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Our methodology

How we vet every vessel, crew and partner.

Every partner passes the BLC 120-Point Audit before we recommend it, and is checked again after.

The BLC 120-Point Audit

Every potential partner, from a 50-metre phinisi schooner to a private villa, is scored on four pillars before it joins our portfolio.

Safety carries the most weight and is non-negotiable. The other pillars measure service, the asset itself, and its impact on the places we visit.

Points: safety and compliance
40
Points: service and hospitality
30
Points: asset quality and maintenance
30
Points: sustainability and local impact
20

Pillar 1 · 40 points

Safety and compliance.

Our non-negotiable foundation: an inspection on site and a review of every document.

Maritime certification
Vessel registration, seaworthiness certificate (Surat Kelaiklautan Kapal) and valid port clearance (SPB) from the local Syahbandar, the harbour master.
Safety equipment
Life rafts, life jackets, fire suppression, EPIRB, VHF/SSB radios and navigation equipment, inspected on site against SOLAS standards.
Crew credentials
Valid STCW certification for each role and a Buku Pelaut (seaman’s book). Captains’ and engineers’ licences are verified further.
Emergency protocols
Documented plans for man overboard, fire and medical evacuation, and a verified medical provider for medevac readiness.
Aviation compliance
For air charters, a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and strict adherence to Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules.
A small pool in a jungle garden in Ubud

Pillars 2–4 · 80 points

Service, condition and local impact.

Service and hospitality (30 points): crew interviews and on-board observation for discretion, English and service culture; menus, chef credentials and galley hygiene to HACCP principles.

Asset quality and maintenance (30 points): engine-room logs, maintenance schedules, mechanical and electrical systems, and the condition of cabins, decks and common areas.

Sustainability and local impact (20 points): MARPOL adherence, single-use plastic reduction, waste management and reef-safe products, with preference for local hiring and sourcing.

Also scored

  • Onshore concierge capability
  • Water toys
  • Dive compressor and nitrox
  • Internet connectivity
  • Respect for local custom
  • Conservation and social projects

After the audit

An audit is not a one-time event.

01

Annual re-audits

Every partner in the portfolio is re-evaluated on a schedule, so standards are kept, not assumed.

02

Client feedback

Post-trip feedback is a critical data point. Any negative feedback triggers an immediate internal review of the partner.

03

Spot checks

Our operations team makes unannounced visits and inspections throughout the year.

Aerial view of a forested island with overwater bungalows and a long jetty at dusk

How to begin

Ask how a vessel scored.

Tell us your dates and party size, and we recommend only partners that have passed the audit.