Overview

We realize that situations may change, and at PublicCommonsVista, we are committed to providing clear and equitable refund policies. This document details the situations in which refunds for yacht charter services might be provided.

Before finalizing a booking, it is imperative to understand this policy thoroughly. By reserving a charter with PublicCommonsVista, you confirm your acceptance of these refund conditions.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Prior to Charter

100% Refund

Qualifies for: Complete refund excluding transaction charges

Timeframe for Processing: Within 5-7 business days

Transaction Charge: £50 for payments made via credit card

Procedure: Must be requested through written correspondence or over the phone

Between 24 and 72 Hours Before Charter

50% Refund

Qualifies for: Half of the overall charter fee

Timeframe for Processing: Takes 7-10 business days

Transaction Charge: £25 subtracted from the reimbursement amount

Procedure: A credible reason is needed; there are administrative costs involved

Less than 24 Hours Before the Charter

No Refund

Qualifies for: Refunds are not available

Exception: Emergency circumstances could be taken into account

Alternative: An option for charter credit may be extended at the discretion of management

Procedure: Evidence is needed for emergency claims

Cancellations Due to Weather

Our Assurance Regarding Weather

Safety remains our highest concern. If the captain, certified by our company, deems weather conditions as harmful for charter activities, we propose various alternatives:

  • Full Refund: A complete reimbursement if rescheduling is unfeasible
  • Reschedule: Move your booking to an alternative date at no added cost
  • Charter Credit: Credit that is valid for use within 12 months from the original charter date

Methodology for Weather Assessment

The components of our weather evaluation include:

  • Reviewing wind velocity and patterns
  • Considering wave elevation and oceanic conditions
  • Forecasting visibility and precipitation
  • Adhering to Coast Guard notifications and caveats
  • Professional captain's safety assessment

Decision Timing: Determinations related to weather cancellation are made at least 4 hours ahead of the scheduled departure.

Refunds in Medical Emergencies

Emergency Conditions

Medical crises can occur unexpectedly. Special exceptions for refunds may apply in the following scenarios:

  • Sudden medical ailments or injuries that necessitate hospital care
  • Demise of a family member
  • Unanticipated military deployment or recall
  • Mandatory jury service or court mandate
  • Catastrophes affecting travel

Requirements for Documentation

Relevant documents are necessary to process requests for emergency refunds:

  • Physician's statement or hospital proof
  • Mortality certificate, if appropriate
  • Formal military orders
  • Official court subpoena or notification for jury duty
  • Travel cautions or declarations of emergency

Procedure: Requests for emergency refunds are handled within 3-5 business days after obtaining the requisite documents.

Cancellations for Operational Reasons

Mechanical Complications

Should your assigned yacht suffer mechanical failures that are irremediable:

  • Alternate Yacht: We'll attempt to arrange a vessel of similar standards
  • Full Refund: In case no adequate replacement vessel is accessible
  • Partial Refund: Applicable if an alternative yacht has differing rates
  • Recompense: We may offer extra compensation for any trouble caused

Unavailability of Crew

In the infrequent instance when certified crew is unavailable:

  • An alternate crew will be searched for when feasible
  • Complete refund if the charter cannot go forward
  • Opportunity to reschedule without additional fees

Processing of Refunds

Method of Reimbursement

Reimbursements are transferred back to the original mode of payment used for the reservation:

  • Credit Cards: Within 5-7 business days
  • Bank Transfers: May take 7-10 business days
  • Cash/Cheque: Processed over 3-5 business days

Fees for Transactions

Credit Card Processing

£50 fee for requests made more than 72 hours beforehand

Processing for Bank Transfers

£25 charge for all reimbursements via bank transfer

International Processing Charges

Supplementary fees can be applicable for transactions across borders

Credit from Charter Companies

Scenario for Offering Credits

In specific instances, credits from charter bookings might be given instead of refunds:

  • Late annulments (within 24 hours of departure)
  • Cancellations resulting from adverse weather
  • Voluntary requests to alter schedules
  • Disruptions in operations

Stipulations for Credits

  • Time Validity: Active for a year from the date issued
  • Transferrable: Not exchangeable with others
  • Monetary Value: Equal to the complete charter value (excluding processing charges)
  • Utilization: Applicable towards any accessible charters
  • Expiry: No extensions past 12 months

Reimbursements for Partial Services

Disruptions in Service

In the event that your charter is impacted or reduced due to our operational issues:

  • A proportional refund concerning the unused portion
  • Credit towards a future charter of equivalent worth
  • Complimentary upgrades or services

Interruptions Caused by Guests

If a charter concludes prematurely owing to the behavior of guests or infringement of safety guidelines:

  • No reimbursement for the remaining duration
  • The entirety of the payment is still obligated
  • Potential additional costs might be levied

Resolving Disputes

In cases of dispute regarding a refund decision, one may:

  • Request an evaluation from our administration
  • Submit extra information or proof
  • Search for a resolution via consumer assistance agencies
  • Explore legal options within the bounds of prevailing legislation

Protocol for Refund Requests

Step 1: Make Contact

Pass your refund petition through:

Step 2: Compile Information

Your appeal should comprise of:

  • Confirmation code for the booking
  • Scheduled date and time of the charter
  • Reason for the cancellation
  • Any accompanying documents (if needed)
  • Your preferred method for the refund

Step 3: Assessment and Processing

We will acknowledge your claim within a day, review it according to this policy, provide an outcome within two days, and proceed with approved refunds as per the schedules stated.

Vital Points

  • All requests for refunds must be made in a written format
  • Refunds are carried out in £ regardless of the original transaction currency
  • We advise purchasing travel insurance
  • Notice of policy alterations will be given 30 days in advance
  • Refunds are bound by taxes and pertinent regulations

Reaching Out

For any inquiries regarding refunds or to submit a refund plea:

Department for Refunds
PublicCommonsVista Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point, Docklands
London E14 9TP
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 7537 5566
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM