Onboard services: who pays whom

A commercial yacht runs with dozens of suppliers during the season. Understanding who signs the work order, who pays the invoice and who is responsible for the defect avoids many disputes.

Major shipyard work (refits, paint, heavy mechanical) is contracted directly by the owner or management company, with a Shipyard Project Agreement, milestone invoicing and warranties. The captain supervises technically but doesn't sign the invoice.

Provisioning (fresh food, stores, drinks) is run by the chief stew or chef, with budget approval from the captain. The supplier invoices the yacht account and payment is executed from management. Traceability goes to the boat's budget at every destination.

Bunkering is contracted via agent or broker, with price indexed to Platts. Payment at 30 days from the yacht account. Quantity discrepancies on delivery are resolved before the BDN is signed.

Exterior cleaning, tender & toys servicing, IT and VSAT antenna are contracted monthly with a local supplier at each port. GoMonkeyMate lists these suppliers per port with a verified badge, transparent pricing and reviews from captains who have already worked with them.

Rule of thumb: anything affecting class or safety goes through management; anything operational day-to-day is the captain's call within the approved budget.