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Yacht Management FAQ
1WHY DO SHIPS NEED TO HAVE A SHIP SECURITY ASSESSMENT AND A SHIP SECURITY PLAN?
The Ship Security Assessment (SSA) is an essential and integral part of the process of developing and updating Ship Security Plans (SSP).
2WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR A COMPANY SECURITY OFFICER AND SHIP SECURITY OFFICER?
Shipping companies are required to designate a Company Security Officer (CSO) to co-ordinate the security activities of the company and its ships on one hand and port facilities and Governments on the other. The CSO is also responsible for ensuring the security systems are fully maintained and internally audited. Each ship is to have a designated Ship Security Officer (SSO), who may be the ships master. The CSO and SSO are required to have knowledge of the security system and to have received appropriate training; this also applies to other personnel assigned security duties. In addition to maintaining the SSP they are to ensure its effective implementation by carrying out drills and exercises at appropriate intervals. The guidance gives a three month interval for drills, or within a week of changing more than 25% of the crew (if they have not participated in a drill on that ship within 3 months) and annual exercises.
3WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS FOR A CHARTER?
When ships are intending to enter a foreign port they may be required to provide information by the port state including: - Confirmation the ship possesses a valid ISSC, - Security level at which the ship is operating, - Security level at which the ship operated in the last ten ports of call, - Special or additional security measures undertaken at the last ten ports of call, - Confirmation that appropriate procedures were maintained during any ship-to-ship activity between the last ten ports of call, - Other practical security related information.
4CAN THE USCG ADVISE US OF THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VESSEL SECURITY PLANS IN THE MTSA IN RELATION TO THOSE FOR THE SHIP SECURITY PLAN IN THE ISPS CODE WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SHIP SECURITY PLAN TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF MTSA?
An International Ship Security Certificate issued under the ISPS Code will be accepted as prima facie evidence that the ship is in compliance with the MTSA and its implementing regulations, with the exception of 33 CFR Parts 104.240, 104.255 and104.295 as appropriate. We will verify implementation of the ship security plan through our robust port state control regime.
5WILL ALL MODUS BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ISSCS?
If a MODU is mechanically propelled " ie able to make a voyage as opposed to being just able to move around a wellhead " it will need an ISSC, with no exceptions.
6WHERE CAN INFORMATION ON PIRACY BE OBTAINED?
International Chamber of Commerce (International Maritime Bureau) run a website at http://www.iccwbo.org/ccs/menu_imb_bureau.asp IMO publish monthly, quarterly and annual reports of piracy and armed robbery against ships at MSC Circulars. The Latest annual report is MSC.4/Circ.32 which can be found at: http://www.imodocs.imo.org
7WHAT IS THE ISPS CODE?
The International Ship and Port facility Security Code was adopted at the IMO on 12 December 2002. The Code has two parts: Part A which contains mandatory requirements and Part B which contains detailed guidance. Contracting Governments must implement the mandatory requirements of the Code, taking into account the guidance, by 1st July 2004.
8WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ISPS CODE?
Responsibilities of Contracting Governments, e.g. setting security levels and providing guidance for protection from security incidents, establishing the requirements for a Declaration of Security, testing the effectiveness of ship security plans and or port facility security plans and exercising control and compliance measures in accordance with SOLAS X-1 2/9; - A Declaration of Security addressing the security requirements that could be shared between a port facility and a ship (or between ships) and stating the responsibility each shall take. - Obligations of the company to "ensure the ship security plan contains a clear statement emphasizing the master’s authority" and "ensure the company security officer, the master and the ship security officer are given the necessary support to fulfil their duties and responsibilities". - Ship security with activities defined as to how a ship is required to act upon security levels set by Contracting Governments. - Ship Security Assessments to be "carried out by persons with appropriate skills to evaluate the security of a ship" and to include an on-scene survey and a number of other elements. - Ship Security Plan approved by the Administration and carried on board ship. - Records of certain "activities addressed in the ship security plan shall be kept on board for at least the minimum period specified by the Administration" These records to be protected from unauthorised access or disclosure. - Provisions for designated company security officers and ship security officers. - Training, drills and exercises concerning ship security. - Verification and certification for ships. Other requirements under Amendments to SOLAS chapters V and XI include: - Carriage requirements for ship borne navigational systems and equipment. - Requirements as to where and how the ship’s identification number will be permanently marked. - Every ship to which chapter I of SOLAS applies must have a Continuous Synopsis Record containing specified information. - Provision of a ship security alert system as specified in SOLAS XI-6
9WHICH SHIPS NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE ISPS CODE?
