Parts for vessel in transit antigua

[neilsty]

I keep my boat in antigua for hurricane season, then cruise the islands basing out of antigua, but even with hurricane storage I am never in the country for more than 6 1/2 months. I usually bring a few boat parts with me when I fly in and have had no problems until this month. I had my boat papers and clearance forms with me and a suitcase with spare parts and boat instruments. They tried to tell me I needed and agent, but after a bit of discussion they said OK your clear to go. I have never had these hassles before in Antigua - has something changed with duties for vessels in transit?

[ReMetau]

Nielsty,

I know that this is an old post, but I was wondering if you declared all the parts on the forms before heading to customs at the airport. Did you just tell them that the parts were for your boat in transit and show them your cruising permit?

I'm currently in the US and heading back to our boat in August, and I plan to take back some boat parts with me in a suitcase. I have our cruising permit with me, but it has expired. Just trying to figure out what I can expect.

[neilsty]

I don't declare on the customs forms, but do declare when going through customs. I generally take things like a spare pump, miscellaneous small parts with me. I always have a copy or original clearance papers with me. They need to see that the boat has not been in Antigua for over 9 months for it to be in transit. The cruising permit is meaningless for customs. I was having more hassles early this year, but seems to be better the last couple of times. Never had to pay duty yet, but have been asked if I have an agent. Always said no, and it went never further. Their customs regs say that a boat captain can act as his own agent. I take a copy of these pages with me, but have never had to bring them out. Seems best to act nicely and politely.

[neilsty]

Just flew into Antigua at beginning of July - ours was only flight in at the time so customs was slow. Asked me where I was staying - replied on own boat so they asked if had any boat parts - replied yes. Was sent over to line where residents go, and they checked my bags. Had a bunch of small parts and a pump - about $400-500 worth. Just filled out a customs form and showed my boat papers. No duties, but took about 15 minutes - was OK as had boat papers, but seemed a waste of time. First time this has happened, even though I always have a few parts with me when flying into the island. Always have boat clearance papers though