What is the MYBA Charter Agreement?

What Is the MYBA Charter Agreement? Your Essential Guide to Superyacht Charter Contracts

When booking a luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean or beyond, one key document will shape your entire experience: the MYBA Charter Agreement. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

In this guide, we’ll break down what the MYBA Charter Agreement covers, how it protects both charterers and yacht owners, and what you should know before signing.

What Is the MYBA Charter Agreement?

The MYBA Charter Agreement is the industry-standard contract used for most luxury crewed yacht charters, particularly in the Mediterranean. Originally created by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) over 30 years ago, this legally binding document outlines all the terms and conditions of your charter.

It's widely regarded as the most trusted yacht charter contract in the world, regularly updated to reflect current regulations, industry practices, and charterer expectations.

Why Is the MYBA Charter Agreement Important?

The MYBA Agreement provides clarity, fairness, and security for all parties involved—charterers, yacht owners, captains, and crew.

Here’s why it matters:

• Protects both charter guests and owners
• Covers everything from payment terms to captain authority
• Clarifies what’s included in the base fee vs. the APA
• Reduces the risk of disputes
• Sets expectations for onboard conduct and legal compliance

Key Components of the MYBA Charter Agreement

Understanding what’s inside the agreement helps you feel confident and informed before your trip. Here are the most important sections:

1. Charter Fee & Payment Schedule

When signing, you’ll typically pay 50% of the total charter fee upfront to secure the yacht. The balance is usually due one month before departure. In some cases, staggered payment plans can be arranged—especially for early bookings.

2. Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)

The APA is a separate allowance—typically 20–30% of the base charter fee—paid in advance to cover variable expenses such as:

• Fuel
• Food and drinks
• Port and mooring fees
• Water toys
• Local taxes

The captain manages this fund during your charter, keeping detailed records. Any unused funds are refunded at the end of your trip, and if costs exceed the APA, you’ll be asked to top up during the charter.

3. Captain’s Authority & Onboard Safety

The captain has full authority throughout your charter. This is not just protocol—it’s vital for safety, legal compliance, and operational decisions.

This also covers water sports usage (like jet skis) and adherence to local and international maritime laws.

4. Special Conditions & Personal Preferences

Your MYBA contract includes a Special Conditions section that can be tailored to your specific requests. This is where you can outline:

• Dietary needs
• Itinerary preferences
• Special occasions
• Cabin arrangements

Your broker will work closely with you to ensure all important details are documented before signing.

5. Legal Protections

The agreement is built to handle unexpected scenarios, such as:

• Cancellations and refund terms
• Force majeure (weather, strikes, etc.)
• Liability waivers
• Insurance obligations

It also now includes AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Client) clauses to meet global compliance standards.

Before You Sign: Tips from High Tide Yacht Charters

As with any legal agreement, we recommend reviewing the MYBA Charter Agreement carefully—especially if this is your first yacht charter.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Ask questions — no detail is too small
• Be transparent with your preferences and expectations
• Trust your broker — we’re here to guide you through it
• Raise issues during the charter, not after disembarkation

Avoiding Disputes: Communication Is Key

Disputes are rare—but when they do occur, the MYBA Agreement serves as a clear, neutral reference point. Most issues arise from misunderstandings that could’ve been addressed beforehand. That’s why clear communication with your broker and crew is essential from the start.

Final Thoughts: Why MYBA Matters

At High Tide Yacht Charters, we believe the MYBA Charter Agreement is more than just a contract—it’s a blueprint for a seamless, luxurious, and stress-free charter experience.

By setting clear expectations and protecting your interests, the MYBA Agreement ensures that your time on the water is everything you dreamed it would be.

Got Questions About the MYBA Agreement?

Whether you're planning your first charter or your fifth, we're here to help.
📩 Contact our team for expert guidance and bespoke charter proposals.

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