Refund Policy
Transparent and straightforward refund terms for your assurance
Overview
We at PublicExchangeCenter recognize that situations can evolve, and we are committed to providing transparent and equitable refund standards. This document outlines the circumstances where refunds are granted for yacht charter services.
Please ensure you understand this policy before you book. By booking with PublicExchangeCenter, you are confirming your acceptance of these refund conditions.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Timeline
Prior to 72 Hours Before Charter Commences
Entitlement: Full refund excluding handling charges
Processing Interval: 5-7 working days
Handling Charge: €50 for credit card operations
Stipulations: Request needs to be submitted in a written format via email or telephone
Between 24 and 72 Hours Prior to Charter
Entitlement: Half of the total charter cost
Processing Interval: 7-10 working days
Handling Charge: €25 deducted from the refund amount
Stipulations: A legitimate reason is necessary; administrative fees apply
Within 24 Hours of Charter Start
Entitlement: No refunds granted
Exception: We may consider extenuating circumstances
Alternative: Charter vouchers may be offered at the discretion of the management
Stipulations: Supporting documentation required for emergencies
Cancellations Due to Adverse Weather
Our Commitment to Safe Weather Conditions
We prioritize safety above all. If our trained captain decides the weather is unsafe for the charter operations, we provide flexible alternatives:
- Complete Refund: Issued if rescheduling is not feasible
- Reschedule Without Additional Costs: Move your booking to an upcoming available slot with no extra fees
- Issuance of Charter Credit: A voucher valid for one year from the original charter date
Process for Weather Evaluation
The following are included in our weather checks:
- Assessment of wind speeds and direction
- Evaluation of wave sizes and sea status
- Visibility and precipitation estimates
- Coast Guard bulletins and alerts
- Determination based on the captain's professional safety judgment
Decision Making Timeline: Decisions on weather-related cancellations are made no less than 4 hours before the planned departure.
Refunds for Medical Emergencies
Situations That Justify Emergency Considerations
We recognize that sudden medical crises can occur. The following scenarios may be eligible for special dispensation:
- Unexpected illness or accident leading to hospitalization
- A death within the immediate family
- Call to military service or emergency orders
- Jury service or a judicial summons
- Natural disasters affecting your travel
Documentation Necessities
To process a request for an emergency refund, please include:
- A medical statement or hospital records
- A death certificate when applicable
- Military deployment papers
- A summons for court or notice for jury service
- Emergency travel advisories or proclamations
Processing: Refunds due to emergencies are handled within 3-5 business days once we receive adequate documentation.
Cancellations Because of Operational Issues
Mechanical Failures
If the yacht allocated for your charter has mechanical issues that are unsolvable:
- Provision of an Alternate Yacht: We will endeavor to find a similar substitute
- Complete Refund: If no adequate substitute is available
- Partial Refund: If the substitute yacht differs in price
- Compensation: Extra compensation may be considered for the trouble caused
Unavailability of Crew
On the seldom occasion that a certified crew is not available:
- Efforts will be made to arrange an alternate crew
- A full refund if the charter is unable to go ahead
- An option to reschedule without incurring extra costs
Processing of Refunds
Methods of Reimbursement
Refunds are reverted to the initial payment method used during booking:
- Credit Cards: Processed within 5-7 business days
- Direct Bank Transfers: Completed within 7-10 business days
- Cash or Cheque: Handled within 3-5 business days
Details on Handling Charges
Credit Card Operations
A €50 fee for cancellations made with at least 72 hours' notice
Direct Bank Transfer Operations
A €25 fee for all refunds processed through bank transfer
Non-Domestic Operations
Extra fees might be incurred for transactions outside of the domestic sphere
Vouchers Instead of Refunds
Circumstances for Issuing Credits
Credits as a substitute for monetary refunds may be proposed in specific scenarios:
- When cancellations are done at short notice (less than 24 hours)
- If weather prompts a cancellation
- Upon requests to voluntarily alter the booking
- In case of operational disruptions
Regulations Related to Credits
- Validity Span: 12 months from the date of issuance
- Transferrable: Credits cannot be transferred to different individuals
- Monetary Worth: Fully equals the charter's value sans handling fees
- Redeemable: Applicable to any accessible charter
- Non-extendable: No renewing beyond the 12-month limit
Reimbursements for Partial Services
Charter Interrupts
If your charter experience is adversely impacted or abbreviated due to our actions:
- A calculated refund contingent on the unutilized duration
- Vouchers for future charter of comparable cost
- Complimentary services or the option of an upgrade
Disturbances Stemming from Guest Actions
Should a charter be prematurely terminated on account of guest misbehavior or safety infringements:
- No reimbursement for the period unused
- Outstanding balance is still due
- Incidental charges could be enforced
Settling Disputes Over Refunds
If you contest a refund verdict, you are entitled to:
- Request an appraisal by our supervisory team
- Furnish added proof or documents
- Contact consumer rights organizations for potential resolution
- Engage in lawful avenues as sanctioned by the relevant regulations
Procedures to Initiate a Refund Claim
Step 1: Get in Touch
To commence a refund claim, reach out via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: +49 40 1234 5678
- Direct visit to our waterfront office
Step 2: Offer Details
In your correspondence, please provide:
- Verification of your booking
- The specified charter and its timing
- The basis for retracting your booking
- Auxiliary supporting materials, where relevant
- Your payment preference for the refund
Step 3: Confirmation and Execution
We will acknowledge your request in a day's time, assess it in compliance with this policy, revert with a determination in two days' time, and, if approved, execute the refund in the outlined duration.
Vital Considerations
- All requests for refund must be formally documented
- Refunds will be processed in €, independent of the currency used for payment
- We advise securing travel insurance
- This policy is subject to modifications given a 30 days' notice period
- Refunds are liable to comply with the applicable taxes and regulatory requirements
Details for Reaching Us
For more information regarding refunds or to submit an application for one:
Refund Operations Department
PublicExchangeCenter Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20459
Germany
Contact Number: +49 40 1234 5678
Email: [email protected]
Service Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM