Legal

Safety on board

Version 2.1 · Effective 21 October 2026 · اقرأ النص العربي

Part 1: Before your trip

1. Who is responsible for safety

1.1 LuxuryYacht.Tours is a booking agent and concierge. We do not own or operate yachts. Every trip is run by a licensed local operator, named on your quote. The operator and the captain are responsible for the yacht, the crew and safety on board and in the water.

1.2 Before we offer a yacht, we review it with its operator on a live video call, and the operator confirms that it holds a valid licence and passenger insurance. For Verified yachts and above, we also see the licence and the insurance, and we re-check them before they expire. Part 5 lists what every operator must have under our Operator Agreement.

1.3 You and everyone in your group are responsible for following this page and the crew’s instructions, for telling us what the crew needs to know, and for your own conduct.

1.4 This page forms part of our booking terms. Please share it with everyone in your group before the trip.

2. Guest numbers and licensed capacity

2.1 Every yacht has a licensed passenger capacity, shown on your quote. The number of guests on board may never be more than that capacity, whatever is asked. Children and babies count as guests.

2.2 Tell us the exact number of guests, and the ages of any children, in your request. If your group changes, tell us before the trip. Extra guests are possible only within the licensed capacity and with the operator’s agreement, and may change the price.

2.3 If more people arrive than the quote allows, the captain must refuse to sail with the extra guests. This is not a cancellation by the operator.

3. Before you sail

• Tell us in advance about non-swimmers, children’s ages, pregnancy, medical conditions, allergies or reduced mobility, so the crew can prepare. We pass this to the operator only to run your trip.
• Bring a passport or ID card for every guest when your route goes to a protected area. Park rangers and port officials may check them.
• Check your quote for what is included and not included, such as national park fees, food and drinks, and for the operator’s rules on alcohol.
• Read the day-of details we send by 18:00 Cairo time the day before your trip: the meeting point, the captain’s name and a phone number for the day.
• Arrive on time at the meeting point on your confirmation. Port checks take time. A guest who is not at the meeting point within 30 minutes after the departure time, without telling us, may be treated as a no-show under our booking terms.
• Eat a light meal before sailing and take any motion sickness medicine you use before you board, as its instructions say.

4. Health, medication and pregnancy

4.1 Tell us first. Please tell us before the trip about any health condition that could matter at sea, such as heart or breathing conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, severe allergies, recent surgery or injury, or a condition that affects balance or mobility. You decide what to share. What you share is used only to prepare your trip.

4.2 Medicine. Bring enough of any medicine you need, in its original packaging, and keep it with you, not in a bag stored below deck. Tell a member of your group where it is.

4.3 No medical staff on board. Yachts carry a first-aid kit and at least one crew member trained in first aid, but there is no doctor or nurse on board. At sea, medical help may be some time away. If you are unsure whether a trip is suitable for you, ask your doctor before booking.

4.4 Pregnancy. If you are pregnant, please ask your doctor whether a boat trip is suitable for you and tell us when you book. A yacht can move suddenly in waves and in the wake of other boats. The captain may advise against certain activities, such as fast tender rides or water toys.

4.5 Seasickness. Some people feel unwell at sea, even on calm days. Stay in the fresh air, look at the horizon, keep drinking water and tell the crew early.

4.6 Scuba diving and flying. If your trip includes scuba diving, follow your instructor’s advice on the time to wait before flying.

5. Children and non-swimmers

5.1 Supervision. Children must always be watched by an adult from their group, on deck and in the water. The crew helps with safety but does not look after children.

5.2 Life jackets. Children and non-swimmers should wear a life jacket whenever the captain asks, and always in the water. Tell us the children’s ages in your request, so the right sizes are on board.

5.3 On deck. Children stay away from the bow, the rails, the swim platform and the anchor area while the yacht is moving, and never go on deck alone.

5.4 Non-swimmers. Non-swimmers tell the crew before any swim stop, wear a life jacket in the water, stay close to the yacht and use a flotation aid if the crew offers one.

5.5 Operator rules. Some operators set age limits for certain activities, such as water toys or diving. Your quote tells you if they apply.

6. Accessibility and reduced mobility

6.1 Many yachts are boarded by a gangway, steps or a small tender, and have steps, narrow passages and moving decks. Please tell us in your request about any mobility, sight, hearing or other needs.

6.2 We ask the operator what is possible and tell you in writing before you pay, for example how boarding works and whether the crew can help. We never promise access that the operator has not confirmed.

6.3 A guest who needs help to move around the yacht or to respond in an emergency should travel with a companion who can help.

7. What to bring

• Passport or ID card for every guest, for protected areas.
• Your confirmation and the day-of details.
• Payment for the balance, in cash or by card as stated on your quote, and for anything the quote lists as not included, such as park fees.
• Sun protection: reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light long-sleeved top.
• Swimwear, a towel if your quote does not include towels, and a change of clothes.
• A light jacket or layer: it can be windy at sea, and evenings can be cool.
• Shoes with soft, non-marking soles for the deck, and water shoes for rocky or reef entries.
• Water, if your quote does not include drinks, and any snacks you need for health reasons.
• Any medicine you need, including motion sickness medicine.
• A waterproof bag for your phone and valuables. The operator is not responsible for valuables you bring unless the law says otherwise, so bring only what you need.

Part 2: On board and in the water

8. Life jackets and safety equipment

8.1 Under our Operator Agreement, every trip carries a life jacket for every person on board, with children’s sizes when children travel, a first-aid kit and all the safety equipment the yacht’s licence requires.

8.2 Tell us the children’s ages in your request. Your concierge confirms the sizes with the operator in writing before you pay.

8.3 The crew shows you where life jackets and safety equipment are kept. If a life jacket does not fit, tell the crew before departure.

8.4 Children and non-swimmers should wear a life jacket whenever the captain asks, and always in the water. Every guest wears one when the captain says so.

8.5 Do not use, move or play with safety equipment except in an emergency or when the crew asks.

9. The safety briefing

9.1 Before departure the crew gives all guests a safety briefing. Please listen, even if you have sailed before, and make sure children understand it.

9.2 The briefing covers where the life jackets and first-aid kit are, how to move safely on board, the rules for swimming and the meeting point on board in an emergency.

9.3 If you do not understand something, or you arrive after the briefing, ask the crew to repeat it.

10. The captain’s instructions

10.1 Every guest must follow the captain’s and crew’s safety instructions at all times. The captain has the final word on safety.

10.2 The captain may:

• change the route, shorten the trip or return to port for safety;
• decide not to sail when weather or sea conditions are unsafe;
• stop or cancel swimming, snorkelling or water activities;
• refuse boarding to, or bring back to port, anyone who puts the trip at risk.

10.3 Do not go to the helm, touch controls, anchors or lines, or ask the crew to break safety rules or carry more people than allowed.

11. Weather, sea conditions and sailing bans

11.1 The port authority or coast guard can stop boats from sailing or issue a weather warning, and the captain can decide in good faith that it is unsafe to sail.

11.2 If the trip cannot go ahead before departure for either reason, you choose a new date or a full refund of everything you paid, both the deposit and any balance. See our booking terms.

11.3 During the trip, the captain may change the route or return early for safety. This is not a cancellation by you or by the operator. Under our Operator Agreement, the operator and we agree with you on any fair partial refund for a trip cut short for safety.

11.4 Wind and waves can change quickly at sea. Even on a sunny day, the captain may choose a sheltered bay instead of an exposed reef.

12. Moving around the yacht

• Hold a handrail when moving, especially while the yacht is under way and when boarding or leaving.
• Stay seated or hold on while the yacht is moving fast or turning. Do not sit on rails, the bow or the swim platform while the yacht is moving.
• Decks can be wet and slippery. Walk, do not run, and wear soft-soled shoes or go barefoot as the crew advises.
• Keep hands and feet away from lines, anchors, winches, doors and hatches.
• Never jump or dive from the yacht unless the crew says it is safe at that place and time.
• Boarding and leaving the yacht, and moving to or from a tender, happen only when the crew says so.

13. Swimming and snorkelling

• Swim and snorkel only where and when the crew says it is safe.
• Never swim near the propellers or when the engine is running. The crew stops the engines before anyone enters the water.
• A crew member watches whenever guests are in the water. Stay with your group and within sight of the crew.
• Children must always be watched by an adult from their group, in the water and on deck.
• Non-swimmers and weak swimmers wear a life jacket in the water.
• Check your snorkel mask and fins fit before you jump in, and ask the crew if you are not sure how to use them.
• Do not swim after drinking alcohol, after a heavy meal, or when you feel unwell or tired.
• Watch out for other boats. Do not swim into boat channels or away from the area the crew shows you.
• Currents can be strong near reefs and headlands. If you feel pulled away, do not fight the current: raise an arm, call out and float until the crew reaches you.
• No swimming after dark unless the captain specifically allows it.
• Get out of the water at once when the crew calls.

14. Diving and water toys

14.1 Scuba diving is offered only with qualified instructors and equipment, as the law requires, and only if it is shown on your quote. Divers follow the instructor’s rules, including on depth, time and safety stops.

14.2 Do not dive if you have a health condition your instructor or doctor has advised against, or if you drank alcohol before the dive.

