Refund Policy
Transparent and equitable refund terms for your comfort
Overview
At OpenCommonsDirectory, we acknowledge that situations can change and we are committed to offering reasonable and clear refund guidelines. These guidelines provide the circumstances in which refunds are possible for our yacht charter services.
Please review these guidelines thoroughly prior to making your reservation. By reserving a charter with OpenCommonsDirectory, you accept and consent to these conditions for refunds.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Complete refund with the exception of service charges
Processing Time: 5-7 business days
Processing Fee: £50 for card payments
Conditions: Must be submitted via written communication such as email or phone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Half of the total cost for the charter
Processing Time: 7-10 business days
Processing Fee: £25 taken from the refund amount
Conditions: A legitimate reason is needed; administrative expenses incurred
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: No refund options
Exception: Emergency situations may be considered on a case-by-case basis
Alternative: Charter credits could be given based on the discretion of the management
Conditions: Proof is necessary for emergency situations
Weather-Related Cancellations
Our Weather Guarantee
Protecting our passengers is our utmost concern. In the event that adverse weather poses a risk for our charter activities as determined by our accredited captain, we provide several accommodating choices:
- Full Refund: A complete refund is given if it's not possible to find another suitable date
- Reschedule: We allow you to transfer your booking to an alternative date without extra fees
- Charter Credit: Opt for a credit that remains valid for a year from the date of the initial booking
Weather Assessment Process
We conduct thorough weather evaluations that include:
- Analysing wind velocities and patterns
- Assessing the wave size and oceanic conditions
- Checking forecasts for visibility and rain or snowfall
- Heeding Coast Guard notices and cautions
- Considering our professional captain's judgment on safety measures
Decision Timeline: Determinations regarding weather-triggered cancellations are made at least 4 hours prior to the planned departure time.
Medical Emergency Refunds
Emergency Circumstances
We are sympathetic to the fact that sudden health crises may arise. Scenarios that could be eligible for consideration include:
- Unforeseen medical conditions or injuries necessitating hospital stays
- A death occurring within the immediate family
- Being called to military service or having to attend immediately
- Being summoned for jury service or to appear in court
- Severe natural events that affect your plans
Documentation Requirements
For your emergency reimbursement request to be considered, the following documentation should be provided:
- Physician’s note or hospital records
- Obituary or death notice (when relevant)
- Detailed military mandates
- A notification for court appearance or jury service
- Advisories or official announcements pertaining to emergencies
Processing: We handle refunds due to emergencies within a timeframe of 3-5 workdays after receiving all necessary documents.
Operational Cancellations
Mechanical Issues
In the event that the assigned boat has unresolved mechanical issues:
- Alternative Vessel: We will seek to arrange a similar replacement vessel
- Full Refund: Offered if a suitable replacement is unavailable
- Partial Refund: Provided if the replacement vessel is priced differently
- Compensation: We may provide additional compensation for the trouble caused
Crew Unavailability
In the rare instance that we can't secure a certified crew:
- A replacement crew will be sourced if feasible
- Full refund will be issued if the trip cannot proceed
- Opportunity to reschedule at no extra charge
Refund Processing
Payment Method
Refunds will be issued to the payment method originally used:
- Credit Cards: 5-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: 7-10 business days
- Cash/Cheque: 3-5 business days
Processing Fees
Credit Card Processing
£50 fee applies to cancellations made over 72 hours beforehand
Bank Transfer Processing
£25 fee applies to all bank transfer refunds
International Processing
International transactions may incur additional charges
Charter Credits
When Credits Are Offered
Credits for future charters might be given instead of refunds under certain conditions:
- Last-minute cancellations (under 24 hours' notice)
- Cancellations due to weather conditions
- Requests for voluntary rescheduling
- Interruptions to operations
Credit Terms
- Validity: Valid for 12 months from date of issuance
- Transferability: Cannot be transferred to other individuals
- Value: Equivalent to the full value of the charter, excluding processing fees
- Usage: Redeemable on any available charter options
- Expiration: Credits must be used within 12 months without extension
Partial Service Refunds
Service Interruptions
Should your scheduled charter be disrupted or cut short due to factors within our authority:
- Adjusted refund corresponding to the time not used
- Credit for an equivalent future charter
- Free additional services or upgrades
Guest-Related Interruptions
In the event of premature charter termination caused by guest actions or breach of safety guidelines:
- No reimbursement for the time remaining
- Complete payment remains obligatory
- Potential extra fees may be incurred
Dispute Resolution
In case of disagreements regarding refund determinations, options include:
- Appealing for a review by our administrative team
- Submitting further proof or documents
- Consulting consumer advocacy groups
- Availing oneself of legal avenues as prescribed by law
How to Request a Refund
Step 1: Contact Us
To begin the refund process, reach out via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 23 8000 0000
- Directly at our office situated in the marina
Step 2: Provide Information
Ensure your refund solicitation includes:
- Confirmation code for your booking
- Date and time of the scheduled charter
- Justification for cancellation
- Relevant supporting documents (when applicable)
- Method of refund you prefer
Step 3: Review and Processing
We will acknowledge receipt of your claim within a day, evaluate it in conformity with this policy, arrive at a decision within two days, and execute approved reimbursements within the designated time limits.
Important Notes
- Refund claims should be made in written format
- Reimbursements are issued in £ independent of the currency used for the initial payment
- Obtaining travel insurance is highly advised
- Policy alterations will be notified 30 days in advance
- Refunds adhere to relevant tax laws and regulations
Contact Information
For inquiries or to proceed with a refund request:
Refunds Department
OpenCommonsDirectory Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Southampton SO14 3TG
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 23 8000 0000
Email: [email protected]
Operational hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM