FAQs

What licence do I require for a bareboat rental?

The law states that you need a licence suitable for the boat you’re operating in the environment you’re operating, so you must be able to present a valid powerboat license for coastal/offshore waters. For residents of countries outside of the European Union an International Certificate of Competence is necessary. Please contact us if you have any questions.

What insurance is there on a bareboat rental?

You’re insured in the same way you would be as if you’re driving your own boat. You are liable for all excesses on insurances should you damage the boat or should there be any claim at all on an insurance policy. This is typically €1000.

Am I liable for anything else?

Yes – if you hurt someone or damage something that is a result of a decision or action as a skipper you will likely be liable. If you go against the rules of the rental contract or disrespect the local portuguese maritime law, you will be liable for any fines that arise.

Do you require a deposit?

You will need to bring a credit card on the day of your rental. We will hold a deposit value (up to €1000) on your card that will be released at the end of your booking provided there is no damage to the boat or anything else you are liable for.

Do I need a VHF Operators licence?

No – our bareboats are registered as Class 5 – Sheltered Waters meaning they are exempt from carrying a VHF onboard and can only navigate up to 3 NM from the shoreline.

How do you work out fuel for a charter?

The boat will be supplied full, and you’ll be met at the fuel pontoon in Lagos where you’ll be expected to fill the boat again.

Am I liable for damage to the boat?

You are liable for damage you directly cause to the boat if it is reckless or contravene an order from the skipper. On a skippered charter, it is the skippers responsibility to keep the boat safe, and you’re responsible only for your own actions.

What happens if I hurt myself doing any water activity?

You are responsible for any injuries to yourself or another person whilst engaging in a water sport. The crew will give guidance only and will not be responsible for any injuries that result from this guidance. Everything you do is at your own risk.

How do I know the boats are safe?

As a licenced commercial operator, we are required to subject the boats to regular inspections by the authorities in Portugal.

What do the inspectors check?

The inspectors check the mechanical servicability of the boat, and review all the safety equipment on board.

Are there life jackets and other safety equipment on board?

Yes – all our boats are equiped to Class 4 or 5 requirements in Portugal. They have the correct number and specification of jackets on board, flares and life rafts/preservers, first aid kit and other miscellaneous equipment that meets or exceeds the legal requirements.

And how about insurance and other paperwork/licences – can I check?

We’re also required to provide details of all our insurance to the authorities and prove they’re kept in date. You can ask at any time to see the registration, insurance and commercial operators certificate.

What is your cancellation policy?

To make a reservation we require a deposit of 20% of your total rental cost. You may cancel your reservation up to 48h prior to the reserved date and receive a full refund on the deposit you paid to secure the reservation.

Failing to show up for your reservation, or non compliance with the established conditions of the charters and rentals, i.e. reserving a bareboat and failing to present an adequate boat license, or showing up with more people than the legal capacity of the boat, do not entitle you to a refund.

What is your policy in case of bad weather?

We reserve the right to cancel any boat reservation, even at the last minute, due to safety reasons, if that is the case you will receive a full refund on the deposit paid to secure the reservation. If there’s bad weather on the date you have reserved, we try to reach out beforehand to see if rescheduling is possible, if not, you are entitled to a full refund on the deposit paid to secure the reservation.

How does catering work?

Catering is outsourced and provided by an independent professional catering company. All catering requests must be confirmed and paid upfront at least 48h prior to your reservation. From this point, your catering request can no longer be caneclled, rescheduled or refunded, even in the event of a cancellation due to bad weather or safety on our part, as the items are brought in and prepared fresh especially for your order and cannot be repurposed. You can however pick up your catering items and take them with you to enjoy.

What is your Licence number?

Our registration number with Turismo de Portugal as a maritime tourist operator is 109/2021 (Mare Somnia Unip. Lda).