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Tag Archives: Laws

Foreign Yacht Charter Vessels Visit Moscow

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Photograph of Moscow, Russia, from across the river. The photo shows a river barge traveling down the river, toward the left.

Moscow, Russia

As of May, 2012, the inland waterways of Russia have lifted the restrictions on superyachts flying a foreign flag.
This means foreign-flagged megayachts, both charter vessels and private use ships, will be able to make their way to Moscow.
Yachting industry reports show 17% of the world’s largest yachts are owned by Russians;  however, none of these are Russian-flagged.
With these new rules in place, perhaps we will see more yachts making their way to the Russian capital…

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER TO VISIT RUSSIA

To charter a superyacht anywhere in the world, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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FWC FL Boating Safety Requirements UPDATE

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Thanks to Lee Stephens for this article. 

This article is beneficial to people who enjoy private yacht charter vacations or who operate their own private yacht or enjoy sail boat charters.

Boating safety education requirements have changed in Florida effective January 1, 2010.

Boat operators who were born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass an approved boating safety course and possess photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.

We want to encourage everyone, regardless of when they were born, to take an approved boating safety education course, because all of us can learn something new, even if we have been boating all our lives,” said Captain Carol Keyser of FWC’s boating and waterways section. “For some, it is now required to take the course.”

There are a few exceptions. For instance, a person born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a boat within 90 days after purchasing it, does not need a boating safety education identification card if a bill of sale, which meets the requirements of Florida law, is onboard. After the 90-day period ends, the boat operator needs to meet the educational requirements. Those who possess a current United States Coast Guard license are also exempt.

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENT

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters comments,

“Licensing is always a good thing when dealing with on-water motor vehicles.  There are simple rules for right-of-ways, for example, that must be followed on the water.  We’ve  seen too many accidents on the water because of incompetence related to boating.  I applaud the FWC for upgrading the licensing and rules so that everyone is on the same page on the water.”

fwc License for boating. Florida safe boating identification card

For inquiries, contact FWC‘s Division of Law Enforcement at 1-850-488-5600.

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Malta Eases Restrictions On Private Yachts That Carry Over 12 Passengers

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Yacht marina in Malta with superyacht in foreground and Maltese flag flying above marina

 

YACHT CHARTER HURDLES

There is a big hurdle for large families and groups.  These people seek to enjoy a private yacht charter vacation in Malta.  The hurdle is partially lifted by the yachting registration authorities in Malta.

Specifically, late December, 2016, Transport Malta made a change.  They are the administrative authority that oversees regulations for yachts flying the flag of Malta. They introduced new guidelines for private yachts. In addition, the rule applies to yachts carrying more than 12 guests.

 

RESTRICTIONS IN MALTA

This issue is long a stumbling block to the charter industry.  Most private charter vessels are restricted to carrying no more than 12 passengers. Moreover, even if enough cabins were available to accommodate more than 12 guests.  Yacht owners who wanted to bypass this restriction had problems.  They were forced to build their vessels to standards established for commercial ships and cruise liners. This added enormous costs to the project.  Most yacht owners elected to avoid the extra costs and burdensome regulations. They build luxury charter vessels for 12 or fewer guests.

Maltese authorities saw an opportunity to reduce restrictions on private yachts built to high safety standards, and to allow these safe, well-built and professionally-operated vessels to carry more than 12 passengers.  Ivan Sammut, registrar general for the Maltese flag, explain how Malta saw a gap in the market. “You have to evolve to stay relevant in this marketplace,” states Sammut. “Malta hopes to be more than just a European flagging alternative; we have a holistic view of the superyacht market and want to become a turnkey destination for private and commercial superyachts alike.”

 

NEW CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES

The new certification summary is in the “Guidelines for Pleasure Yachts Carriage Capacities.”  It is part of an ongoing Maltese initiative to introduce contemporary standards. Specifically, in the area of private yachting.  To qualify, a superyacht seeking to register in Malta and fly the Maltese flag.

