Introduction

At DistantShoreHub, we acknowledge that situations can evolve, and we are committed to ensuring that our refund policies are straightforward and transparent. This document explicates the conditions under which we will provide a refund for our yacht charter services.

Please familiarize yourself with this policy thoroughly prior to making any bookings. By confirming a charter with DistantShoreHub, you are signifying your consent to these terms of refund.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Conditions

Over 72 Hours Prior to Charter

100% Refund

Entitled to: Complete refund except for processing costs

Refund Timeline: 5-7 working days

Service Charge: £50 for credit card transactions

Requirements: Must be submitted officially through email or telephonic communication

Between 24 to 72 Hours Prior to Charter

50% Refund

Entitled to: Half of the entire charter cost

Refund Timeline: 7-10 working days

Service Charge: £25 subtracted from the refund

Requirements: A legitimate reason is required; subject to administrative fees

Less than 24 Hours Prior to Charter

No Refund

Entitled to: Refunds are not available

Exception: Cases of urgency will be evaluated

Alternative: At the discretion of management, a credit for future charters might be offered

Requirements: Emergency conditions must be documented for consideration

Cancellations due to Weather

Guarantee Against Bad Weather

We prioritize safety above all. Should the weather conditions be judged as unsafe for sailing by our certified captain, we provide flexible alternatives:

  • Complete Refund: A full refund will be made if we cannot reschedule
  • Rearrangement: We allow you to change your charter to another available slot without incurring additional charges
  • Charter Credit: We offer a credit that is valid for one year from the initial charter date

Evaluating Weather Conditions

Our weather assessment comprises:

  • Evaluating wind speed and direction
  • Analyzing wave stature and ocean conditions
  • Forecasting visibility and precipitation
  • Adhering to Coast Guard advisories and warnings
  • The professional captain’s safety judgment

Decision Period: Decisions pertaining to weather cancellations are made no later than 4 hours before the planned departure time.

Refunds In Case of Medical Emergencies

Instances of Emergency

We empathize that unforeseen medical crises can happen. The subsequent scenarios may be eligible for exceptional considerations:

  • Sudden medical conditions or injuries necessitating hospital stay
  • Loss of an immediate family member
  • Unexpected military deployment or emergency recall
  • Subpoena for court or mandatory jury service
  • Natural disasters impeding travel plans

Requirements for Documentation

To facilitate emergency refund claims, kindly supply:

  • Official medical statements or hospital records
  • Mortality documentation (if relevant)
  • Authorized military directives
  • Legal summonses or notices for jury duty
  • Emergency notices or travel prohibitions

Handling: Refunds for emergencies are processed in 3-5 business days after we receive the necessary documentation.

Cancellations due to Operational Issues

Technical Difficulties

In the event of a mechanical failure with the designated vessel that we cannot fix:

  • Replacement Vessel: We will endeavor to offer a vessel of equivalent standards
  • Complete Refund: If a comparable replacement isn't forthcoming
  • Partial Refund: If the substitute vessel differs in pricing
  • Compensation: We might offer extra compensation for any inconvenience caused

Unavailability of Crew

In rare instances when certified crew are not available:

  • Arrangements for alternate crew will be sought where feasible
  • A full refund will be provided if the charter cannot proceed
  • Option to reschedule without any added expenses

Refund Execution

Repayment Methods

Refunds are reverted to the original payment method used during booking:

  • Credit Cards: 5-7 working days
  • Bank Wires: 7-10 working days
  • Direct Cash/Cheque: 3-5 working days

Transaction Costs

Credit Card Transactions

£50 fee applicable for cancellations happening over 72 hours before the charter

Bank Wire Transactions

£25 fee applicable for refunds made through bank transfers

International Transactions

There may be extra charges for international refunds

Credits for Yacht Charter

Offering Credits

Credits for future yacht charters might be proposed as a substitute to refunds under specific conditions:

  • Cancelled bookings within less than 24 hours of the start time
  • Cancellations due to unfavorable weather
  • Voluntary requests to reschedule
  • Interruptions in operation

Conditions of Credits

  • Legitimacy: Valid for 12 months from the date of issue
  • Non-Transferability: Credits cannot be given to other individuals
  • Monetary Value: Equal to the complete value of the charter without deductions for processing costs
  • Application: Applicable on any future charters subject to availability
  • Expiry: No continuation or postponement beyond 12 months

Reimbursements for Partial Services

Disruptions During Service

If the charter experience is interrupted or cut-short due to elements within our control:

  • A prorated refund reflecting the unused portion
  • Issuance of a credit equal to the missed service for a future charter
  • Additional complimentary services or upgrades

Interruptions Caused by Guests

If the trip has to end earlier than planned due to the actions or safety breaches of guests:

  • No reimbursement for the time left unused
  • Full charges for the charter remain owed
  • Extra costs may be incurred

Dispute Management

Should you have objections regarding a refund decision, you are entitled to:

  • Request a reconsideration by our administrative unit
  • Submit supplementary documents or proof
  • Seek a solution via consumer protection agencies
  • Opt for judicial measures as permitted by relevant laws

Steps for Securing a Refund

Step 1: Reach Out

Propose your refund application through:

Step 2: Provision of Details

Your application should contain:

  • Confirmation number of the reservation
  • Scheduled date and time of the charter
  • Justification for the cancellation
  • Needed documents (where applicable)
  • Desired method for refunding

Step 3: Assessment and Handling

We will confirm receipt of your application within one day, compare it to this policy, communicate our verdict within two days, and take care of approved refunds as per prescribed schedules.

Key Points

  • All applications for a refund should be made in written form
  • Reimbursements are conducted in £, regardless of the booking's initial currency
  • We strongly endorse purchasing travel insurance
  • This policy might be subject to revisions with a notice period of 30 days
  • Reimbursements adhere to applicable taxes and regulations

Getting in Touch

For queries regarding refunds or to lodge a refund petition:

Department of Refunds
DistantShoreHub Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point, Docklands
London E14 9TT
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 8123 4567
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM