What is APA in yacht charter and how is it calculated?
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is a pre-paid fund from charter clients, set as a percentage of the base charter fee, covering running expenses including fuel, provisioning, marina fees, and port taxes. Unused APA is returned; overruns are billed additionally.
APA is held and managed by the captain on behalf of the charter client. It is not income — it passes through to actual expenses and is reconciled at trip end.
APA rates: the percentage is agreed in the charter contract and varies by yacht and cruising area.
APA covers: fuel, marina fees and harbor dues, provisioning (food, beverages, supplies), port taxes, mooring fees, water taxi, and any necessary repairs during charter.
APA reconciliation: at trip end, the captain presents itemized receipts for all expenditure. Unused APA returns to the client. Expenses exceeding APA are charged additionally.
For accounting: APA is not revenue to the operator. All expenditures require receipts. Proper APA bookkeeping is essential for VAT reclaim and charter financial reporting.
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