Boat preperation
Guidelines
Rider tips
Ports & Customs info
A worry-free transit means your vessel is properly prepared and safely stowed aboard our yacht transport carriers. Here’s what you need to know to get your boat ready to come aboard
The necessary paperwork
All yachts should have their own insurance in place before and after the shipment. A copy of the yacht’s original documentation and cover for hull and machinery will be requested. Proper customs procedures should be followed for each country or origin/destination.
Secure your vessel
All lose items should be removed entirely or properly stowed. Hatches should be closed and locked.
Vessel specifications for cribbing
To safely secure your yacht, all requested measurements should be provided to include any and all protrusions (outriggers, bowsprits, transducers etc).
Document any pre-trip damage
Inspect your boat for damage and take pictures to document any existing problems.
Lock down loose objects
Remove all personal items from the cabins and store any breakables in a safe place. Don’t forget to remove any prohibited items.
Shrink wrap for extra protection
Protect the outside of your yacht from soot, salt, etc. with shrink wrap. Also cover all stainless steel and chrome fittings or apply an insulator wax.
Travel light
Empty all fuel and water tanks as much as possible. However, keep enough on board to get to and from the transport ship.
No power needed
Power down everything. Unplug your batteries. Store your cables to prevent any contact.
For sailing yachts
For sailing yacht transport: remove sails or protect them with covers. All yachts must meet height requirements.
Strictly prohibited and subject to heavy fines or arrest:
Firearms
Firearms, ammunitions or illegal drugs.
Foods
Fresh or frozen foods, canned meats or plants of any kind.
Pollution
Oil or oil residues, garbage, plastics and paint residues.
General information regarding service with DYT
- No removal of waste from your yacht to our deck.
- Electric and water connections will be provided only if there is an approved rider onboard and only after welding of deck is completed (may take more than 12 hours; check with DYT crew).
- Yacht carrier will not accept deliveries for any yacht during the period that yachts are afloat. All deliveries must be requested and approved by a DYT representative.
- When yacht carrier is anchored offshore, limited launch service is provided; check for launch departure time with the local crew.
- Travel as light as possible. Boarding and disembarkation on a rope ladder may be required.
- We strongly recommend you have at least 2 persons onboard during loading and unloading operations.
- Please dispose of all garbage and waste products prior to arrival on our yacht carrier.
Deliver the yacht as light as possible:
- Inflammable liquids such as fuel stowed in jerry cans will not be allowed.
- Bilges should be empty, and bilge pumps should be switched off.
- Sewage tanks should be empty, and installation switched off.
Please have:
- At least 50 feet of lines on each side of your vessel, 2 on each side, forward and aft.
- A minimum of 2 fenders on each side of vessel, forward and aft.
- A minimum crew of 2 persons.
Yacht delivery process: start to finish
1. Stand by
- Radio check on VHF Channel 17 with the yacht carrier and await instruction.
- No berthing alongside the yacht carrier is allowed without permission from the DYT loading master.
- Turn the radar off. Ensure fenders and lines are set and maintained at the correct location and height.
- Pay close attention to instructions from the crew and master. Be prepared for line handling.
2. Loaded, water still on deck
- Stay on board your yacht until you are tied up.
- Generators/main engines are to be switched off as soon as yacht is positioned and before divers are in the water.
- No swimming.
- Meet DYT representative on board yacht carrier, bring yacht registry (or copy of Bill of Sale or Builder’s Certificate) and yacht keys, and if approved, rider with passport and visa.
3. Yacht carrier deck dry
- While on board your yacht, do not shift heavy weights.
- Exit via deck only and always wait for the secured ladder. The use of catwalks is not allowed.
- Use extreme caution when walking and be aware of all possible tripping hazards.
- Welding will be taking place. Do not look into welding/cutting flames.
4. Departure preperations
- Ensure all yacht equipment and loose items are properly sea-fastened.
- Check departure time. All riders must be on board one hour before scheduled departure.
- All visitors must leave the yacht carrier at least one hour before scheduled departure.
5. Arrival at the port of discharge
- Board yacht carrier.
- Meet with a DYT representative on board the yacht carrier for releasing your yacht.
- The DYT crew will disconnect the electrical power and water connections.
- Ensure that all fenders are set at the correct location.
6. Unloading operations
- Stay on board your yacht and check radio frequency.
- Switch off radar until the yacht is completely offloaded.
- Do not shift heavy weights on board of your yacht.
- Do not interfere with cutting/removal of sea fastenings without permission.
- Pay close attention to DYT crew instructions. Generators and engines are to remain off until you receive instructions. Divers must be safely out of the water before either of these mechanisms can be turned on.
Tips for yacht transport riders
DYT encourages each approved rider to read the Rider Guidelines carefully. Each rider must attend the orientation meeting on board the vessel before departure to familiarize themselves with safety protocols and procedures and ask any further questions before departure from port.
Warning to riders
Ladder required
You may be required to board our yacht carrier via launch and rope ladder. Never embark or disembark your yacht via a loose ladder standing against the yacht on the ship’s deck. Ladders should always be secured or held by a crew member when used for this purpose; we do not accept any liability for accidents with loose ladders.
Narrow walkways
You may be subjected to narrow walkways, steep ladders and gangways.
No flip flops
Due to the many tripping hazards on deck, no flip flops or open-toe shoes are permitted.
Water onboard
Fresh water is provided during boat transport, but restrictions could be enforced depending on consumption and tank levels.
Hoses and hook-ups
Yachts are responsible for supplying their own hoses. The connections on board are 1½”, 2” or 2 ½”. Length is sometimes a problem so joining 2 or 3 together may be required.
Power
There are no plug-in connections so you must remove your cord ends. Your cord is cut to fit, so a pigtail connection with bare ends would come in handy.
Keeping your yacht clean
Riders are responsible for washing their yacht. Prepare to wash down your yacht every other day. DYT provides a pressure washer on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trash
Be prepared to separate your trash. Nothing is allowed to be discharged on the deck of the yacht transport carrier.
Phone use
A satellite phone located on the bridge is available during yacht transport for $1.70 per min. This fee is collected in cash before the ship docks. Receipts are also available.
Customs & Immigration
Paperwork
The customs agency at the arrival port will arrange all necessary clearances, port passes, and other formalities required by law on your behalf. DYT is not responsible for the correct and timely filing of customs for your yacht or riders.
Time is of the essence
You must file your customs paperwork a MINIMUM of 72 hours prior to LOADING
No transport of entry
Without proper clearances in place, your yacht will not be able to load or unload, resulting in significant fines from the country of origin, demmurage or potential arrest of the vessel by authorities.
Customs info for riders
Special requests
Requests for a rider are considered for yachts 90 feet or larger. Contact your booking agent upon reservation to apply. All necessary visas must be in place and valid.
Travel to the U.S.A.
Non-US riders arriving in or passing through the United States of America are required to hold a valid B1/B2 Visa. Without a B1/B2 Visa riders will not be allowed on the vessel.
Passports & Visas
Copies of valid Visas and current passports will be requested by the DYT representative prior to approval. Upon loading, the original will be kept by the Master on board our carriers for the duration of the shipment.
Yacht owners/Guests sign-in
Yacht owners, their delegated contact persons, and any approved riders will meet with their DYT yacht shipping representative before unloading and after loading (either on the bridge or the crew office of the transport vessel – please follow the signs). This meeting allows for yacht key exchange, completion of shipping paperwork, documentation collection (original yacht documents will be collected), and other essential formalities. Please provide a picture ID.