General Documents for Entry at Foreign Ports

[conachair]

Opencpn can be useful for creating a datasheet for the boat using the very useful logbook plugin inc equipment/serial numbers if you want.
And don't forget to smile and be nice, treat the guy/gal in uniform like they're a friend of your mother's. Being nice goes a very long way

[Dsanduril]

Originally Posted by conachair

Being nice goes a very long way

+1

[svjobeth]

Originally Posted by chuckr

We have checked in and out of 53 different countries from Colombia to Russia. We walk in with Boat USCG Documentation, Boat Insurance, Passports - and I have a semi blank crew list that I can make out on the spot if they want one.


OH forgot - sometimes they want to see your capt license. I use my ASA credentials and that has worked with no issues.


Never anything else.

Great info, thanks. Now the captain's license...don't have one of those...have never thought of getting one as I have no plans to charter, deliver, etc.

[svjobeth]

Originally Posted by conachair

Opencpn can be useful for creating a datasheet for the boat using the very useful logbook plugin inc equipment/serial numbers if you want.
And don't forget to smile and be nice, treat the guy/gal in uniform like they're a friend of your mother's. Being nice goes a very long way

Agreed 100%!

[svjobeth]

Speaking of crew lists: I presume these would be pretty basic and contain pertinent info on the boat - name, hailing port, document number, basic description etc.

And the same for crew: name, DOB, passport number, 'position' on board, etc.

Perhaps have them in English, French, and Spanish...

Anyone have a crew list form they're willing to share?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by svjobeth

Speaking of crew lists: I presume these would be pretty basic and contain pertinent info on the boat - name, hailing port, document number, basic description etc.

And the same for crew: name, DOB, passport number, 'position' on board, etc.

Perhaps have them in English, French, and Spanish...

Anyone have a crew list form they're willing to share?

For Australia, see page 2 of the "Smallcraft Arrival Report"


https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/b333.pdf

[svjobeth]

Originally Posted by StuM

For Australia, see page 2 of the "Smallcraft Arrival Report"

https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/b333.pdf

Fantastic! Thank you!

[Jubilee39]

Originally Posted by svjobeth

Speaking of crew lists: I presume these would be pretty basic and contain pertinent info on the boat - name, hailing port, document number, basic description etc.

And the same for crew: name, DOB, passport number, 'position' on board, etc.

Perhaps have them in English, French, and Spanish...

Anyone have a crew list form they're willing to share?

This is what I use, particulars filled in in word

[svjobeth]

Originally Posted by Jubilee39

This is what I use, particulars filled in in word

Excellent! Thank you!

[chuckr]

Originally Posted by conachair

Opencpn can be useful for creating a datasheet for the boat using the very useful logbook plugin inc equipment/serial numbers if you want.
And don't forget to smile and be nice, treat the guy/gal in uniform like they're a friend of your mother's. Being nice goes a very long way

Have never been asked for our log book, Only used it 2 times to prove where we were. !. when we went into Ukraine after sailing from Russia and did not stop in Crimea and 3 different people asked us and the final one had stars on his shoulders and I pulled out the log book and showed where we were every 12 hours on a 3 days sail.

2. when we over stayed Schengen in Greece when we broke the prop. Used log book to show when and where and each day on the process of getting it fixed. Did not do a lot of good except to show them what it said and they would not look at pictures of the damaged prop. They wanted to fine me - in the end it did not end well and I did not pay.

But never had someone say I want to see your log book.

[chuckr]

Originally Posted by svjobeth

Great info, thanks. Now the captain's license...don't have one of those...have never thought of getting one as I have no plans to charter, deliver, etc.

It is not a matter of charter of delivery. It is something that we have been asked for by officials as we checked in. As I said I took ASA sailing lessons and have the book with the stamps and that sufficed.

I have heard of one boat that had no documents and had to hire a local captain to get them out of the country. In another country if you do not have one you will be told to leave immediately.

Not sure where you are planning on going but better look into something.

[Jubilee39]

Originally Posted by chuckr

It is not a matter of charter of delivery. It is something that we have been asked for by officials as we checked in. As I said I took ASA sailing lessons and have the book with the stamps and that sufficed.

I have heard of one boat that had no documents and had to hire a local captain to get them out of the country. In another country if you do not have one you will be told to leave immediately.

Not sure where you are planning on going but better look into something.

I have sailed from the East Coast of the US through Caribbean, across the Pacific, up the Red Sea and in the Med, never had a problem with not having a Captains license. Greece and Turkey asked but the explanation that it was not required in the US sufficed. Albania no problem. I will forgo Croatia as I understand in could get a bit sticky.
I do regret not getting a USCG license in the Caribbean when it was easy but pride kept me from it . I had to dock or help dock too many "qualified 6 pack captains who could spin a great story and mix a cocktail and not handle their boat. They had a less than desirable rep among the Europeans and I did not want to belong to that fraternity. So I would recommend to you to get some sort of documentation if it is convenient

[garychurch]

We have cleared customs and immigration into and out of more than half the islands of the Caribbean over the last 18 months.

Official Documents Required:
1. Passports
2. USCG Documentation
3. Departure Clearance from Previous Island (exception US)

Other Documents That May be Required:
1. Boat Insurance Certificate (selected marinas, e.g., IGY)

Other Documents Onboard
1. Medical Vaccination (Yellow Fever Inoculation actually recommended or required for Caribbean Islands)
2. Radio Station License (Required for HF SSB)
3. Limited Radiotelephone Operators Permit
4. Dinghy State Registration (for operation in US water)

[Sailwithscott]

Panama and other Central American countries want a Zarpa, which is proof that you left your last port with all bills paid,

[Sailing4Jesus]

It would be very interesting to hear from others which countries, if any, ask for a Captain's License for whoever is driving the yacht.In the USA I have heard the issue never comes up. Whether that is true or not I cannot say. I would greatly appreciate all the answers I can hear from my Shipmates here on Cruisers Forum.

Thanks From The Old Senior Chief Retired