"I have experienced live-aboards where all you see is reefs,
boat and ocean for 7 days straight. I was never able to step
ashore and get a feel for the country I was visiting. I don't
want M/Y Bermuda IV to be like that. I would like guests to
truly experience Bermuda, both above the surface and below."
Captain Michael Davis |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few answers to some of the most frequently asked
questions. Arriving in Bermuda
When you arrive in Bermuda, you will be greeted by a Bermuda IV
representative and taken to the ship. Bermuda Immigration
requires you to have a valid passport to enter the country.
Bermuda Customs randomly inspects bags. Boarding will begin at
2:00 p.m. on Saturday, however, should you already be on the
island we ask that you make your way to M.Y. Bermuda IV anytime
after 2:00 p.m. When all the guests have settled on board, they
will be treated to a champagne reception as we relocate to our
evening mooring. Following the reception, dinner will be served
and you will be given a captain’s safety briefing. We will do
all that we can to make your vacation a relaxing one.
Communication
Bermuda IV is in constant communication with the Booking Office.
In the event of any emergency, family and friends may contact
you by calling Antoinette Davis in our Booking Office at (441)
232-7000. The yacht also has a global SAT phone for emergency
purposes. Most US cell phones work in Bermuda and will work from
the boat. NexTel cell phones do NOT work in Bermuda. It is
important to notify the office of any last minute changes
concerning your airline arrival and departure times or any
changes in your address and telephone numbers. Please ensure
that you have downloaded and completed the preference sheets at
least 2 days prior to your arrival so that we can provision for
any special requests or dietary requirements.
Charter Application and Liability and Release Forms
The Bermuda IV Charter Application and the Liability and Release
forms must be submitted to the Yacht Office at least one (1)
week prior to your charter. If the forms are not submitted you
will not be able to board the ship. These forms can be
downloaded via the website or faxed to you from our Yacht
Office.
Weather
Bermuda has a remarkably mild sub-tropical climate that seldom
allows extremes of either heat or cold. Although, during the
summer months, Bermuda is warm (up to 95°F in August) and humid,
the Island is nearly always fanned by cool sea breezes. Between
May and October, average temperatures range between 75° and 88°.
During the winter months (December through March) temperatures
average between 60° and 70°F. Between the months of July and
September, the occasional hurricane may pass the island but we
will do all that we can to insure you have a wonderful and safe
trip!
Bermuda weather and climatology data can be viewed at:
www.weather.bm
On Boat Amenities
Bermuda IV offers such amenities as a hair dryer in each
stateroom, fresh deck towels for use after each dive, and a
variety of toiletries, all for your comfort and convenience. The
ships electrical supply is the same as your home, so feel free
to recharge you laptop computer or camera with peace of mind.
On Shore Activities
Our charters are not just about diving the historic wrecks: we
want you to leave with a sense of what Bermuda is all about -
its history, its culture and its friendly people. Our Heritage
Pass will allow complimentary access to: The Bermuda Aquarium
Museum and Zoo, The Bermuda National Gallery, The Bermuda
National Trust Museum, The Tucker House Museum, Verdmont Museum,
The Bermuda Maritime Museum, The Bermuda Underwater Exploration
Institute and Fort St. Catherine in St. Georges. In addition we
can arrange a round of golf at Belmont Hills golf course,
tennis, squash, horseback riding and taxi tours.
Beverages
A variety of soft drinks, water, iced tea, beer and wine are
complimentary on Bermuda IV. If you have a favorite brand of
liquor, please be sure to include that in your charter
application. We will do our best to provide that for you during
your stay. Please remember that drinking and diving don’t mix.
Should you wish to indulge, you will become a “snorkeler” until
the next day. The Diving Operations Officer reserves the right
to cancel your dives if you appear to be under the influence of
alcohol.
Attire
While on board, dress is casual however should you go ashore,
‘smart casual’ is preferred at many of the local restaurants and
clubs. It is suggested that men bring a light sports jacket.
