Refund Policy
Transparent and straightforward terms of refund for your assurance
Overview
At PublicCommonsOutreach, we recognize that plans can alter, and we are committed to establishing clear and honest refund guidelines. This document provides the criteria for issuing refunds pertaining to our yacht rental services.
Kindly review this policy with attention prior to confirming a reservation. When you book a charter with PublicCommonsOutreach, you are acknowledging and consenting to these refund conditions.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Complete refund except for servicing charges
Processing Time: 5-7 business days
Processing Fee: €50 for transactions via credit card
Conditions: Request must be submitted in a written form via email or telephone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Half the complete cost of charter
Processing Time: 7-10 business days
Processing Fee: €25 is withdrawn from the refund
Conditions: A legitimate excuse is necessary; admin fees will apply
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Non-refundable
Exception: Cases of urgency may be taken into account
Alternative: An offer for a charter credit subject to management's approval
Conditions: Proof for emergency situations is required
Weather-Related Cancellations
Our Weather Guarantee
Our primary concern is safety. In the event that our professional captain regards the weather conditions as unsafe for sailing:
- Full Refund: A 100% refund is given if another schedule is unfeasible
- Reschedule: Your charter can be shifted to a subsequent open slot with no further charge
- Charter Credit: You'll receive a credit that's valid for a year from the initial charter date
Weather Assessment Process
We evaluate the weather by considering:
- Inspection of wind force and course
- Ocean wave magnitude and conditions at sea
- Predictions for visibility and rainfall
- Notifications and warnings from the Coast Guard
- The professional captain's judgment on safety
Decision Timeline: We make decisions on weather cancellations no longer than 4 hours before the planned departure.
Medical Emergency Refunds
Emergency Circumstances
We recognize that unexpected medical situations can occur. Special consideration might be allowed in scenarios such as:
- Sudden medical conditions or injuries necessitating hospital admission
- A family member passing away
- Call to armed forces or emergency recall
- Mandatory court attendance or subpoena
- Natural calamities impeding travel arrangements
Documentation Requirements
For consideration of emergency refunds, please ensure you provide:
- Medical verification or hospital documents
- Certificate of death, where applicable
- Instructions from the military, if relevant
- Legal summons or notice of jury duty
- Emergency declarations or travel alerts
Processing: Should an urgent situation arise, we endeavor to process refunds in 3-5 working days once the correct documents are received.
Operational Cancellations
Mechanical Issues
If the yacht assigned to you faces unresolvable technical problems:
- Alternative Vessel: We will strive to offer a comparable substitute
- Full Refund: Provided when no suitable alternative can be found
- Partial Refund: If the substitute vessel is priced differently
- Compensation: Additional reparation might be provided for any inconvenience caused
Crew Unavailability
In the unlikely event that the certified crew is not available:
- An alternate crew will be arranged if possible
- A full refund will be issued if the charter cannot take place
- Opportunity to reschedule without extra charges
Refund Processing
Payment Method
Reimbursements are issued back to the original method of payment utilized for the booking:
- 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 for cancellations made beyond 72 hours prior
Bank Transfer Processing
€25 is charged for all bank transfer reimbursements
International Processing
For international refunds, additional charges may be incurred
Charter Credits
When Credits Are Offered
In certain cases, instead of a refund, credit for charters may be provided:
- For late cancellations (within 24 hours of the scheduled time)
- If the cancellation is due to weather
- Change of plans at the customer's request
- Any disruptions in operations
Credit Terms
- Validity: Valid for a period of one year from the issuing date
- Transferability: The credit is non-transferable
- Value: Equivalent to the full value of the charter without any processing charges
- Usage: Applicable on any available yacht charters
- Expiration: They are not extended beyond the 12-month limit
Partial Service Refunds
Service Interruptions
For any interruptions or early termination of the charter due to our oversight:
- Refund will be prorated based on the remaining time not utilized
- Credit equivalent to the unfinished service for a future charter
- Gratuitous services or beneficial upgrades
Guest-Related Interruptions
If an early termination of the charter occurs due to guests' actions or safety breaches:
- There will be no refunds for the remaining time
- Complete payment will still be required
- Possibility of additional costs being charged
Dispute Resolution
In the event of a disagreement regarding a refund, you have the option to:
- Ask for a reconsideration by our management
- Submit further documentation or evidence
- Look to consumer protection services for settlement
- Opt for legal avenues according to the prevailing laws
How to Request a Refund
Step 1: Contact Us
You are required to commence your refund application through:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
- Direct visit to our nautical base
Step 2: Provide Information
Your refund claim should incorporate:
- Confirmation code of your booking
- Scheduled date and time of your charter
- Your reasons for cancellation
- Any pertinent documentation (where applicable)
- Your choice for refund method
Step 3: Review and Processing
Our team will acknowledge reception of your request within a day, check it against our refund policy, come to a conclusion in two days, and execute authorized refunds within the highlighted time periods.
Important Notes
- Refund requests should be submitted in writing
- Refunds are processed in €, regardless of the initial payment currency
- We advise purchasing travel insurance
- Notice of policy changes will be given 30 days in advance
- Refunds are subject to the relevant taxes and rules
Contact Information
Should you have inquiries regarding refunds or wish to make a refund appeal:
Refunds Department
PublicCommonsOutreach Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20459
Germany
Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM