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Oil and Gas Industry Travel

Transporting oil and gas from production sites to high-demand regions takes a robust and comprehensive supply chain that includes maritime transport, gas pipelines, regasification, and storage sites. At Total, our expertise covers every step in the process.

Shipping oil and gas travel requires advanced technical expertise and excellent coordination. Our priority at every step in the transport process is to ensure the safety of our employees, the environment, our facilities and our cargo.

We apply one of the most rigorous selection processes in the industry for every ship we use, especially those in our fleet. To make sure each vessel meets our standards, our vetting process evaluates the condition of the equipment, ship maintenance, crew quality and operating procedures on board.

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Seaman visa service

Seaman visa service is administrative entry restrictions imposed by the countries for the pilot or a member of the seaman during a transit. The seaman visas are associated with the request for permission to enter a country for a short duration and perform the predefined duties in the given areas, distinct from actual formal permission for an alien to enter and remain in the country. The validity of transit visas for seaman members is usually limited by short terms such as several hours to 10 days depending on the size of the country and the circumstances. The visa policy for seaman members is set by the country and applies to during the transit or to join the vessel. It is illegal for the seaman members to perform repairs or similar work without work permits in port, or traveling in the waters. By law, only a few countries that offer a visa waiver program or do not issue a seaman visa, but allow their entry for a limited time with mandatory clearance documents. Most of the countries permit crew members to travel within the Common Travel Area by carrying a passport or a national identity card.

Related post: Seaman Travel Insurance

Overview

A Seaman visa application in advance of arrival gives non-citizens clearance to enter a country and to remain there within specified constraints and region without a prohibition against employment. They are required to enter into or exit from the country with the aircraft (train and ship) they work for. Many countries require seaman to obtain relevant seaman visas and they often carry a second passport that allows one to be submitted for visas while other passports as a backup ready in case of a short-notice trip. The flight seaman can obtain visas directly from an embassy, however, it takes longer, the companies have a 3rd-party provider and applies for multi-entry visas whenever possible. Pilots, seamen, air hostesses, flight attendants, stewards, or employees on board a ship whose services is required for normal operation.

Visa requirement

The Embassy of India does not issue a seaman visa directly, however, it is issued by Indian missions and posts. Pilots and seaman members are required to needing prior clearance from authorities in India which includes, landing permit issued by the DGCA, ICAO issued by the FAA, Certificate of Incorporation of the airline or cargo operator, Letter of Invitation, business letter and address proof. A landing permit facility, up to a maximum of 72 hours, can be given to a foreigner who enters India by Air or Sea, without a valid visa, under emergent condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.

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Seaman Travel Insurance

Seaman travel insurance covers the loss or damage of ships, cargo, terminals, and any transport or cargo by which property is transferred, acquired, or held between the points of origin and final destination. When goods are transported by mail or courier, insurance is used instead.

Insurance Act 1906

The most important sections of this Act include::§4: a policy without insurable interest is void.:§17: imposes a duty on the insured of uberrimae fides (as opposed to caveat emptor), i.e., that questions must be answered honestly and the risk not misrepresented.:§18: the proposer of the insurer has a duty to disclose all material facts relevant to the acceptance and rating of the risk. Failure to do so is known as non-disclosure or concealment (there are minor differences in the two terms) and renders the insurance voidable by the insurer.:§33(3): If [a warranty] be not [exactly] complied with, then, subject to any express provision in the policy, the insurer is discharged from liability as from the date of the breach of warranty, but without prejudice to any liability incurred by him before that date.:§34(2): where a warranty has been broken, it is no defence to the insured that the breach has been remedied, and the warranty complied with, prior to the loss.:§34(3): a breach of warranty may be waived (ignored) by the insurer.:§39(1): implied the warranty that the vessel must be seaworthy at the start of her voyage and for the purpose of it (voyage policy only).:§39(5): no warranty that a vessel shall be seaworthy during the policy period (time policy). However, if the assured knowingly allows an unseaworthy vessel to set sail the insurer is not liable for losses caused by unseaworthiness.:§50: a policy may be assigned. Typically, a shipowner might assign the benefit of a policy to the ship-mortgagor.:§§60-63: deals with the issues of a constructive total loss. The insured can, by notice, claim for a constructive total loss with the insurer becoming entitled to the ship or cargo if it should later turn up. (By contrast, an actual total loss describes the physical destruction of a vessel or cargo.):§79: deals with subrogation, i.e., the rights of the insurer to stand in the shoes of an indemnified insured and recover salvage for his own benefit. Schedule 1 of the Act contains a list of definitions; schedule 2 contains the model policy wording.

Related post:  How To Book A Seaman Flight Ticket

Claims Basis & Deductibles

Seman insurance is always written on an occurrence basis, covering claims that arise out of damage or injury that took place during the policy period, regardless of when claims are made. Policy features often include extensions of coverage for items typical to a marine business such as tarps and straps.

There can occasionally be a zero deductible purchased but in most cases, there is a deductible that applies.

Source: Wikipedia

By Trust Travel

How to Prepare Yourself for a Solo Trip

Stray from your daily commute

Everyone has a fixed route they take every day to work, and back home. Everything is counted and calculated. Try to get off the bus (or other public transport that you use) a couple of stops before your usual stop, and walk home for the remaining distance. This will not only give a chance to take a glimpse of your wider neighborhood, which you might have missed exploring all these years, but you will also get an idea about how much you can comfortably cover on foot.

Explore a nearby city for a day

Weekends are your days off, offering you the time to relax, chill out with friends, watch movies, spend time with family; all understood! But why not take a short trip one coming the weekend, and travel to a nearby city to spend a day alone. Give yourself time to explore the city, observe the people there, get to know the streets, and do whatever else you think you need to know about that place, focusing especially on the things you never bothered to learn about earlier.

Related post: Best Places To Visit In Winter In India: Short Trips And Holidays

Go on a local day hike

If your trip destination is into the hills, this is one of the best ways to kick-start your preparations. Take a day off from your routine, get your backpack ready (snack, water bottles, medication box, etc.), and leave for the nearest hill for a day’s hike. This will serve as a kind of simulation training.

Do a lone activity

Eating out all by yourself can get really sad for some, that’s understood! But since you will be heading for a solo trip, you may have to face this situation during your trip. Go out and indulge in one or other of the activities that you generally do with friends or family. Watch a movie in the theatre, have a fine gourmet meal, attend a fair; get used to doing things without someone accompanying you.

Try approaching random people

So you approached the girl or guy you were infatuated with, and things turned out…. well, let’s say, not so good! Don’t let your college experiences haunt you for your entire life. Try to approach people to see if you can initiate some conversation. Now, asking the direction for the nearest restaurant isn’t going to offend anyone, would it?

Try the share and care routine

 While on your journey, there will be times when you will have to share the space with other travelers. So if you have been in the habit of having your own room, own bed, own shower; well, that’s going to go for a toss here. Make a stay over at one of your friends’ places and see how you take the sharing concept. Get used to it!

Know everything about the destination

Just dropping at the decided destination without doing a thorough study about the place is always a bad idea, especially when you are traveling alone. It is always beneficial to know a thing or two about the city or the country you are planning to take a trip to. This will help you filter the spots you would want to see, once you are there, and will save time.

Pack according to your needs

While on a trip, always try to travel as light as possible. Your backpack must only have the essentials you are likely to need during your sojourn. Medical supplies, food, and other general stuff are usually easily available in any city you visit; if you are traveling into the wilderness of forests or mountains, then you’ll need to be more careful and carry more with you. A little bit of research about the destination, thus, comes in handy for this purpose too.

By Trust Travel

How to Plan a Family Vacation

Taking a vacation can do wonders for you and your family. In addition to giving you a much-needed break from the demands of work (and even improving your health), a vacation can be a special chance for the members of your family to bond together. Taking a vacation can give you the opportunity to spend quality time with your children while also letting them see a new part of the world.

List your interests as a family

What kinds of activities do the members of your family enjoy doing as a group? Do you enjoy going on hikes together, swimming, or Overseas Travel? Listing some of these on a piece of paper will help you narrow down a list of potential places.Here are some common types of places to plan a vacation: A beach. The beach has a number of obvious attractions for families. Playing in the sand and rolling waves will provide hours of entertainment for your kids while you will be able to enjoy lying in the sun with a great book. A lake. If you are in a more landlocked location, a lake can also provide an excellent water destination for your family. You can teach your children how to use a canoe or kayak while also enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake.

The mountains. If your family loves to hike and learn more about nature, a vacation in the mountains can be a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to a family.A city. If you want to experience museums, inspiring architecture, and new restaurants, then a city can be an excellent vacation destination.A cruise. A cruise can also be a great option, especially for families, since many cruises provide shows and group activities for kids.An amusement or water park. These will be a big hit with your kids, but you should make sure you will have things to do that will interest you as well.

Related post: Places In India You Must Visit With Your Family

Define your budget

Often your budget will determine how you will pick your destination. A beach vacation in the U.S. can often be more affordable than a beach vacation in another country. Some things that you will need to budget for include: Transportation costs (airplane ticket booking, train ticket booking, or gas money). Be sure you factor in the price of a ticket for each member of your family. If you plan to rent a car or take taxis once you arrive, you should count this in as well. Accommodation. Hotels are a common option, but if you have a larger family, you might want to consider renting a house, condo or cabin.Food. You will probably have to account for the cost of eating out in a restaurant, but staying in a place with a kitchen will help you save money here. Entertainment. If you plan to attend amusement parks, shows, concerts, or museums, you will have to budget the cost of these tickets for your family.

Plan for potential dates

Summer is a popular time for a family vacation due to school schedules, but it is not the only option. Spring break and winter vacation are also good times to plan a vacation.Generally, the cheapest time of year to travel is in the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas (the two most expensive holiday travel dates). But this can be a tricky time of year for your kids, especially if they are in high school and have final exams or end-of-year activities like holiday concerts. Make sure you clear your schedule with your children’s academic calendar if you plan to travel in this period.Travel to popular destinations is cheaper when the conditions are a little less than ideal. Most places in the northern hemisphere will be most expensive during the summer. You will generally find better deals to travel to Europe in the fall or the ski slopes in the late spring because these are not the ideal times of the year to visit these places.If you plan to take your children out in the middle of the school year, be sure to plan ahead. Talk to your children’s teachers as far ahead of time as possible so your child can complete their work ahead of time.Do not plan to take your child out during a time when they have to take standardized tests. These can be very hard to reschedule for your children.

Purchase airline tickets

If you are planning on purchasing plane tickets, be sure to buy them well in advance to get the best fares. You should aim to purchase them roughly 6-8 weeks before you plan to leave. Remember that kids under two years old can fly for free, but you will have to hold them in your lap for the entire flight. Comparing prices will ensure that you find the best deal at the best time. Southwest often has competitive prices, so you can check their website for daily deals as well.Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the cheapest days to fly whereas Friday and Sunday are the most expensive. Keep in mind airline limits on luggage; most airlines limit your luggage to two checked pieces of luggage and one carry on bag per person. Encourage your children to pack lightly; the last thing you want to worry about it cumbersome luggage.

Book your accommodation

You should scout around and compare prices at different hotels. You can also find rental homes and condos on websites like VRBO, Home Away, and Airbnb. Consider various factors in your accommodation. Is it in a central location where you can walk to different things or will you need to rent a car or take a cab? Does it have a kitchen where you can prepare meals?Check the reviews for your accommodation online. Does the hotel appear to be clean and safe?You might also include booking a reservation at an all-inclusive resort. These places will generally provide all your meals and drinks in the price of your accommodation so you won’t have to leave the resort.

Build memories with your family

Ask your kids to collect memorable items from your trip such as ticket stubs, candy wrappers from their favorite sweet shop, seashells, even a little jar of dirt or sand from your favorite beach.