The ISPS Code and the Amendments to SOLAS apply to the following types of ships engaged on international voyages: - Passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft. - Cargo ships (including commercial yachts) also includes high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards, - Mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs). They also apply to port facilities serving such ships engaged on international voyages. The Code does not apply to Warships, naval auxiliaries or other ships owned or operated by a Contracting Government and used only on Government non-commercial service
10TO WHAT EXTENT DOES THE ISPS CODE APPLY TO COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE YACHTS?
The ISPS Code will apply to commercial yachts over 500 GT. It will not apply to commercial yachts under 500GT or to private yachts. A yacht carrying over 12 fare paying passengers will be classed as a passenger vessel. If it is also over 500 gt and engaged on international voyages, then the ISPS Code will apply. The reference to this in the code is ISPS Code reference is A/3.1.1.
Crewed Private Yacht Charter FAQ
1WHAT IS THE MINIMUM LENGTH OF CHARTER AND HOW ARE THE RATES CALCULATED?
Charter rates are quoted per week for the hire of the yacht. Seven days is generally the minimum charter period accepted by yachts, but charters can be for any duration under or over seven days. Charters over seven days are calculated pro-rata against the weekly rate divided by seven and multiplied by the number of charter days. During low season periods and for a number of smaller yachts charters of less than seven days may be considered in which case the weekly rate is divided by six and multiplied by the number of days. Charters commence from noon onwards on the first day and terminate by noon on the last day. For example, a charter contracted to commence at noon on 1st June and terminate at noon on 8th June constitutes a one week charter. A day charter would normally start in the morning and end either late afternoon or early evening. High season rates apply to the most popular charter periods, i.e. July/August and Christmas/New Year, and are also normally applicable to all major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival. Low season rates apply to all other periods unless otherwise stipulated. Please note that charter rates quoted are believed to be correct but may be subject to change.
2WHAT IS MYBA?
MYBA is the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association and is a worldwide professional trade association founded in 1984 by a group of prominent yacht brokers with the aim of promoting standards of professionalism and ethics in the yachting industry throughout the Mediterranean, and ultimately, worldwide. MYBA only endorses membership to brokerages with a proven track record of professional excellence in the yachting industry, thereby offering valuable benefits and safeguards to clients choosing to purchase, sell, build or charter a yacht through a MYBA broker. Bluewater is proud to be a member of MYBA with a proven track record in the Yachting Industry.
3WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS FOR A CHARTER?
A deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer on signature of the Charter Agreement. This confirms your booking. The remaining 50%, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance, together with any taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer one month before the charter commences.
4DO ALL YACHTS ACCEPT CHILDREN ON BOARD?
Most yachts are very welcoming to children and some are equipped with children in mind. However, a few yachts may stipulate a minimum age for children and/or have a requirement for a nanny to be on board during the charter. The crew cannot provide child minding or babysitting services. Please inform your Bluewater broker at the outset of planning your charter if there are children in your party.
5HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE CREW?
Crew gratuities are discretionary, although it is customary for a charterer who has enjoyed the kind and attentive service of an obliging crew to extend a gratuity. Crew gratuities are normally in the region of 10% of the charter fee, but can be adjusted up or down according to your level of satisfaction. The best way to ensure that all crew members receive equal recognition is to entrust the distribution of gratuities to the captain. In this way, inconspicuous crew members such as engineers and culinary staff, who make an important contribution to your safety and enjoyment, will not be overlooked.