  • Must be over 24 meters.
  • Not navigate beyond 150nm (nautical miles) from safe haven.
  • Be in class and in possession of the necessary stability booklet.
  • Comply with the Maltese Commercial Yacht Code.
  • Comply with all applicable international conventions.
  • Carry requisite safety equipment based on the number of persons on board.
  • Maintain a crew compliment in line with the commercial yacht code.

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, views the new regulations as long overdue. “It’s discouraging to turn away a large, extended families of 13 or more from their dream of enjoying the superyacht experience together on one yacht.  We anticipate many superyacht owners with vessels that feature cabins and capacity for more than 12 guests to register their yachts in Malta.  This is one more contemporary component in the growth of our private luxury yacht charter industry, and we hope other flagging authorities will follow Malta’s lead.”

 

HOW TO RENT A PRIVATE YACHT

In conclusion, interested in a luxury yachting experience for a large group?  Fill out our convenient online booking form.  Our team will be in touch with you right away!

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Monitoring International Laws Keeps Yacht Charter Maven On Her Toes

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Digging Deeper

You would think Delivering The Superyacht Experience™ to boating clients would be pretty straightforward:  A client expresses interest in a yacht for a family vacation.  The charter broker presents several options.  The client makes a selection.

THIS IS NOT SO CLEAN

In reality, it’s not nearly so clean and to the point.  At least not for the handful of super-brokers who handle the world’s elite travelers.

 

JUST ASK JANA

Just ask luxury yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters.

According to Sheeder, matching a yacht to the client’s budget is just the starting point.

“While our clients are most interested in a yacht’s layout, amenities, and price, we dig deeper – into the yacht’s registration, the nationalities of the crew, and any governmental regulations and laws that might impact the success of the charter and comfort and respect of our clients.”

 

photo of large red Maritime book on its side with a gavel lying on top

 

El Método Español

In addition, Sheeder mentions the rules affecting yachts for hire in Spanish waters.  “We’ve seen a significant increase in interest in Spain, particularly Balearic Islands yacht charter vacations,” says Sheeder.  “Many yachts based in the South of France and Monaco are willing to deliver to the Balearics to accept theses charters.  However, yachts not in possession of a Spanish charter license are at a significant disadvantage, and face restrictions as to where the charter can begin and end, and what nationalities are permitted in the crew.  Something as simple as bringing on a Spanish resident to offer therapeutic massages to the charter guests could be a problem if the yacht is not licensed for charter in Spain.”

 

OTHER ISSUES

Sheeder and her staff monitor other licensing and legality issues. For instance:

  • Local regulations regarding the charter guests’ use of watertoys. For example, waverunners
  • VAT implications of chartering in certain European Union countries.
  • Advance entry requirements prior to arrival in certain ports of call.

 

SHEEDER COMMENTS

“Not understating these regulations and laws can result in a negative experience for the charterer and  guests, and in some cases increase the overall cost of the charter by 10% or more – a significant sum considering many charters are priced in the €500,000 to €1,000,000 per week range.”                 

 

La Manière Française

Currently, Sheeder is monitoring the possible impact of French social security tax responsibilities on yacht crews.  In March 2017, a decree was passed to require crewmembers and their non-French employers (the yacht owners) to make contributions to ENIM – the French mariners’ social security agency. Any yachts and crews spending more than 90 consecutive days in France or French waters are subject to the tax.  The decree was suspended Sept 13, following a disastrous summer tourist season that saw France luxury yacht charter revenues plummet by 40%.

 

 

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Sheeder is waiting to see if the decree is actually overturned in 2018, or if it will come back in a modified form. “These increased costs associated with crew wages end up being are passed on to the charterer, in the form of higher rates for yacht rentals,” says Sheeder.    If the decree is reinstated, Sheeder plans to either offer her clients yachts with French crew, or to convince them to bypass French waters and charter elsewhere in the region.