14.3 Water toys, such as paddle boards, kayaks or towed inflatables, are used only if they are shown on your quote, in the area and conditions the crew allows, with a life jacket where the crew asks.

15. Sun, heat and hydration

15.1 The sun on the Red Sea is strong all year, and it reflects off the water. Use reef-friendly sunscreen, reapply it after swimming, and wear a hat and sunglasses.

15.2 Drink water often, even if you do not feel thirsty, and more in the summer months. Limit alcohol on hot days.

15.3 Stay in the shade at midday where you can, and keep a close eye on children and older guests.

15.4 Tell the crew at once if anyone has a headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps or confusion. These can be signs of heat illness.

16. Alcohol, drugs and smoking

16.1 Alcohol. Whether alcohol is allowed on board depends on the operator and on Egyptian law. Your quote tells you what is allowed. Drink responsibly. Do not swim, snorkel, dive or use water toys after drinking alcohol.

16.2 Refusal. The captain may refuse boarding to anyone who is drunk, and may stop serving or allowing alcohol at any time for safety.

16.3 Illegal drugs. Illegal drugs are strictly forbidden on board. Egyptian law treats drug offences very seriously. The captain will refuse boarding or end the trip, and the authorities may be told.

16.4 Smoking. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is allowed only where and when the captain allows it, never near fuel, engines or life jackets. Take all cigarette ends back with you.

17. Food, drinks and allergies

17.1 Food and drinks the operator serves are prepared and stored safely, under our Operator Agreement.

17.2 Tell us about any food allergy or diet in your request. You can ask the crew about allergens at any time. If you have a severe allergy, bring your own medicine, such as an adrenaline auto-injector, and tell the crew where it is.

17.3 If you bring your own food or drinks, check with us first that the operator allows it.

18. Guest conduct and zero tolerance for harassment

18.1 Respect. Treat the crew, other guests, other boats, park rangers and port staff with respect. The crew treats you with respect too, as our Operator Agreement requires.

18.2 Zero tolerance. We do not tolerate harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, unwanted touching, threats, violence, abusive language, or discrimination, by anyone on board, guests or crew.

18.3 What happens. If a guest harasses, threatens or endangers anyone, the captain may refuse boarding, stop the activity or return to port, and the authorities may be told. If this happens because of a guest’s own conduct, it is not a cancellation by the operator.

18.4 If it happens to you. If anyone on board, including a crew member, harasses you or makes you feel unsafe, tell the captain if you can and call or message us at once on WhatsApp +20 106 099 0121. We take every report seriously, act on it with the operator and may suspend the operator while we look into it. If you are in danger, call the police on 122 or the tourist police on 126.

18.5 Not allowed on board. Weapons, fireworks, flares not supplied by the yacht, illegal drugs, and anything dangerous or illegal. Drones, loud music, pets and glass may be restricted by the operator or the park rules; ask us first.

18.6 Photos. Respect other people’s privacy. Ask before you photograph or film other guests or crew.

18.7 Damage. Please take care of the yacht and its equipment. A guest who damages the yacht on purpose or through reckless conduct may be asked by the operator to pay for the damage, as the law allows.

Part 3: Protected areas and marine life

19. Protected areas and the reef

19.1 Many trips visit protected areas, such as Ras Mohammed National Park and the Tiran area. These areas are protected under Egyptian law on natural protectorates (Law No. 102 of 1983), and park rangers enforce the rules.

19.2 Park fees. Park fees apply, as shown on your quote. For Ras Mohammed National Park the official fee is USD 5 per foreign visitor and EGP 25 per Egyptian visitor, and children under 7 enter free, under Ministry of Environment Decision No. 204 of 2019. Fees are set by the authorities and may change. Your quote says what is included and how fees are paid.

19.3 Documents. Every guest needs a passport or ID card for the checks.

19.4 In these areas:

• do not touch, stand on, kick or take coral, shells, sand, rocks or any living thing, alive or dead;
• do not feed the fish or any other animal;
• do not chase, ride or touch turtles, dolphins or other marine animals;
• do not leave anything behind, and take your rubbish back to port;
• control your fins and buoyancy, and keep a safe distance above the reef;
• use reef-friendly sun protection where you can;
• follow the instructions of park rangers and the crew.

19.5 Park rangers may fine anyone who breaks park rules. Fines are paid by the person who broke the rules.

19.6 Under our Operator Agreement, operators do not anchor on coral, feed fish or throw waste into the sea, and follow park rules on waste and fuel.

20. Marine life

20.1 Most marine life is harmless if you look and do not touch. Some animals can sting or injure, such as sea urchins, lionfish, stonefish, fire coral and jellyfish. Keep your hands to yourself and do not stand on the seabed.