6IS VAT APPLICABLE ON THE CHARTER FEE?
VAT (Value Added Tax) is usually charged on the Charter Fee in European territorial waters. Rates can vary according to the place of embarkation and the chosen itinerary. Your broker will be able to advise you on the latest tax situation for any country you wish to visit.
7WHAT IS INCLUDED WITHIN THE CHARTER RATE?
Most charter rates quoted are based on MYBA Terms, which imply that the yacht will be provided to the charterer in full commission and with all necessary equipment, properly insured for marine risks and managed by a crew, whose wages, food and clothing are for the owner's account. All other operating expenses are payable by the charterer and comprise (but are not restricted to) the following items: fuel and lubricating oils for the yacht, her tenders and motorised water toys; local taxes; pilotage; port, harbour and marina dues; customs clearance; water and electricity; personal laundry; all provisions, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer's party; telecommunication costs. Please note that, occasionally, a yacht may offer a variation on the terms described above. Our brokers will provide full details of any charter terms that vary from standard MYBA Terms when presenting the relevant yachts.
8WHAT IS APA AND HOW IS IT CALCULATED?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due at the time of the final charter payment. Under MYBA Terms, this sum is usually equivalent to 25% of the total charter fee, but may be 30% in some cases. Intended to cover the operating expenses of a charter such as, fuel, food, drinks, port fees, and ad hoc incidentals, these funds will be given to the captain before the start of your charter. He will ensure that your yacht is fully fuelled and provisioned when you step on board. Whilst an up-to-date summary of accounts can be requested at any time during your charter, a full set of accounts will normally be submitted by your captain at the end of the cruise. If, during the charter, the expenditure exceeds the sum already paid, additional cash funds will be required at once. All outstanding bills should be settled in cash before final disembarkation. Of course, any remaining credit at the end of your charter will be reimbursed to you in full. On request, transfer arrangements to and from the yacht can be made by Bluewater or by your captain, payment for which will be deducted from your APA.
9CAN I SPECIFY THE FOOD AND WINE TO BE SERVED ABOARD THE YACHT?
Well before you board your yacht, we will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire describing the preferences and special needs of all the members of your party, such as dietary or medical requirements, details of any allergies, and your sporting or entertainment requests. This will enable us and the crew of your chosen yacht to ensure that everything possible is done to make your charter a wonderful experience.
10AM I COVERED BY INSURANCE?
We strongly recommend that charterers take out Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance to protect their investment if unforeseen circumstances prevent or curtail their charter. Additionally, all members of the charter party should be covered by Personal Accident and Medical Insurance, and their personal effects should be insured against theft, loss or damage. Other forms of insurance, such as Charterer's Liability may also be prudent. Our brokers will be pleased to assist with arranging any policy not covered by the basic Charter Agreement.
Yacht Delivery FAQ
1How Does A Delivery work?
YST Yachting is a yacht delivery service who offer worldwide delivery services to boat owners and charter companies. We hold a large database of RYA Qualified Instructors, skippers and delivery crew that hold RYA Ocean and RYA offshore sailing qualifications between them have amassed a vast amount of sea miles over the years. We connect the right skippers for you.
Category: Yacht Delivery FAQ
2How Much Does A Delivery Cost?
Delivery Fees Price includes all crew onboard
Sailing Yacht (Delivery) From: £295 Per Day
Motor Cruiser (Delivery) From: £295 Per Day
Power Boat (Delivery) From: £295 Per Day
Travel Days Half Daily Rate
Travel
3How Do We Know The Crew Will Be Any Good?
YST Yachting ONLY use professional skipper with a proven background in yacht deliveries with excellent references. All crew have previous offshore miles. Some have owned yachts in the past or make their living only from delivering yachts. All members sign a Code-of-Conduct and are made well aware of requirements and level of service required by YST Yachting Deliveries.