Source: Wikihow

By Trust Travel

How to Choose a Travel Destination

Choosing a place to go when you have the opportunity to travel can sometimes be overwhelming. However, you can easily narrow your choices down with a thoughtful approach. Considering basic concerns, like what you and everyone else coming along enjoy doing, is an important first step. From there, factoring in how much money and time you have will further help you choose between destinations. Finally, comparing your final choices based on additional concerns, like the time of year and ease of traveling, will help you decide between them.

Determining Goals and Desires:

Consider your interests. Write a list of activities that you enjoy. Brainstorm others that you would like to try for the first time. Narrow down your destination options by knowing exactly what you expect to be there waiting for you.Such activities could include Physical pastimes, like hiking, swimming, or skiing.Cultural activities, such as museums, dining, and theater. Rest and relaxation, such as spa treatments or simply reading a book poolside.

Factor in your current needs

Now that you have created a list of things you enjoy in general, take a step back. Examine your life and situation as it stands today. Ask yourself what you would want most out of a trip if you were to go on one this minute. Then go back through your list and cross out those activities that don’t suit your needs at the moment.
1.For example, if you’ve been working 60 hours per week, fixing your house up during your off-hours, and training for a marathon, you might appreciate more laidback activities that will allow you to unwind.

2.Conversely, if you’re bored stiff by your routine, you may want to climb out of your rut by challenging yourself with more adventurous pursuits.

Related post: How To Celebrate Christmas While Traveling

Take fellow travelers into account

Research travel destinations. Consult online and print publications to find locations offering the experiences that you are seeking. Use tourism websites, travel blogs, and travel guides to gain an idea of what is out there. Search by location or interests (like “Top 10 Destinations for Rock Climbing”). Ask friends, family, or other associates for recommendations and warnings based on their own travels. However, maintain a healthy skepticism when researching. Be on the lookout for:  Sources that are attempting to sell you something.Out-of-date information
Reviews based on a different set of criteria than yours.

Determine your budget

Figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend on travel tours. At the same time, determine what luxuries you can and can’t do without. With this info, whittle your list of preferred destinations down even further according to cost.

1.Ask yourself if you are willing to stay at a campground or hostel in order to see the sights you want to see, or if you need comfier accommodations.
2.Make the same call regarding food: is dining out an integral part of your dream vacation, or are you willing to live on peanut butter sandwiches to reduce costs?

Decide how much time you have to travel

Now that you have a firm budget, figure out how long it has to last you. Determine how many days (including travel time) you will spend away from home. Use this number to better decide which activities you want to focus on and how much money you are willing to spend on them.A brief trip (like a week or two) may enable you to spend more on luxuries like fine dining and accommodations. Or, it may make a steady diet of PB&J seem more doable so you can spend your money on things like scuba gear rentals, Broadway tickets, or high-end shopping. A longer trip of a few weeks will allow you to visit multiple places, such as all of Holland instead of just Amsterdam. You may have to sacrifice some luxuries in order to stretch your budget, but with so much time at your disposal, you can also utilize more cost-cutting options, such as indirect flights.

Consider travel deals

Look for all-inclusive or partially-inclusive travel deals that charge a flat fee for things like travel fare, accommodations, and food. Sign up for alerts from companies offering discounted travel or lodging. If you plan on traveling regularly, find companies that offer loyalty programs.

Make sure the destination is safe.

Stay up-to-date about the current environment for each destination. Although it is impossible to foresee every eventuality, be on the lookout for any trends that indicate consistent danger. If traveling abroad, refer to government websites about specific areas. Always consider Health risks, such as outbreaks of diseases. Civil unrest, like protests, riots, rebellions, and war. Spikes and trends in crime. Environmental concerns, like seasons of high-risk.

Follow your gut

If your final choices still seem equally appealing after a second comparison, forget the checklist. Take a step back, clear your head, and give yourself some time. Wait to see which destination you find yourself dreaming about more. Listen to your heart and go with that.

