Refund Policy
Transparent and equitable refund terms for your tranquility
Overview
At OpenFieldJournal, we recognize that situations may vary, and we are committed to providing clear and straightforward refund guidelines. This document delineates the scenarios in which refunds may be granted for yacht charter services.
Please examine this document prudently prior to confirming a booking. By reserving a charter with OpenFieldJournal, you consent to and accept the terms of these refund conditions.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Timeline
Over 72 Hours Prior to Charter
Qualified for: Complete refund excluding transaction fees
Refund Duration: 5-7 business days
Transaction Charge: €50 for card payments
Requirements: Must be requested officially via email or telephone
Between 24 to 72 Hours Preceding Charter
Qualified for: Half of the entire charter price
Refund Duration: 7-10 business days
Transaction Charge: €25 subtracted from the refund amount
Requirements: A substantiated reason is necessary; administrative expenses apply
Under 24 Hours Before Charter
Qualified for: No refund possible
Exception: Urgent situations may be taken into account
Alternative: Credit for a charter could be considered at the discretion of the management
Requirements: Proof is necessary for emergency cases
Cancellations Due to Weather
Our Promise Regarding Weather
Our foremost concern is safety. Should weather conditions be determined as hazardous for charter operations by our professional captain, we provide adaptable options:
- Complete Refund: Full reimbursement if rescheduling is untenable
- Reschedule: Transfer your charter to an upcoming available date without added cost
- Charter Credit: Obtain a credit valid for one year from the initial charter date
Process of Evaluating Weather
Our evaluation of weather entails:
- Inspection of wind force and bearing
- Assessment of swell size and sea conditions
- Forecasts of visibility and precipitation
- Notices and cautions from the Coast Guard
- Professional captain's safety review
Decision Timeframe: We make decisions regarding weather-related cancellations not later than 4 hours before the scheduled sailing.
Refunds in Emergency Medical Situations
Conditions for Emergencies
We are aware that medical emergencies may arise. The following circumstances may warrant special consideration:
- Sudden sickness or injury necessitating hospital care
- Passing away of a close family member
- Compulsory military service or urgent recall
- Jury service or legal summons
- Disasters affecting travel
Documentation Needed
To process requests for emergency refunds, please provide:
- Medical certification or documentation from the hospital
- Death certificate (when applicable)
- Authorized military documentation
- Legal summon or jury notice
- Travel alerts or declarations of emergency
Processing: We handle emergency refund requests within 3-5 business days after we receive the appropriate documents.
Cancellations Due to Operational Issues
Technical Difficulties
In the event your designated vessel encounters technical issues that cannot be rectified:
- Substitute Vessel: We will attempt to supply a similar substitute
- Complete Refund: Issued if a suitable alternative is not available
- Partial Refund: Appropriate if the replacement vessel is priced differently
- Compensation: We may offer further compensation for the inconvenience
Unavailable Crew
In the uncommon situation where a certified crew is unavailable:
- We will arrange a substitute crew when possible
- Full refund if the charter is unable to proceed
- Option to reschedule without extra charge
Refund Fulfillment
Reimbursement Method
We fulfill refunds via the initial method of payment utilized for the reservation:
- Card Payments: 5-7 business days
- Direct Bank Deposits: 7-10 business days
- Cash or Check: 3-5 business days
Fees for Processing
Card Payment Processing
€50 fee for cancellations with more than 72-hour notice
Processing for Bank Transfers
€25 fee for all refunds through bank transfer
Handling of International Transactions
Extra charges may be applicable for international transfers
Credits for Charter Services
Occasions for Offering Credits
In certain scenarios, credits for charter services may be extended as an alternative to monetary refunds:
- Late cancellations (less than 24 hours prior)
- Cancellations related to weather conditions
- Requests for voluntary rescheduling
- Operational disturbances
Terms for Credits
- Validity: One year from the date of issue
- Transferability: Cannot be transferred to other individuals
- Value: Equivalent to the full value of the charter (absent transaction fees)
- Application: Redeemable for any available charter service
- Expiry: Extensions beyond 12 months are not permitted
Reimbursement for Partial Services
Interruptions to Service
If your charter is disrupted or shortened due to reasons within our control:
- A proportional refund for the unutilized duration
- Credit for a subsequent charter of similar worth
- Gratis services or upgrades
Disruptions Caused by Guests
In the case that a charter is preterminated because of guest behavior or contravention of safety protocols:
- No return for the time remaining
- Final payment is still expected
- Potential additional costs may be incurred
Dispute Settlement
Should you find yourself disagreeing with a decision related to a refund, you have the option to:
- Ask for a reassessment by our administration team
- Present extra proof or evidence
- Seek a resolution through agencies for customer protection
- Explore judicial solutions as per the prevailing laws
Procedure to Request a Refund
Step 1: Reach Out to Us
To lodge a refund petition, please get in touch via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
- Visiting our waterfront office in person
Step 2: Supply Details
Your refund plea should include:
- Confirmation code for the booking
- Scheduled charter date and hour
- Grounds for annulling
- Justifying papers (if necessary)
- The mode of refund you prefer
Step 3: Evaluation and Progression
We will acknowledge your plea within a day's time, assess it in alignment with our policy, reach a verdict within two days, and proceed with authorized reimbursements within the declared periods.
Essential Remarks
- All requests for refunds must be submitted in documented form
- Refunds are issued in €, regardless of the currency used for the initial payment
- We highly suggest securing travel insurance
- This document is subject to alterations with a 30-day notice
- Reimbursements are inclusive of relevant taxes and regulations
Contact Details
For queries about refunds or to initiate a refund claim:
Department of Refunds
OpenFieldJournal Nautical Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20457
Germany
Telephone: +49 40 9999 9999
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, from 9 AM until 5 PM