4What Are YST Payment Terms?
Payment is required in advance of all deliveries. On accepting a delivery quote a minimum of 50% deposit is to be paid direct to YST Yachting account, we accept the following currencies: Sterling (£’s), Euros (€’s) and Dollars (USD). Payment to be made by bank transfer. Remaining payment of the delivery to be settled 8 weeks prior to set departure date. On Boat expenses (Flight expenses, Fuel
5What Type Of Yachts / Boats Do You Deliver?
YST Yachting Skippers and Instructors, are all Commercially Endorsed, Certified, insured and experienced for craft up to 24 metres and 200gt. Which includes mono hull yachts, catamarans, powerboats and motor cruisers.
6Do I Require Specialist Equipment Onboard?
For safety and insurance purposes depending on the delivery we look for the following to be onboard, well maintained, and working – However for certain deliveries we understand certain equipment will not be necessary: below list is a suggestive and some equipment can be provided at a small rental cost.
• Adequate Engine spares to be kept onboard for the vessel.
• AIS to be fitted onboard
• Storm Sail / Jib to be provided
• First aid kits – (Ocean if required)
• Flare kits – (Ocean if required)
• Life jackets to all be in date
• life raft – (10 person ocean ‘A’ if required)
• lifejackets, Automatic with hood 175N minimum ) (AIS Preferred) enough for crew 2 spare
• Chart plotter
• MOB AI Beacon
• Radar
7What Is My Liability?
Owner liability is the same as if chartering your yacht out to paying guests. Hull Insurance MUST be in place for the required delivery area. The current yacht insurance on the yacht must be updated and made aware of the delivery in advance. All Delivery crew onboard will be qualified to sail in the required areas which should suffice yacht insurance. Delivery Skippers all hold professional skipper insurance with a minimum of 3rd party liability insurance whilst undertaking any delivery. Fully comprehensive delivery insurance can be added as an extra but normally the yachts main insurance can work out a cheaper option for this. And damages are rare.
8How Do I Get Crew?
You don’t need to do anything – Simply fill out a delivery request form and YST Yacht Deliveries will quote you for the delivery? Included in the price is everything with estimates of any non-fixed extras that may be incurred during the delivery (port fees / fuel etc).
9What If I Want To Crew On The Delivery?
We will be happy to help any yacht owner who wishes to get more sea time and give them the same opportunity to sail with any delivery. Just let us know when filling out he quote forms.
10What If I Like The Crew and Want To Use Them Regularly?
All our crew are available and also happy to work under other circumstances other than just delivery jobs with a lot of our skippers who already work busy charter season or are professional instructors around the world on all types of yachts. All our skippers are obliged once booked initially with YST Yachting to book through YST Yachting again for future jobs this is not only to protect skippers but also to protect boat owners for all future work, saving a lot of extra communication and to work as an intermediate if anything was to go wrong – YST Yachting provide unbiased views on yachting situations to work through anything that may happen. So we always recommend contacting YST Yachting first who will make contact with any skippers so that we can get the best deals and security for both parties.
11Can You supply a Boat / Yacht Sitter?
Yes – We are happy to provide boat sitters around the world. We understand some owners like to hire a responsible person to help run the boat or “Boat Sit” while the boat is in port. Boat Sitters fees are charged at a ½ day delivery rate whilst onboard and in port expenses whilst onboard to a maximum of £20 per day Travel to and from the boat. (Boat sitter rates are turned into a full day rate immediately the boat leaves the dock whilst the boat sitter is under contract) This also includes moving the yacht within the marina and are charged as a full 24 hour payment on the day the yacht leaves the dock.
12What if I Just Need To Hire A Skipper?
What if I Just Need To Hire A Skipper?
