Terms & Conditions
A: General Terms and Conditions of Transport
Any ticket (Passenger Vehicle Owner) or bill of lading ('BL') issued by the National Ferries Company (S.A.O.C.) ('NFC') is evidence of a contract of carriage between NFC and the passenger ('Passenger') or the owner of the vehicle to be transported ('Vehicle Owner'). Any goods to be transported are subject to the general terms and conditions of maritime transport by ferries. A complete listing of all applicable terms and conditions, including terms of tariff, travel and cancellation ('NFC's Terms & Conditions'), is available at NFC’s ticket counters and website www.nfc.om . Passengers and Vehicle transporters acknowledge that when they buy an NFC ticket or receive an NFC BL, respectively, they agree to NFC's Terms & Conditions, and confirm their acceptance thereof.
1- Departures, routes and timetables are subject to modification with prior notice to Passengers.
2- Passengers shall confirm their booking (48) forty-eight hours prior to the date of Departure.
3- Passengers shall arrive at NFC's Booking Office at least (2) two hours prior to Departure Time specified in their Ticket. Should a Passenger or a Vehicle Owner miss their Departure Time they shall automatically lose their Reservation.
4- Tickets are non-transferable and non-tradable; and carriage shall only be provided to the Passenger or Vehicle named in the Ticket or the BL, respectively. Passengers shall be required to produce appropriate identification which shall include their passport, identity card, or resident card (for expatriates) as required. If a Ticket or BL is used by a person other than the Passenger or the Vehicle Owner whose information is provided therein, then such Ticket or BL shall be null and void.
5- Passengers under the age of (16) sixteen shall be be accompanied by a responsible adult. Passengers between 16-17 (sixteen-seventeen) years of age may travel unaccompanied only with written authority from a parent or guardian.
6- Any dispute arising from or related to any Passenger, Vehicle or Cargo on board shall be governed by the Maritime Law of Oman and the laws of the Sultanate of Oman. All disputes by a Passenger or Vehicle Owner of any type or nature whatsoever shall be brought exclusively before the competent courts of the Sultanate of Oman.
7- NFC's obligations and responsibilities concerning the transport of persons and goods shall be governed by the Maritime Law of Oman.
8- NFC shall not assume any liability for loss or damage to goods or delay in delivery if: (a) the same is caused by a force majeure event beyond NFC's control; (b) the goods are defective; (c) the same is caused by an error of any third party; or (d) The owner of the goods failed to provide information on the characteristics, nature and value of such goods.
9- Passengers shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the Sultanate of Oman as necessary to travel in and/or out of the country. Passengers shall ensure that they arrive with sufficient time in advance of their trip to perform all necessary requirements and proceedings to get onboard. NFC shall not refund Tickets to Passengers unable to commence/complete their trip due to their own fault.
B: Bookings
1- Tickets can be bought from the NFC Booking Office ('Booking Office'), the NFC Call Centre ('Call Centre'), online via NFC's website, or through partner travel agencies through payment by cash or a through bank transfer to NFC’s account. NFC reserves the right to refuse transportation, request additional payment, and to cancel and/or void tickets at any time without giving reasons.
2- All Tickets have detailed fare rules regulating the validity of Tickets, any changes to travel dates, refund charges and any other Ticket restrictions.
3- NFC shall only issue electronic tickets ('e-tickets') with the Ticket number clearly stated on the e-ticket sent to the customer. Passenger is required to present the Ticket to obtain a boarding card at the Booking Office in order to gain access to the Vessel.
4- Bookings shall be permitted up to at least three (3) hours prior to Departure, after which no booking shall be permitted.
5- Full payment is due at the time NFC confirms Passenger’s booking; and proof of identity of the Passenger or the information of the Vehicle shall be provided.
C: Luggage & Pets Restrictions for Travelling
1- Any luggage taken onboard shall conform to following restrictions:
(a) A Passenger shall be entitled to carry (30) thirty kg luggage free of charge.
(b) Checked bag or suitcase: Total dimensions (i.e. length, width and height) may not exceed (45) forty-five inches (i.e. (115 cm) one hundred fifteen centimeters). Weight may not exceed (30 kg) thirty kilograms.
(c) Passengers are permitted to have (2) two additional pieces of carry-on baggage: one (1) briefcase PLUS either one (1) handbag or one (1) garment bag, all subject to the following size and weight limitations: - Briefcase: 20 x 35 x 45 cm - Handbag: 55 x 38 x 20 cm - Garment Bag: 20 cm thick when folded
(d) The combined weight of both pieces may not exceed (7 kg) seven kilograms.
2- Luggage shall only be comprised of clothes and personal effects/goods.
3- Any dangerous or combustible goods or those listed as dangerous in the International Code of classification of dangerous goods (IMDG code) may not be transported.
4- NFC does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage that may happen as a result of the transport of any animals, movable, precious, or valuable objects.
5- Any banned and prohibited materials and goods may be transported ONLY IF authorized by the competent authorities.
6- Passengers who wish to transport pets on board shall put them in well-locked, appropriate cages.
7- A Passenger travelling with a pet shall declare so at the time of booking and in advance of travel. It is Passenger’s responsibility to provide all necessary documentation and make all arrangements, including, where necessary, quarantine, to satisfy all legal requirements pertaining to pets. Failure to meet such requirement shall prevent such Passenger’s pet from being permitted to travel.
D: Tickets
After purchasing a ticket, should any request to change the reservation date or to recover the value of the ticket, the ticket value shall be deducted as per the following conditions:
1. Twenty Five percent (25%) of the value of the ticket shall be deducted if the request was made to recover the value of the Ticket.
2. An additional fifteen percent (15%) of the value of the Ticket shall be applicable to the Ticket price if the change of reservation is requested twenty-four (24) hours prior to the departure.
3. An additional twenty percent (20%) of the value of the Ticket shall be applicable in the event of booking on same day of departure.
4. Passengers/vehicle owner with valid boarding card must report on board the ferry with sufficient time, before the vessel sails. If such Passengers/vehicle owner arrives after the vessel have sailed, the Passengers/vehicle owner is not entitled to any compensation or refund of their ticket.
5. Should a Passenger /vehicle owner: (i) missed their Trip and they fail to adjust the date and time of booking prior Departure; or (ii) appear late at NFC's Booking Office. they shall pay twenty five percent (25%) of the value of the ticket to re-use their Ticket.
6. Tickets shall be kept throughout the Trip, and shall be produced whenever requested by the employee concerned.
7. Tickets are valid for a period of (3) three months from the date of issuance.
E: General Conditions of Vehicle Transport
1- All vehicles on board the ferry shall be accompanied by the driver thereof.
2- The following documents shall be submitted: - Evidence of Vehicle's owner. - Should a Vehicle be transported on behalf of the owner thereof, a 'No Objection' letter/certificate ('NOC') from the Vehicle Owner shall be issued, along with a copy of the identification card or passport of the Vehicle Owner. - In the case of Vehicles owned by companies and vehicles rental companies, the driver thereof shall submit a NOC from such owner to cross the borders. - Vehicles carrying goods require a letter from the Port Royal Oman Police (Customs) including a list of goods to be transported; the weight of the vehicle with goods on board; and the approval of the customs to transit such goods.
3- Vehicle's registration documents and insurance policies shall be valid.
4- NFC's Booking Office shall be advised in advance about the accurate dimensions and measurements of vehicles, trucks or accessories. Any errors in such information may result in cancellation of reservation of transport.
5- A Vehicle to be transported on board the ferry shall be on board the ferry at the prescribed location within an hour before Departure. In case of violation of such requirement the Reservation thereof shall be cancelled.
F: NFC's Financial Obligations to Passengers in case of a Refund
1- If, for any reason, the ship for which the Ticket is valid fails to make the Trip, NFC shall have no obligation towards the Passengers other than to refund the cost of the Tickets.
2- NFC or any member of the Vessel crew shall not bear of any responsibility for any injury to any Passenger who fails to comply with the safety procedures and instructions issued by the crew, or whose behaviour is inappropriate or risky.
3- Captain of the vessel may prevent any person they believe to be a threat to the safety of passengers or vessel or a source of inconvenience for passengers from embarking, even if such person holds a valid Ticket. If a person is subjected to such prevention, they shall be refunded for their Ticket.
4- The crew is authorized to organize the entry, exit and parking of Vehicles onboard the vessel. A Vehicle driver shall follow the instructions and take responsibility when violating the same.
5- Passengers shall bear full responsibility when they or any person(s) under their care cause any damages or losses to the vessel, or the accessories or crew thereof.