20.2 Wear water shoes when entering from a beach or rocks, if the crew advises it.

20.3 If you are stung or cut, get out of the water and tell the crew at once. They will give first aid and decide whether medical help is needed.

20.4 Dolphins and other large animals are wild. Watch them from a distance, never chase them, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Part 4: Emergencies and incidents

21. Emergencies and problems

21.1 On board. In an emergency on board, tell the captain or any crew member at once. The crew follows the operator’s emergency procedures and contacts the authorities and emergency services. Follow their instructions and put on a life jacket when asked.

21.2 Person in the water. If someone falls into the water, shout “Person overboard”, point at them and keep pointing, and tell the crew at once. Do not jump in after them unless the crew asks.

21.3 Emergency numbers in Egypt.

21.4 Call us too. For any problem, call or message us on WhatsApp +20 106 099 0121. On trip days we answer from 7:00 Cairo time until guests are back ashore, and on other days from 9:00 to 22:00 Cairo time. We do not replace the emergency services: in a medical emergency, the crew and the emergency services come first.

21.5 Insurance. Operators hold passenger insurance for every yacht we list. We also recommend that you have your own travel and health insurance that covers boat trips and any water activities you plan.

22. How to report an incident or a safety concern

22.1 On the day. If something goes wrong or does not feel safe, tell the crew and contact us at once, so we can help while you are still on board. Tell us your booking reference, what happened, when and where, and who was involved.

22.2 Evidence. If you can do so safely, keep photos, videos, messages, receipts and the names of witnesses. Keep any medical reports and receipts.

22.3 After the trip. Write to hello@luxuryyacht.tours as soon as you can. We pass a written complaint to the operator within 2 business days, the operator answers within 3 business days, and we tell you our decision in writing within 5 business days of the operator’s answer.

22.4 Operators report too. Under our Operator Agreement, operators tell us of any accident, injury, damage, lost property or serious complaint within 2 hours, and of any injury or emergency at once.

22.5 What we do. We may pause a yacht or an operator at once while we look into a credible report of a safety risk, an accident or harassment.

22.6 Lost property. Tell us as soon as you notice something is missing. We ask the operator to look for it and tell you what they find.

22.7 Safety concerns. You can also tell us about a safety concern that did not lead to an incident, such as missing equipment or an unsafe practice. We follow up every report with the operator.

Part 5: What every operator must have

23. Our standards for operators

Under our Operator Agreement, every operator we list must:

• hold and keep valid the tourism licences required in Egypt, a boat tourism (navigation) licence for each yacht showing its licensed passenger capacity, and licences for each captain and crew member who must be licensed;
• hold passenger insurance for each yacht covering every guest up to its licensed capacity;
• operate every trip safely and in line with Egyptian law, the yacht’s licence, port authority instructions and the rules of protected areas such as Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran;
• have a licensed captain and enough trained crew for the yacht and the number of guests on every trip, with at least one crew member trained in first aid;
• carry a life jacket for every person on board, with children’s sizes when children travel, a first-aid kit and all safety equipment the licence requires;
• give guests a safety briefing before departure;
• never carry more people than the licensed capacity, whatever is asked;
• allow snorkelling, swimming and diving only where safe and allowed, with a crew member watching, and offer diving only with qualified instructors and equipment, as the law requires;
• follow Egyptian law on alcohol and state its rules on the quote;
• treat guests with respect and never harass, discriminate against or overcharge them;
• prepare and store food and drinks safely, and tell guests about allergens when asked;
• not anchor on coral, feed fish or throw waste into the sea, and follow park rules on waste and fuel;
• send us the meeting point, the captain’s name and a contact number by 18:00 Cairo time the day before the trip; and
• tell us of any accident, injury, damage, lost property or serious complaint within 2 hours, and of any injury or emergency at once.

Before a yacht goes live, we review it with its operator on a live video call, and the operator confirms that it holds a valid licence and passenger insurance. For Verified yachts and above, we also see the licence and the insurance and re-check them before they expire. We may suspend an operator at once if a document is missing, expired or false, or if we receive a credible report of a safety risk, an accident or harassment.

Part 6: About this page

24. How this page applies

24.1 This page forms part of our booking terms. If the operator’s own rules on your quote are stricter on a safety point, the stricter rule applies.

24.2 Nothing on this page reduces the operator’s responsibility for the yacht, the crew and safety, or your rights under our booking terms and Egyptian law, including Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018.

24.3 We may update this page. The version and date at the top show which version is current.

24.4 This page is published in English and Arabic. Both versions are equally valid. If they differ, the Arabic version prevails.

24.5 Contact: hello@luxuryyacht.tours · WhatsApp +20 106 099 0121 · concierge hours 9:00 to 22:00 Cairo time, every day; on trip days from 7:00 until guests are back ashore.