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Charter Agreement
I need a charter agreement for a private yacht rental in Malaysia, specifying a 3-day itinerary around the Langkawi archipelago, including provisions for fuel, crew services, and catering, with a cancellation policy allowing for a full refund if canceled 14 days prior to departure.
What is a Charter Agreement?
A Charter Agreement sets out the formal terms when someone rents or leases a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft in Malaysia. Think of it as a specialized rental contract that spells out how you'll use the chartered asset, what you'll pay, and who handles maintenance and insurance.
Under Malaysian law, these agreements must follow specific transport regulations, especially for commercial vessels under the Maritime Transport Act. The document protects both parties by clearly stating operating conditions, liability limits, and safety requirements. Local businesses often use Charter Agreements for short-term equipment needs or seasonal transport demands.
When should you use a Charter Agreement?
Consider using a Charter Agreement when your business needs temporary access to transport assets without buying them outright. This legal tool proves especially valuable for Malaysian companies chartering ships for seasonal cargo runs, aircraft for special operations, or vehicles for short-term projects.
The agreement becomes essential when working with high-value transport assets where clear operational terms matter. Malaysian maritime and aviation regulations require detailed documentation for commercial charters. Companies also benefit from these agreements during peak business periods, special events, or when testing new market opportunities before making major investments.
What are the different types of Charter Agreement?
- Time Charter: Used for hiring vessels with crew for specific periods, common in Malaysian shipping and logistics. Includes detailed crew, maintenance, and operational provisions.
- Voyage Charter: Covers single-trip vessel rentals, focusing on cargo delivery between specific ports. Popular for bulk commodity transport.
- Bareboat Charter: Transfers full operational control to the charterer, who provides crew and handles all operations. Common in long-term maritime arrangements.
- Aircraft Charter: Tailored for aviation needs, covering everything from private jets to cargo planes. Includes specific aviation safety and regulatory requirements.
- Vehicle Fleet Charter: Used for commercial vehicle fleets, including maintenance schedules and driver responsibilities.
Who should typically use a Charter Agreement?
- Shipping Companies: Act as vessel owners or charterers, using Charter Agreements to lease out their ships for cargo transport across Malaysian waters.
- Maritime Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Malaysian maritime laws and international conventions.
- Logistics Firms: Arrange vessel charters for clients needing cargo transport solutions.
- Insurance Providers: Assess risks and provide coverage based on Charter Agreement terms.
- Port Authorities: Enforce regulations and verify proper documentation for chartered vessels in Malaysian ports.
- Commercial Banks: Finance charter operations and assess agreements for loan security.
How do you write a Charter Agreement?
- Asset Details: Gather complete specifications of the vessel, aircraft, or vehicle, including registration numbers and maintenance records.
- Duration Planning: Define exact charter period, including start date, end date, and any extension options.
- Operational Scope: List intended routes, cargo types, and operational limitations for Malaysian waters or airspace.
- Insurance Coverage: Confirm required insurance types and coverage limits under Malaysian maritime or aviation regulations.
- Payment Terms: Document charter rates, payment schedules, and additional cost responsibilities.
- Compliance Check: Verify all parties hold necessary Malaysian licenses and permits for charter operations.
What should be included in a Charter Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of charterer and owner.
- Asset Description: Detailed specifications of the chartered vessel or vehicle, including registration details.
- Charter Period: Clear start and end dates, with any extension or early termination provisions.
- Payment Terms: Charter rates, payment schedule, and additional cost responsibilities.
- Operational Terms: Permitted use, geographical limits, and maintenance responsibilities.
- Insurance Requirements: Mandatory coverage types and minimum limits under Malaysian law.
- Dispute Resolution: Malaysian jurisdiction clause and agreed dispute settlement procedures.
What's the difference between a Charter Agreement and an Agency Agreement?
A Charter Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement, though both are common in Malaysian commercial transport. While Charter Agreements focus on temporary asset usage rights, Agency Agreements establish representation relationships.
- Control and Operation: Charter Agreements transfer operational control of specific assets (ships, aircraft) to the charterer. Agency Agreements only grant authority to act on behalf of another party.
- Asset Involvement: Charter Agreements always involve physical assets and their use. Agency Agreements focus on services and representation rights.
- Duration Structure: Charter Agreements typically specify fixed periods with clear start/end dates. Agency Agreements often have ongoing terms with different termination conditions.
- Liability Framework: Charter Agreements include specific provisions about asset maintenance and operational risks. Agency Agreements focus on fiduciary duties and representation limits.
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