Platform. You must not pay the Contractor directly for any job facilitated through the Platform. Direct payments that bypass the Platform are a breach of these Terms and may result in loss of dispute resolution protections, account suspension, and termination.
Invoices unpaid beyond the due date may attract a late payment fee of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance, calculated daily. Marine Connect reserves the right to suspend your access to the Platform pending resolution of any overdue account, and to refer overdue accounts to a debt recovery agency at your cost.
You may cancel a confirmed job by notifying Marine Connect in writing through the Platform. The following cancellation schedule applies:
| Notice Given Before Job Start | Platform Fee | Late Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| More than 7 business days | 100% refunded | Nil |
| 3 – 7 business days | 100% refunded | Nil |
| Less than 3 business days | 100% refunded | Site attendance fee at Contractor’s standard rate may apply |
| Job already commenced | Non-refundable | Pro-rata charge for works completed |
Where a parts deposit has been paid in accordance with Clause 7, the refundability of that deposit on cancellation depends on the status of the parts at the time of cancellation:
The Contractor must provide reasonable documentation of any non-refundable parts costs claimed under this clause (such as supplier invoices, restocking fee notices, or freight receipts).
If a Contractor cancels a confirmed job, you will receive a full refund of any deposit and Platform fee within 5 business days. Marine Connect will endeavour to arrange an alternative Contractor where possible. Where parts have already been ordered or received under a parts deposit, Marine Connect will work with you and the replacement Contractor to transfer those parts to the new job where practical.
Where a job cannot proceed due to weather conditions or circumstances outside the reasonable control of either party (including emergency harbour closures, vessel breakdowns prior to access, or other force majeure events), Marine Connect will work with both parties to reschedule. Rescheduled jobs are not subject to the cancellation fee schedule above.
Because the Platform Fee is only charged on completed jobs, no Platform Fee applies where a job does not proceed due to weather or force majeure, and there is nothing to refund. Any parts deposit already paid will be treated in accordance with the Parts Deposits on Cancellation clause above. Where the Contractor has already attended site before the weather or force majeure event prevented works, a site attendance fee may be invoiced at the Contractor’s standard rate to cover the Contractor’s reasonable costs of attending.
If a job is cancelled after the Contractor has commenced works, you remain liable for the value of works completed to the date of cancellation, as assessed by Marine Connect in good faith. The Contractor will issue a pro-rata invoice for labour, materials consumed, and any reasonable demobilisation costs. Any deposit amount held in excess of the pro-rata amount will be refunded; any shortfall will be invoiced and payable in accordance with Clause 7.
The scope of works is defined by the Contractor’s approved quote as accepted by you prior to job commencement. Any variation to the scope — including additional works identified during the job — must be:
Marine Connect is not responsible for any variation works performed without your prior written approval, except as expressly provided under Clauses 10 (Hidden Defects & Unforeseen Conditions) and 11 (Emergency Works). You are not obligated to accept any variation and may decline additional works without prejudice to the original job, provided the vessel can be safely returned to its pre-works condition.
You acknowledge that marine vessels are exposed to harsh environments and that hidden defects, corrosion, deterioration, and other pre-existing issues are common and frequently cannot be identified at the quoting stage. For the purposes of these Terms, a “Hidden Defect or Unforeseen Condition” means any physical condition of the vessel, its systems, fittings, or surrounding structures that:
Examples include (without limitation) corrosion behind fittings, osmotic blistering revealed after antifouling removal, gearbox or stern drive damage discovered on disassembly, wiring deterioration revealed on inspection, structural delamination, and previously undisclosed prior repairs.
Where a Contractor encounters a Hidden Defect or Unforeseen Condition, the following process applies:
You acknowledge that declining to address a Hidden Defect or Unforeseen Condition may leave the vessel in an incomplete or non-operational state, and that Marine Connect and the Contractor are not liable for any consequences arising from your decision not to proceed.
