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Yacht charter privacy: what you need to know
Yacht charter privacy: what you need to know

Yacht charter privacy: what you need to know

7 September 2022

Have you noticed this little drone flying over your yacht?

If you’re considering chartering a yacht, you likely have visions of serene days spent cruising the open sea with friends and family. However, it’s important to remember that yacht charter privacy. In fact, without the proper precautions, your private yacht experience could quickly turn into a nightmare of paparazzi, nosy neighbors, or  unwanted attention.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the key considerations when it comes to privacy on board a yacht, including your rights as an owner or charterer and best practices for ensuring a safe and private experience on the high seas.

Yacht charter privacy : understanding your rights

Before we delve into best practices for ensuring privacy on a yacht, it’s important to understand your legal rights as a yacht owner or charterer.

Firstly, always use a charter broker/company that treats your personal information confidentially and in accordance with data protection legislation. We would suggest to do some research on the Internet.

In general, your privacy rights on board your yacht are similar to your privacy rights on land. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

First and foremost, you should be aware that maritime law does allow for certain types of surveillance and monitoring on board a yacht. For example, the captain may have the right to monitor communication systems and keep records of communication for safety and security purposes. Additionally, some countries may have laws that allow authorities to board and search vessels in certain circumstances, such as suspected drug trafficking.

However, these exceptions aside, you generally have a right to privacy on board your yacht. Similarly, your guests have a right to privacy on board your yacht, and you should take steps to ensure that their privacy is protected as well.

Yacht charter privacy: the KYC question

KYC (Know Your Client) is the process of verifying the identity of a customer. KYC requires proof of identity and residence, this can be a passport or other government issued ID and a utility bill or similar.

Originals or certified copies can be provided. The information is only required to comply with international anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. 

Is the principal charterer required to provide KYC information?
Yes. In accordance to international regulations, it is necessary for the company to perform specific checks for the purpose of satisfying the anti-money laundering rules and compliance with any applicable sanctions. Yacht charter companies are bound by these rules, and must comply with global processes., t

Best practices for ensuring privacy on your yacht

Now that you understand your legal rights when it comes to privacy on board a yacht, let’s explore some best practices for ensuring a safe and private experience on the high seas.

As a general rule, flybridge yachts offer more privacy than any other yacht because of their upper deck that prevents people from seeing you.

Addendum to charter contract

Yacht crew

One of the most important steps you can take is to hire a reputable and experienced crew. Your crew should understand and respect your privacy rights, and should be trained to handle any situations that may arise in a professional and discreet manner.

Yacht location

Another key consideration is your yacht’s location. While it’s certainly tempting to moor your vessel in a popular marina or near a bustling beach, these areas are often prime spots for prying eyes and unwanted attention. Instead, consider anchoring in a more remote location, where you can enjoy the peace and solitude of the open sea without worrying about intrusions.

Drone...

It’s also important to keep in mind that modern technology has made it easier than ever for individuals to spy on others. For example, drones can be used to capture footage of your yacht from above, and high-powered cameras can capture images from miles away. To protect your privacy, you may wish to choose a yacht with equipment that can detect and deter unwanted surveillance, such as signal jammers or simple privacy screens.

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Post updated on May 5, 2024
About the author:
Remi van der Deure – French Riviera Charter broker.

Hello,

I am the senior Yacht Charter Broker at Charterminute, a well-known yacht charter boutique in Antibes.

I have served in the yacht charter industry for over 15 years and have gained a strong reputation among my clients, as evidenced by consistent 5-star ratings on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.

My specialty is organizing corporate yacht charters for startups and large companies during popular events like the Cannes Lions Festival, MIPIM, TFWA, and MIPCOM.

I am also proud to be a member of esteemed yacht broker associations, e-MYBA and ECPY, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to providing exceptional yacht charter services and memorable experiences in the French Riviera.

You can contact me directly at +33 (0)662.465.991 or remi@charterminute.com.

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