Diving
Diving in Bermuda is spectacular! We have healthy reef systems
with hard and soft corals and a variety of tropical fish. On
Bermuda IV, we offer a chance to dive on sites that most day
boats do not visit. You will dive on historical shipwrecks
located all around Bermuda. For each historical wreck you dive,
you will be given a Shipwreck certificate issued by the Bermuda
Department of Tourism – a great souvenir. Each certificate
provides the shipwreck's name, a brief history and pre-sinking
silhouette on parchment-style paper.
Dive Gear Suggestions
We suggest you pack the following: mask, fins, snorkel,
regulator with pressure gauge, depth gauge, dive computer, and
buoyancy compensator. Optional but highly recommended equipment
includes spare mask, dive watch, dive light, chem-lites, safety
sausage or other safety devices. Each piece of gear should be
marked with waterproof paint or tape.
You’ll be diving in water that averages 71-86 degrees. Most
guests make 3 to 4 dives a day, so some sort of protection is
needed. A 1/8” or 3mm wet suit should be comfortable and
adequate. During the winter months, a 5mm full wet suit and 1/8”
hood is recommended. Should you experience a gear malfunction,
no need to worry, we have extra equipment on board!
If you would prefer to pack lightly, we have BCD’s, regulators,
octos and computers available for rent. See Rental Dive
Equipment.
Conservation Laws
Coral Reef Preserve Act, 1966
Bermuda's marine life is protected by a number of laws and
ordinances. This Act protects marine plants and animals within
the two preserve areas, the South Shore Coral Reef Preserve and
the North Shore Coral Reef Preserve. It is an offence to remove,
damage or be in possession of plants or animals, whether alive
or dead, which are attached to the coast, the sea-bed or any
reef in the two areas. These two areas encompass most of
Bermuda's fringing reef. Please do not disturb any artifacts on
the wrecks. Please do not take anything off of the wrecks as a
souvenir – it’s illegal. In the event that you find an item of
great value or historical importance, leave it where it is, mark
the spot and immediately report the find to the Captain who will
contact the Wrecks Conservation Officer in Bermuda and ensure
that you are credited for the discovery.
Rental Dive Equipment
A full line of rental dive gear is available aboard including
snorkel gear, regulator, BCD, dive computer, night-light, and
camera equipment.
Certification Courses
We offer the following PADI specialty courses on board Bermuda
IV: wreck diver, under water photographer, deep diver, advanced
open water, and night diver. We are also happy to do check out
dives to complete your open water certification. Please be sure
to tell us your interests so that we may accommodate you.
Insurance
Every effort is made to ensure you have a safe trip; however, we
strongly recommend purchasing short term travel insurance, in
the event of unexpected changes to your travel plans. Also,
recommended are accident, medical, and baggage insurance as well
as Divers Alert Network (DAN) “Preferred Plan” Insurance and/or
PADI Diving Accident Insurance.
Health
Bermuda IV has an extensive first aid kit on board, including an
oxygen unit. The Bermuda IV crew is trained in first aid, CPR
and oxygen administration. You may want to bring motion sickness
medicine, if you feel you will need it. However, Bermuda IV has
stabilizers which will help to minimize the ship's movement when
needed. It is important to inform the dive guide(s) if you are
taking any medication or suffer from allergies. A complete
physical is recommended before your trip. There is NO smoking
allowed inside the ship or on the dive deck. Smoking is only
permitted on the aft deck. The nearest recompression chamber is
located at King Edward Memorial Hospital, just outside of the
city of Hamilton and is one (1) hour or less from any dive site
around Bermuda.
Wednesday Evening
On Wednesday we will make a two tank morning dive to accommodate
the 24 hour no fly rule. After lunch, you may visit the shops on
Front Street, visit the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
or just lounge on the boat. All your gear will be rinsed and air
dried, ready for you departure. Wednesday evening will be dinner
on shore. The crew can make recommendations depending on your
tastes and will make reservation for you. There are many fine
restaurants in Hamilton and all are just a few minutes walk from
the private marina where the ship berths.
Thursday Morning
A continental breakfast is served Thursday morning and
accommodations will be made to drive you to the Bermuda
International Airport. Remember you must be at the airport two
hours before your flight leaves. All guests will be expected to
leave M.Y. Bermuda IV by 10:30 a.m. If you are planning to stay
on the Island, we will make arrangements to take you to your
hotel. |