 

Going The Extra Mile

Do affluent charter clients realize the level of detail involved in orchestrating a vacation on a superyacht?  Sheeder chuckles at the question: “Probably not, but that’s fine with us. It’s like an attorney getting your traffic ticket dismissed in court.  You don’t care how he or she does it –  as long as you don’t have to pay the ticket!  It’s a similar scenario for us – we obsess over the small details in order to deliver a memorable vacation experience to our clients.  A pat on the back is nice, but a satisfied charterer who becomes a repeat customer is even better!”

 

 

HOW DO I RENT A YACHT?

A luxury yacht charter is the ultimate vacation for today’s elite travelers.  Wired, connected, and driven by sustainability and the greater social good, they want to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events. 1-800 Yacht Charters understands that their chartered yacht must serve as a platform to an eco-friendly adventure – a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.  If this sounds like your next vacation, CONTACT our charter consultants at:  1.800.922.4824 (North America) or 305-253-7245 (local South Florida and international) today.

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Popular Charter Destination Belize to Ban Trawling

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Belize in the Caribbean. Photo of the back a blue trawler boat in the ocean. It has giant arms extending on each side of the boat At the end of those arms are nets. The nets are full of fish.

The tiny nation of Belize took a giant step today in a global effort.  It decided to safeguard the oceans by banning all forms of trawling in the country’s waters.

At first, Belize ignored international calls to ban the destructive fishing gear.  But when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently threatened to strip the Belize Barrier Reef of its World Heritage Site status, the government finally took notice. 

Facing UNESCO repercussions, Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s administration took action.  He negotiated the buy-out of the country’s commercial shrimp trawlers.  He also initiated a ban on all future trawling.

Shrimp trawls are notorious for the amount of bycatch they haul in. Thousands of sea turtles, marine mammals, and untargeted fish are caught in shrimp trawlers around the world every year. Meanwhile, bottom trawlers’ weighted nets effectively bulldoze the ocean floor with every pass.  This destroys sensitive corals and anything else in their way.

Particularly at risk is the Belize Barrier Reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.  This is the second largest coral reef system in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The reef is a destination for sailors, divers, and snorkelers around the world.

Both bareboat and crewed catamaran charters have increased significantly in recent years along the coast of Belize.  Seasoned sailors and vacationers seeking less-crowded anchorages have discovered the unspoiled charm of the Belize Barrier Reef.

In conclusion, the stoppage goes into effect December 31st.  Belize then becomes one of the first countries in the world to institute a complete and permanent ban on trawling in all its waters.

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To book your own yacht charter odyssey along the Belize Barrier Reef, contact a charter specialist at 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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Thailand Opens Door for Phuket Yacht Charter for Foreign Superyachts

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RESTRICTION LIFTS

The restriction formerly applied to superyacht charter vessels in Thailand changes.  It officially lifts.  This opens the door to foreign-flagged yachts.   Yachts can now charter in Thai waters.

 

ROYAL DECREE FROM THAI GOVERNMENT

In September, the Thai government issues a Royal Decree.  In specific, yachts can apply for a Superyacht Charter License for Thailand.  Only Thai-flagged yachts allowed to operate charters in the country’s territorial waters.  Foreign megayachts also restricted from beginning and ending their trips in Thai waters.  However, temporary entry was allowed.

White sand beach in front of aqua water and 3 large rocks. 3 colorful wooden boats pulled up onto beach.

According to Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, the new license, in effect, has created a new destination for private yacht charter vacations. “We can now offer an exciting new cruising destination in Southeast Asia to our clients,” says Sheeder. “The decree will make it easier for charter yachts to relocate from the Med for the winter.”

THREE LICENSES GRANTED

Three licenses granted.  This in Bangkok on the same day of the decree issuance. The first license issued was granted to 41m OCEAN EMERALD, one of three identical charter yachts (OCEAN SAPPHIRE and OCEAN PEARL the others) well known in the Mediterranean.

