Berth charter

Bunks

A berth charter is a contract between an individual or small group and a shipping company to rent a single berth (sleeping place) on board a ship for a limited time. The shipping company provides the ship and a - often professional - skipper , while the customers take part in guiding the boat. There are travel companies that specialize in this industry.

The target audience of bunk charter offers are individuals or groups who are too small to charter an entire ship for themselves or who do not dare to. Berth charters are also often offered or used for training and further education. Proof of practical experience in the form of days at sea or miles covered is required to obtain various skipper's licenses. A candidate can work out this under the supervision of an experienced skipper. Often only the port of departure and arrival are known, the stages of the journey are discussed among the participants.

With the conclusion of the berth charter contract, the charterer receives the right to use the berth for the agreed time. The charter price usually includes the skipper's wages and the maintenance of the boat. Other necessary travel costs, such as food, port taxes or fuel, are borne by all participants in the trip and are not included in the charter price.

The hand against berth is an alternative in which fellow passengers do not pay any compensation for the journey and the use of the berth, but still participate in the navigation of the ship. This is more likely to be offered by private individuals if they need a crew for their own boat to help them cover a longer distance. The fellow sailors usually contribute to the travel expenses.