Refund Policy

Clear and fair refund terms for your yacht charter experience with Island Berth.

Last Updated: July 1, 2025

Policy Overview

This refund policy outlines the terms and conditions for cancellations, modifications, and refunds for yacht charter services provided by Island Berth Marine Services Inc. We strive to be fair and transparent while maintaining the sustainability of our operations.

Cancellation Timeline and Refunds

Standard Cancellation Policy

Refunds are calculated based on the time between your cancellation request and your scheduled charter date:

Cancellation Period Refund Amount Processing Fee Processing Time
More than 30 days 95% of total payment 5% processing fee 5-7 business days
15-30 days 75% of total payment 25% cancellation fee 5-7 business days
8-14 days 50% of total payment 50% cancellation fee 3-5 business days
3-7 days 25% of total payment 75% cancellation fee 3-5 business days
Less than 3 days No refund 100% forfeiture N/A

Peak Season Considerations

During peak season (May 1 - September 30), additional restrictions may apply:

  • Weekend bookings: Require 21 days notice for 50% refund
  • Holiday periods: Require 45 days notice for any refund
  • Multi-day charters: Subject to individual assessment

Weather-Related Cancellations

Company-Initiated Cancellations

When Island Berth cancels a charter due to unsafe weather conditions, you are entitled to:

Full Refund

100% refund of all payments within 5-7 business days

Reschedule

Free rescheduling to any available date within 12 months

Credit Voucher

110% credit toward future charter (18-month validity)

Weather Assessment Criteria

Island Berth will cancel charters when conditions exceed safe operating parameters:

  • Wind Speed: Sustained winds over 25 knots (46 km/h)
  • Wave Height: Waves exceeding 2 meters (6.5 feet)
  • Visibility: Less than 1 nautical mile visibility
  • Severe Weather: Thunderstorms, fog, or precipitation affecting safety
  • Marine Warnings: Environment Canada marine weather warnings

Guest-Initiated Weather Cancellations

If you cancel due to weather concerns but conditions are within safe operating limits:

  • Standard cancellation policy applies
  • One-time rescheduling option available with 48-hour notice
  • Partial credit may be offered at management discretion

Modification and Rescheduling

Charter Modifications

Modification Type Notice Required Fee Conditions
Date Change 7 days C$100 admin fee Subject to availability
Time Adjustment 48 hours C$50 admin fee ±2 hours maximum
Guest Count Reduction 24 hours No fee No refund for reduced guests
Guest Count Increase 48 hours Per-person rate Subject to vessel capacity
Yacht Upgrade 7 days Rate difference Subject to availability

Emergency Rescheduling

In cases of personal emergency (medical, family, etc.), Island Berth may offer:

  • One-time courtesy rescheduling with documentation
  • Extended voucher validity up to 18 months
  • Reduced cancellation fees at management discretion

Refund Processing

Payment Method and Timeline

  • Credit Card Refunds: 5-7 business days to original card
  • Bank Transfer Refunds: 7-10 business days
  • Cash Payments: Check issued within 14 business days
  • Third-party Bookings: Refunded through original booking agent

Refund Request Process

Submit Request

Email: [email protected]

Include:

  • Booking confirmation number
  • Reason for cancellation
  • Preferred refund method
  • Contact information
Call Direct

Phone: +1 403-328-3111

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM PST

Have your booking number ready for faster service

Special Circumstances

Force Majeure Events

In cases of extraordinary circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity)
  • Government restrictions or advisories
  • Marine emergencies or port closures
  • Public health emergencies
  • Labor strikes affecting marine operations

Resolution: Full refund or rescheduling with extended validity (up to 24 months)

Mechanical Issues

If your charter cannot proceed due to unexpected mechanical problems:

  • Alternative vessel: Comparable or upgraded yacht at no extra cost
  • Partial charter: Shortened charter with proportional refund
  • Full cancellation: 100% refund plus C$200 inconvenience credit

Medical Emergencies

For documented medical emergencies preventing travel:

  • Documentation required: Medical certificate from licensed physician
  • Refund amount: 75% of total payment regardless of timing
  • Alternative: 18-month credit voucher for full amount

No-Show Policy

Guest No-Show

If guests fail to appear for their scheduled charter:

  • Grace period: 30 minutes past scheduled departure
  • Contact attempts: Phone and email notifications
  • After grace period: Charter considered forfeited, no refund
  • Partial group arrival: Charter proceeds with attending guests

Late Arrival Policy

  • 0-15 minutes late: Full charter, adjusted end time
  • 15-30 minutes late: Shortened charter, no refund for lost time
  • 30+ minutes late: Charter may be cancelled, standard policy applies

Group Bookings and Corporate Charters

Group Booking Considerations

Special terms for groups of 12 or more guests:

  • Extended cancellation periods: 60-day minimum notice
  • Deposit requirements: 50% non-refundable deposit
  • Final payment: Due 30 days before charter
  • Guest count changes: Final count due 14 days prior

Corporate Charter Terms

  • Invoice payment: Net 30 terms available
  • Contract requirements: Signed agreement required
  • Cancellation policy: Per individual contract terms
  • Annual agreements: Special rates and terms available

Travel Insurance Recommendation

Important Recommendation

Island Berth strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Travel insurance may cover:

  • Trip cancellation due to illness or injury
  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Travel delays and interruptions
  • Weather-related cancellations beyond our policy

Dispute Resolution

Internal Resolution Process

  1. Direct Communication: Contact our customer service team
  2. Management Review: Escalation to operations manager
  3. Executive Review: Final review by company executives

External Options

If internal resolution is unsuccessful:

  • Better Business Bureau: File complaint through BBB
  • Consumer Protection BC: Provincial consumer protection
  • Mediation Services: Voluntary mediation available
  • Small Claims Court: For disputes under C$35,000

Policy Updates

This refund policy may be updated periodically. Key principles:

  • Grandfathering: Existing bookings honor original policy terms
  • Notification: 30-day notice for significant changes
  • Website posting: Current policy always available online
  • Booking confirmation: Applicable policy version noted
Additional Resources

For more information about your charter experience:

Our Commitment

Island Berth is committed to providing fair and transparent refund policies. We understand that plans can change, and we strive to work with our guests to find mutually acceptable solutions whenever possible. Your satisfaction and trust are paramount to our business.