Who provides Emergency Services

• Service to members is provided by independent contractors (Operators) working with C-Tow Marine Assistance. C-Tow has screened its operators to determine they have the expertise, equipment, and licensing necessary to provide the services described. While C-Tow is not responsible for the acts or omissions of these independent operators, C-Tow will assist in resolving any issues that may arise.

Limits of Service

• C-Tow endeavors to provide continuous service throughout the year but cannot guarantee that Operators are always available to attend as requested by our members. If a member is unable to contact C-Tow or if the request for assistance is outside of an area that is normally serviced by C-Tow; and requires services of a marine contractor not affiliated with C-Tow, the member should pay for the service and submit a detailed receipt to C-Tow within 7 days of the service for reimbursement consideration. Payment may be declined if the member did not use reasonable efforts to contact C-Tow or if the member did not allow for sufficient time for a C-Tow operator to respond. Amounts payable will be based on standard C-Tow rates of $175/hour assuming 25Kn response speed and 6Kn towing speed.
• C-Tow membership coverage becomes active 48 hours after purchase. All claims that are at a result of a mechanical failure that existed prior to obtaining a C-Tow membership are not eligible under the program and will be billed at an hourly rate for service.
• C-Tow will not dispatch their operators in severe or unsafe weather situations where the safety of the operators will be jeopardized.
• Elective tows from dock to dock or a tow outside of C-Tow coverage area (See website for details) are not covered but may be arranged at a reduced rate, with sufficient notice.
• Major groundings, Hard Aground or Salvages are not covered under a C-Tow membership. These are defined as taking more than 30 minutes on scene to re-float the vessel.
• Dockside assistance is not covered under membership if land-based assistance is available.
• Captains and Commander packages cover two (2) tows per year. Admiral package receives unlimited tows. C-Tow will dispatch one vessel per incident. It is up to the owner of the vessel to make complete repairs. Fair Use policy is in place.
• Coverage under C-Tow memberships is for pleasure use vessels.
• Commercial vessel members are charged for membership, as well as $100/hour for towing and service, dock to dock for the operator.

Eligibility for Services

• A C-Tow Membership covers the registered vessel; owner(s) and is extended to immediate family members.
• C-Tow covers incidents from breakdown or accident. Vessel must have a sufficient and properly skilled and licensed crew on board.
• Vessel tender “Dinghy” coverage is available as an add-on for memberships. This does not include salvage or damage to the dinghy. Maximum length is 15ft, with 50hp.

Cancellation

• C-Tow does not offer membership fee refunds. C-Tow will transfer the remaining coverage to another vessel or owner in cases of boat sold at no cost with reasonable notification.

Conditions & Notice

• All services performed are at the member’s risk.
• C-Tow is the operating name of C-Tow Marine Assistance Ltd. It’s operators, officers, crew, servants, agents, and independent contractors. All limitations contained in these Terms & Conditions shall extend to C-Tow Marine Assistance and its operators, officers, crew, agents, servants, and independent contractors.
• Terms & Conditions may be updated and or changed.
• C-Tow shall not be liable for any loss, damage, expense, or costs for personal injury or property damage, including economic loss while carrying out services to its members.
• If C-Tow is found liable to a member for any reason, the amount of this liability shall not exceed the sum of $500.00 CAD. The member agrees that this limitation of the amount of liability of a genuine pre-estimate of its liabilities.
• C-Tow shall not be liable for any reason at all if it is unable to provide a service to a member.
• The member shall indemnify and save harmless C-Tow for any damages, liability, suits, claims, demands, or expenses.

Emergency Benefits

• Minor adjustments and minor repairs to enable a disabled member vessel to proceed under its own power when able.
• Battery boosts to enable a disabled members vessel to proceed under its own power. For safety reasons, members will not receive battery boosts at home ports or in order embark on a voyage. On-Water jump starts will be performed only on scene if the captain, in his/her expertise and sole discretion, determines that the service can be performed safely.
• Delivery of emergency supplies or fuel, when available to a member. Cost of fuel or supplies to be paid by member and is not included in membership.
• Towing to the nearest dock or boat ramp, tows will be to closest dock or ramp. Additional will be billed at an hourly rate. Check website for current coverage areas.
• Towing of members from soft groundings. This is 30 minutes or less on scene.
• Shepherding in fog, radio checks, and location information and communication.

Important Information

• First call in a dangerous or life-threatening situations should always be to the Canadian Coast Guard.
• *16 on a mobile phone, or call 911, or Channel 16 on VHF Radio.
• C-Tow will always endeavor to provide assistance but is not set up to respond to marine difficulties in life threatening situations, classified by Canadian Coast Guard as Immediate Danger.