Compromise with fellow travelers

If your group is equally torn between two destinations, work toward an agreement. Ask for everyone’s reasons for their preferred choice. Based on these, try to find a solution by considering things like The likelihood of being able to travel as a group again in the future so you can visit both.Whether individuals in the group will have a chance to go to their top pick on their own in the future.Timely considerations, like the season, special events, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.Whether a previous option that has already been nixed for this or that reason should be reconsidered if everyone can agree to it.

Source: WikiHow

By Trust Travel

10 beautiful countries that issue visa on arrival to Indian citizens

Getting a visa while travelling abroad is one of the most important and essential parts of planning your trip. All your vacation plans can come down crashing if you are denied a visa to the country you plan to take a trip to. While it can be quite stressful to get a visa to some countries on an Indian passport, there are many countries which provide visa services on arrival to Indians. It works well for us that these are also some of the most beautiful countries to visit in the world! There is usually a time limit to how long you can stay in each country but the visa on arrival simplifies the whole process making it easier and faster.

1. Seychelles

For a visa on arrival in Seychelles, Indians need to show proof that they have funds summing up to at least $150 per day of their stay in Seychelles. They also need a return or onward ticket. The visa is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days.

What to do in Seychelles: Hang out by the turquoise waters on the coastline of Mahe or go snorkeling and scuba diving at Saint Anne marine national park. Pay a visit to the Bicentennial monument or explore the Aride island. From quiet beaches to lush green landscapes, this country is a natural wonder in itself.

2. Thailand

A visa fee of 1000 Thai Baht gets you a visa on arrival at your landing destination in Thailand. One of the most popular holiday spots in the world, Thailand is fast becoming a preferred choice for vacations abroad for Indians. Visit the golden Buddha temple. Go elephant trekking at the Chiang Dao elephant camp. Go island hopping off Phuket and Krabi. Take a trip to the Khao Yai National park. Go shopping in Bangkok but first, visit the famous Grand Palace.

3. Cape Verde

A passport valid for another 6 months after the date of travel and a visa fee of 40 Euros is all you need for a visa on arrival in Cape Verde.

What to do in Cape Verde: Cape Verde is known mainly for its beaches and the Pico do fogo which is its highest peak and an active stratovolcano. Climb up to the crater for spectacular views. Hit the white sand beaches at Praia de Santa Maria and Praia De Chaves. Take a walk in the markets and try out some delicious food.

4. Vietnam

Vietnam permits visa on arrival for Indian passport holders provided they enter the country by air. The visa is valid upto 30 days and the visa fee is around $50 (processing plus stamping).

What to do in Vietnam: Explore the Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. If you like motorbikes, you can take a trip across the whole of Vietnam. Check out the limestone islands in Ha Long bay and the My Son Hindu sanctuary in Hoi An. The Cu chi tunnels and Muong Hoa valleys are worth a visit.

5. Guyana

Guyana provides visa on arrival to Indian passport holders with a 30 days validity provided they hold a letter of invitation from a sponsor or a host or issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

What to do in Guyana: Check out the Kaieteur National Park and waterfalls. Explore the Iwokrama rainforest. The Guyana National Museum and Guyana botanical gardens are also worth visiting.

6. Indonesia

If you have proof of sufficient funds to sponsor your stay in Indonesia, then with a valid passport and a $25 fee, you can get a visa on arrival which will let you stay there for 30 days.

What to do in Indonesia: Visit the famous Borubudur temple, go scuba diving at the Togian islands, try surfing or snorkeling in Bali, swim in Lake Toba (world’s largest crater lake), or go shopping in Jakarta. There is something for everyone here!

7. Kenya

Proof of sufficient funds for your trip and a $50 visa fee will get you a visa on arrival in Kenya which is valid for 90 days.

What to do in Kenya: Visit Kenya for its rich wildlife. Take a safari in the Maasai Mara National reserve, Visit the Diani beach and check out the flamingos at Lake Makuru. Kenya is one of the finest places in the world to witness nature and wildlife at its best.

8. Sri Lanka

With a valid Indian passport, you can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for a stay upto 30 days. The visa fee is $25.