If you are looking to move your boat to another location, to a regatta or to bring it home after a season and do not have a skipper, we have skippers that that we trust and recommend. Once you hire the skipper he can take care of organizing the whole process. Costs will be clear upfront with any quote requested. This way you know exactly the costs incurred with hiring a skipper. Standard daily rate for a skipper is shown below:
Individual Crew Hire Costs
RYA Sailing Instructor From: £195 Per Day
RYA Ocean Skipper From: £175 Per Day
RYA Offshore Skipper From: £160 Per Day
Hostess / Host / Cook From: £120 Per Day
Deck Crew (Day Skipper / CC) From: £80 Per Day
Engineer From: £150 Per Day
Professional Chef From: £250 Per Day
(Prices above DO NOT include: Travel
13What If I Want To Crew With Others?
We will be happy to help any yacht owner who wishes to get more sea time and give them the same opportunity to sail with any delivery. Just let us know when filling out he quote forms.
14Delivery Terms
YST Delivery and YST Professional Yacht Delivery And YST Cost-Effective Yacht Deliveries Worldwide are provided directly by RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore.
Crew Life FAQ
1WHAT ARE TYPICAL ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS FOR CREW?
Examples include Deckhand, Steward/ess, Crew Chef and Assistant Engineer.
2WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL CREW SIZES AND YACHT SIZES?
Mid- range yachts have 8 to 12 crew and up to 12 passengers. The larger yachts can have 30+ crew on board at one time. We typically place crew on yachts from 24m/78′ – to 120+m/395+’.
3HOW LONG ARE YACHTING CONTRACTS?
Contracts are usually seasonal or all year round. There are also dayworker agreements and temporary contracts.
4WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHARTER YACHT AND A PRIVATE YACHT?
A private yacht is used purely for the leisure of a yacht owner and guests.
A charter yacht is rented out to HNWI guests. On a charter yacht, crew may receive gratuities for providing excellent service.
5WHAT ARE THE LIVING QUARTERS LIKE?
They are compact with a practical layout. Cabin share is common with usually 2, sometimes more crew members to a cabin.
6WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for yacht experience. If you are new to the industry, you will have a more difficult time. If you have a proven history of working in yachting – you move up the list.
If you are new, emphasize any skills that you have that translate to the position you are hoping to land.
Ask existing crew what they do in their positions in order to decide which skills you want to emphasize.
7HOW LONG SHOULD I COMMIT TO A JOB?
Longevity and commitment are highly sought after by hiring managers in luxury yachting. If you wish to make the best career for yourself and establish a reputation as a solid crew person, then you should commit until the end of the contract if seasonal, temporary of until a yacht is sold. If the position is permanent, then you should keep to your word and remain as long as possible – if you stay 2 – 3 years with the same vessel and if you get promoted then this will really help your career development.
8WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF GETTING INTO THE INDUSTRY?
A lot of things. The number one thing yacht Captains look for is a proven record of taking a job and sticking with it. That does not mean 6 weeks. That means 2-3 years.
Add Medical fitness (EMG1) STCW-95 Basic Training – it’s expensive, but you need it.
A great attitude.
The right look (polo style shirt – white or blue), khaki pants or shorts and boat shoes.
Get some day work under your belt.
Finally, a professional looking CV with photo and all pertinent information obvious at a glance. Have 3 written references with updated contact details for verification.
Have all your current documentation (CV, references, certificates, passport and visas, Medical Fitness also known as ENG1..) ready to send to a hiring manager.
9WHAT ARE THE USUAL CRUISING GROUNDS?
Vessels often travel the Mediterranean or the US East Coast in the summer. In the winter yachts often cruise the Caribbean. Other cruising grounds are becoming increasingly popular such as SE Asia and the Middle East.
10HOW LONG IS AN AVERAGE TRIP?
There is no such thing as average in yachting. Expect the unexpected, be flexible and be ready for anything.
11WHAT ARE MY EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AS YACHT CREW?
You are protected by an international maritime agreement, known as MLC 2006 (Maritime Labour Convention) which sets out a seafarers’ rights to decent working conditions.