THAILAND YACHT SHOW

In related news, Thailand’s Prime Minister has announced the new Thailand Yacht Show will take place at the Ao Po Grande Marina in Phuket in February 2016.  Located in Phang Nga Bay, the marina is undergoing major upgrades including berths for up to 200 yachts, a permanent breakwater, provisioning outlets (ideal for Thailand bareboat charter clients), and luxury condos overlooking the marina.

HOW TO RENT A YACHT CHARTER THAILAND?

For information on arranging a charter vacation in Thailand, email your request to us at info@1800yachtcharters.com, call us at 1-800-YACHTCHARTERS (1-800-922-4824), or use our convenient online form.  We look forward to working with you.

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Yacht Charter Pros Answer – Will New Rules In British Virgin Islands Impact Private Yacht Charter Guests?

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SECURITY VS. TOURISM

This appears to be a case of “Security versus Tourism.”   The British Virgin Islands (BVI’s) have initiated a new policy.  Specifically, everyone coming into the territory by sea is now required to present himself/herself IN PERSON to immigration authorities.  This includes guests on both bareboat yacht charter and superyacht charter vessels.

The policy takes effect immediately.

New immigration rules in BVI require yacht charter travelers to check in with security in person

 

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

According to a government spokesperson, Her Majesty Customs of the Virgin Islands has, “…taken this step to minimize the potential entry of criminals, firearms and illegal substances into the territory.”

Will the revamped policy affect charter passengers?  Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, explains how the new procedure differs from prior requirements: “In the past, only the captains of yachts were required to disembark and take with him or her all of the passports of the onboard guests. Now everyone must present themselves with their passports and their belongings.”

 

ISLAND SOVEREIGNTY

No one disputes the sovereignty of the local authorities to safeguard their islands and residents. Moreover, this island economy depends heavily upon charter yacht tourism.  The new policy seems a bit draconian.  Specifically there is little evidence to suggest tourists commit crimes.  Additionally, not local residents of the US and British island chains, are responsible for any uptick in criminal activity.

So, are local authorities barking up the wrong tree?  Sheeder thinks so.

 

PRE-SCREENING

She questions the necessity to impose upon well-heeled travelers who have already been “pre-screened” through the yacht charter reservation process. “The idea that firearms and illegal contraband will be brought ashore by luxury yacht charter guests is misplaced,” says Sheeder.  “Clients sign a charter agreement that clearly outlines firearms, narcotics, and contraband are not permitted onboard.  Furthermore, being in possession of such contraband can lead to the immediate termination of the charter – without refund.”

If any illicit materials are discovered by the crew, the yacht proceeds to the nearest port. Subsequently, the guests are then escorted off the yacht.  With so much at stake, there seems little need to further screen these guests and their crews upon entry into the BVI.

 

HOW WILL REGULATIONS IMPACT YACHT CHARTER TOURISM?

How will the new regulations impact yacht charter tourism in the BVI?   It’s too soon to tell, as the new rules went into effect September 1st.  It is possible charter vessels will simply bypass the British portion of the Virgin Islands and modify their itineraries to focus solely on the US and Spanish Virgin Islands, where captains can still clear the passports for all onboard guests.

British Virgin Islands government administration building where cyacht charter guests must check in

 

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

In the the short-run, Sheeder is confident the impact upon charter clients can be minimized.  “We pride ourselves in delivering The Superyacht Experience™. We will offer our clients alternative destinations in the US and Spanish Virgin Islands, and throughout the Caribbean.  For those clients who still wish to explore the BVI, we know we can rely on the captains and crew.  If they need to carry the luggage and escort the guests into the immigration office and back to the yacht, we know that they will do so in the most efficient, professional, and friendly manner.”

 

 

 

SPECIALS ON YACHT CHARTERS

Planning a yachting vacation?  Check out the hottest YACHT CHARTER SPECIALS here

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