From time to time, circumstances may arise during a job that require immediate action to prevent or mitigate harm to the vessel, persons, property, or the environment — for example, a critical system failure discovered while the vessel is slipped, a leak detected while the vessel is unattended, or a hazard identified that prevents safe demobilisation.
Where such an Emergency Situation arises and Marine Connect is unable to contact you (or your nominated representative) after reasonable attempts, you authorise Marine Connect to approve emergency works on your behalf, subject to all of the following conditions being met:
Works performed under this clause will be invoiced as a variation, subject to the same Platform fee structure, and payable in accordance with Clause 7. You acknowledge that emergency works performed in accordance with this clause are deemed to have been authorised by you for all purposes under these Terms.
Nothing in this clause obligates Marine Connect or any Contractor to undertake emergency works. The decision to act, and the manner of acting, remains at the Contractor’s sole professional discretion.
You may opt out of this clause for any specific vessel or job by providing written notice through the Platform prior to job commencement. Where you opt out, the Contractor may instead make the vessel safe and demobilise, and you will be liable for any resulting standby, dockage, or make-safe costs.
You are responsible for ensuring the Contractor has safe and timely access to the vessel at the agreed time and location. This includes:
Where the Contractor is unable to access the vessel or commence works due to a failure by you to meet your access obligations, a site attendance fee may be charged at the Contractor’s standard rate, in addition to any applicable cancellation fees.
Marine Connect is committed to fair and transparent resolution of any issues arising from jobs facilitated through the Platform. The following process applies:
Marine Connect’s liability in respect of any specific job in dispute is limited to the Platform fee collected on that job. Marine Connect is not liable for any consequential, indirect, loss of use, or loss of income claims arising from Contractor performance or non-performance.
To the maximum extent permitted by Australian Consumer Law:
You acknowledge that marine environments involve inherent risks and that all Contractors engaged through the Platform operate as independent businesses responsible for their own workmanship, safety, and compliance.
Marine Connect collects and handles personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Client information, including vessel details, contact information, and job history, is used solely for the purpose of operating the Platform and facilitating services.
Marine Connect will not share your personal information with third parties except as required to facilitate a booked job (including providing necessary details to the assigned Contractor) or as required by law. For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information by contacting Marine Connect at admin@marineconnect.com.au.
Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy you may have under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)), including any consumer guarantees that apply to services.
Where you are a consumer under the Australian Consumer Law and a service fails to meet a consumer guarantee, you may be entitled to a remedy. Marine Connect will comply with all applicable obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.
These Terms remain in effect from the date you first access or register on the Platform until terminated. You may close your account at any time by notifying Marine Connect in writing, subject to the resolution of any outstanding jobs, invoices, or disputes.
Marine Connect may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform immediately, without notice, if you:
Termination or suspension does not affect any rights or obligations arising from jobs confirmed prior to the termination date, including any outstanding payment obligations.
Marine Connect may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes to the Platform, applicable law, or our business operations. Where changes are material, we will provide at least 30 days’ written notice through the Platform or to your registered email address. Your continued use of the Platform following the effective date of any updated Terms constitutes your acceptance of those updated Terms.
The current version and effective date of these Terms are shown at the top of this document and on the Platform.
These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. You and Marine Connect both submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales for any matter arising out of or in connection with these Terms.
These Terms, together with any job-specific quotes accepted through the Platform and any policies referred to in these Terms (including our Privacy Policy), constitute the entire agreement between you and Marine Connect in respect of your use of the Platform. They supersede any prior agreements, understandings, or representations.
For any questions about these Terms, or to provide notice under any clause:
Marine Connect Pty Ltd (ABN 62 669 189 315)
Camperdown NSW, Australia
Email: admin@marineconnect.com.au
Web: www.marineconnect.com.au
These Terms should be reviewed by a qualified Australian commercial solicitor before publication. This document does not constitute legal advice.