G: Safety and Security
1- Passengers shall pay attention to and comply with all regulations and notices relating to the safety and security of the Vessel, its crew and passengers, the terminal facilities, and immigration requirements and regulations. Therefore, Passengers must be prepared to allow on request, a search of themselves, Vehicle or luggage by an authorized person, and to answer any questions. Female Passengers are only to be searched by female authorized persons. If a Passenger refuses such requests, they may not be allowed to board the Vessel. Under such circumstances, such Passenger will receive a full refund and NFC shall have no further obligation or liability towards them.
2- While at NFC's Booking Offices or onboard a Vessel, Passengers are expected to show respect to public morals and the health and safety of all other persons on board. Passengers are also expected to comply with any instructions made by a member of NFC staff or the Vessel crew. In case of non-compliance, NFC shall have the right to take any legal action.
3- Access to the Vehicle deck is forbidden during the Trip. Passengers shall not stay inside their vehicles during the Trip and shall take all necessary belongings with them to the passenger decks - particularly car keys, boarding card and official documents.
4- Cars shall be locked and left in gear with the hand brake on. All car alarms must be switched off and disabled before going to passenger deck. Cars powered by LPG should have tanks switched off when on vehicle decks. Fuel cans, whether full or empty, are forbidden on board. Tanks should not be overfilled.
5- Motorcycles should be secured by their owners, using the materials provided by on-board staff.
6- Coach heaters powered by diesel fuel or liquid petroleum gas must be switched off when on the vehicle deck.
7- All forms of smoking are strictly prohibited on board ferries and at NFC's Booking Offices.
8- NFC does not assume responsibility for any property lost on board the ferry.
9- If, for any reason (other than NFC’s fault), a Passenger's luggage and/or Vehicle is not disembarked at the end of the Trip, the same may be returned at NFC’s discretion to the port of departure, or taken to another port. NFC shall be entitled to charge such Passenger the appropriate fare if the same was caused by such Passenger's fault.
10- Parents/Guardians/Group Leaders shall not permit children to run around the Vessel or use lifts if unaccompanied.
11- NFC shall not assume any responsibility for any Passenger who has a special case or suffers from particular disease that may affect them if they eat the meals provided during the Trip, and still fails to inform NFC of the same.
12- Passengers shall not access the bridge of the vessel or all areas marked as restricted area or crew only.
13- All forms of alcohol consumption and drug abuse is strictly prohibited on board ferries and at NFC booking offices. Carriage of alcohol as cargo on board our vessels shall be strictly subject to approval by relevant authorities and per documentation.
Following General Terms & Conditions of Maritime Transport applicable particularly for Shannah – Masirah Sector
1- Departures, routes and Schedule is subject to change. Passengers are guided to call 80072000 to reconfirm prior to their travel or by visiting www.nfc.om for latest updates.
2- Passengers shall confirm their booking at least one hour prior to the Scheduled Departure.
3- Passenger should report to Ferry at least thirty (30) minutes prior to sailing time specified in the ticket or boarding card.
4- Issuing Boarding Cards at the Reservation Offices closes fifteen (15) minutes before scheduled departure time and Embarkation on board closes ten (10) minutes prior scheduled departure time.
5- Ticket or boarding pass is not transferable. Passenger is required to produce proof of identity (passport or identity card). The use of the ticket by a person other than the passenger or the vehicle which is mentioned on the ticket or boarding card will result in cancelation of the booking with no refund.
6- In case of ‘no-show’ or Ticket Cancellation on the ticketed day of sailing, cancellation charge of OMR 1/- per passenger per ticket shall be applicable prior refunding.
7- Passengers/vehicle owner with valid boarding card must report on board the ferry with sufficient time, before the vessel sails. If such Passengers/vehicle owner arrives after the vessel has sailed, the Passengers/vehicle owner is not entitled to any compensation or refund of their ticket.
8- In the event of any dispute related to the ticket or shipment or transport of a vehicle on the ferry, such dispute shall be subject to the laws of the Sultanate of Oman.
9- Dangerous or combustible goods or those listed as dangerous in the International Code of classification of dangerous goods (IMDG code) is strictly prohibited for carriage.
10- All forms of smoking are strictly prohibited on board ferries and at NFC's Booking Offices.
11- Unless otherwise stated in above provisions, General Terms & Conditions for Maritime Transport shall be applicable. Please visit www.nfc.om for complete list of our General Terms & Conditions of Maritime Transport.