Charter terms
We offer an all-round professional service, including help in preparing your complete charter trip. Find out more about our charter rates and terms, the yacht charter contract and our conditions of payment when booking a yacht charter holiday.
Charter rates
Charter rates are usually based on the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) or Caribbean terms detailed below. Ask your broker for the terms that apply to specific yachts.
MYBA terms
These terms apply to yachts usually cruising in the Western Mediterranean. The charter rates based on MYBA terms include:
- charter of the yacht with all its equipment in working order
- tools, stores, cleaning materials and basic consumable stores for the engine room, deck, galley and cabins
- laundry of ship's linen
- crew wages, uniform and food
- insurance of the yacht for marine risk and third party claims
- insurance of the crew for employer's liability insurance.
All other expenses will be charged in addition to the charter rate. For example:
- fuel and mooring costs
- food and beverages for charter Clients
- on-board communication fees.
Caribbean terms
Charter rates based on Caribbean terms include:
- all running costs and fuel
- three meals per day.
These charter rates do not include:
- alcoholic drinks
- on-board communication fees
- port fees on some yachts.
Additional costs
Unless specified differently above, the following charges may be additional to the charter rate.
- Berthing fees – vary according to the size of the charter vessel, location and time of year
- Fuel costs – for the chartered vessel, its tenders and watersports toys
- All harbour, pilot and divers' fees
- Customs formalities
- Water and electricity
- National or local taxes (where applicable)
- Food and beverages for you and your guests
- Personal laundry
- All communications costs incurred by you and your guests
- Agents' fees when Captains have felt it necessary to use local shipping or supply agents
For more information, read the 'Advance provisioning allowance (APA)' section in our FAQs.
Value-added tax (VAT) and other cruising fees
These vary from country to country and, in some cases, from yacht to yacht. Please ask us for the conditions that apply to countries and/or yachts of interest to you.
Charter contract
Once you have decided to proceed with the booking, we will issue you with a charter contract. This is between yourself, the charterer and the vessel's Owner.
Produced by the MYBA, the contract is regarded as the reliable industry standard and is endorsed by a leading London maritime lawyer.
OCEAN Independence (OCI) will be mentioned as the charter agent. The brokerage commission is included in the charter rates.
Conditions of payment
A deposit of 50% is required to confirm the booking when signing the charter agreement. The balance (plus the APA, taxes, fees and a security deposit) is due four weeks prior to the agreed boarding date.
If the yacht is booked under MYBA terms, you must make an additional advanced payment for fuel and provisioning along with the second instalment.
The amount varies from yacht to yacht. When the charter is completed, the Captain will provide a final, itemised statement of account showing if a refund or any further cash payments are due.
The information within this section is simply to help you better understand the yacht charter process and experience. It does not replace the personal and individual advice that our charter brokers offer to both you and your guests.