What to do in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is a beautiful island known for its tropical beaches. Explore Colombo by taking the city tour. Check out the Pinnawala elephant orphanage. Visit Galle for its colonial influences and Anuradhapura for its ancient Sinhalese civilization. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, do not miss the Yala national park.

9. Laos

Indian passport holders can visit Laos for 30 days by obtaining a visa on arrival. The visa fee for Indian nationals is $40.

What to do in Laos: Laos is a beautiful south-east Asian country known for its mountains, rivers, monasteries, and temples. Check out the Kuang Si falls in Luang Prabang. The night market at Luang Prabang is also worth a visit. Pay your respects at the temple at Mount Phousi. Spend some time at the Tham Phu Kam cave and blue lagoon.

10. Madagascar

Madagascar gives a free visa on arrival for a stay of upto 30 days. Short stay visas for 60 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying a fee of 70 Euros and 100 Euros respectively.

What to do in Madagascar: Madagascar is known for its rainforests and its wildlife. Check out the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and the Avenue of the Baobabs. Try snorkeling at Nosy Mangabe and also check visit the Isalo National Park for spectacular landscapes.

Source: travelindia

By Trust Travel

Is there a right time to buy holiday plane tickets?

(CNN)Although rumors abound about the best times to buy the most affordable holiday plane tickets, flying during some of the year’s busiest travel periods won’t be cheap.

In an era of packed airplanes, shrinking seats, and fees for extra leg room, which airline is going to offer inexpensive holiday fares? Common business sense dictates that high prices will follow high demand.

What’s a procrastinating traveler to do, besides drive or take the train?

CNN got the latest from airfare experts to get the lay of the land and discover some ways to dull the price pain.

Price of a Thanksgiving ticket

A domestic Thanksgiving round-trip ticket priced about $322 is a good deal, according to Hopper, a flight price predictor application that averaged all domestic trips to arrive at that price. Although that’s not cheap, prices are 5% to 10% lower than last year.

More good news: Hopper predicts that domestic round-trip prices won’t rise more than 5% up to 10 days before departure (and then will spike sharply for the very last-minute shopper).

If you can fly on Thanksgiving Day, that’s the cheapest round-trip option. Otherwise, Hopper recommends flying on Monday, November 23, and returning Friday, November 27.

When to buy for Christmas

The Orbitz Holiday Insider Index recommends buying holiday tickets this week. The travel website predicts that the best Christmas airfare deals, averaging $428 for a round-trip ticket, will be available on Friday.

Fares may dip again November 6 and 7 but will rise to new heights during the week before Christmas. Last-minute travelers should prepare to pay an average of $497 on December 17, and it only gets worse from there.

Hopper says customers can save up to 30% by departing on December 21, the Monday before Christmas, or on Christmas Eve. Aim to return on Christmas Day or on/after Tuesday, January 5.

In contrast, the most expensive days to travel around the holidays are the weekends after Christmas (Dec 26-27) and New Year’s Day (Jan 2-3).

Are you cheap and flexible?

We don’t mean to be rude. Being cheap and flexible is a good thing!

If you don’t need window or aisle seats and great flight times and connections, Airfarewatchdog’s George Hobica is offering some hope.

“The bargain bin only has middle seats far from your traveling companions and 5 a.m. or redeye flights,” Hobica wrote in an email.

“I recommend that people keep on looking several times a day every day of the week and pounce when a price seems reasonable,” he said. “Travel on Thanksgiving morning; return the Saturday after. Fly on December 24-25 and return on New Year’s Eve or January 1.”

Always look into alternate airports — remember, the New York area has five airports, and Houston has two — and check Southwest.com in addition to Kayak or other search engines, he says.

On some super-competitive routes (think Chicago-New York), Hobica says, there will always be “a few scattered seats and flight times that will go on sale.”

Source: Edition

Oil and Gas Industry Travel
Seaman visa service
Seaman Travel Insurance
How to Prepare Yourself for a Solo Trip
How to Plan a Family Vacation
How to Choose a Travel Destination
10 beautiful countries that issue visa on arrival to Indian citizens
Is there a right time to buy holiday plane tickets?