Marshall Islands
From CruisersWiki
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==Customs and Immigration== | ==Customs and Immigration== | ||
===Immigration=== | ===Immigration=== | ||
| - | + | As a courtesy, before arriving in the Marshall Islands, yachts should notify Customs and Immigration at least 72 hours in advance by emailing [email protected] or [email protected], giving relevant details such as boat name, size, and number of people on board. On arrival, skippers should attempt to raise the port captain on VHF Channel 16. | |
| + | It is also recommended skippers contact the yacht fleet on VHF Channel 68. A member of the fleet will contact the officials, if contact has not already been made. | ||
| + | Through the Compact of Free Association with the United States, citizens of the United States, Frederated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau can stay for an 'indefinite' period, however it is recommended that US citizens staying longer than a year apply for residency status. | ||
| + | All other citizens may be given a 30-day visa on arrival with the possibility of an extension of 60 days (making three months in total). | ||
| + | Note: At the time of writing (March, 2009), the Marshall Islands Government was reviewing the Immigration regulations. The Mieco Beach Yacht Club has requested that non-Americans be given a 30-day visa on arrival with the possibility of a 150-day extension (making six months) and this is under review. Queries on this may be made to the above Customs email address. | ||
| - | |||
* Important Notes: | * Important Notes: | ||
Revision as of 22:10, 20 March 2009
Marshall Islands Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around the Marshall Islands.
| Marshall Islands | |
 Marshall Islands | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Majuro GPS: 07°05.39′N, 171°22.84′E Photo Gallery |
|---|---|
| Language: | Marshallese, English |
| Currency: | $US |
| Time Zone | UTC +12 |
| More notes about the Marshall Islands | |
Background
The Marshall Islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), is a Micronesian nation of atolls and islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, just west of the International Date Line and just north of the Equator. This nation of roughly 60,000 persons is located north of Nauru and Kiribati, east of the Federated States of Micronesia, and south of the U.S. territory of Wake Island
The country consists of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands. The most important atolls and islands form two groups: the Ratak Chain and the Ralik Chain (meaning "sunrise" and "sunset" chains).
Describe the cruising/sailing in the region.
Climate & Weather
The climate is hot and humid, with a wet season from May to November.
The islands very rarely suffer from typhoons. Instead, many Pacific typhoons start in the Marshall Islands region and grow stronger as they move west toward the Mariana Islands and the Philippines. The capital, Majuro, is occaionally hit by westerlies, which because of the fetch and the position of the mooring fields, can cause 'discomfort'.
Sources of weather forecasting here.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- VHF: The yacht fleet in the capital, Majuro, monitors VHF Ch68 as a hailing channel and moves to Ch74 or Ch77 for conversation. A net is held Monday to Friday at 7:30am local time on Ch68.
- SSB: The 'Yokwe' (hello in Marshallese) net is held every day at 7:45am and 6pm local time on upper side band 4.030 Mhz.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Arrival
First landfall must be made at an official Port of Entry.
Departure
Details?
Customs and Immigration
Immigration
As a courtesy, before arriving in the Marshall Islands, yachts should notify Customs and Immigration at least 72 hours in advance by emailing [email protected] or [email protected], giving relevant details such as boat name, size, and number of people on board. On arrival, skippers should attempt to raise the port captain on VHF Channel 16. It is also recommended skippers contact the yacht fleet on VHF Channel 68. A member of the fleet will contact the officials, if contact has not already been made. Through the Compact of Free Association with the United States, citizens of the United States, Frederated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau can stay for an 'indefinite' period, however it is recommended that US citizens staying longer than a year apply for residency status. All other citizens may be given a 30-day visa on arrival with the possibility of an extension of 60 days (making three months in total). Note: At the time of writing (March, 2009), the Marshall Islands Government was reviewing the Immigration regulations. The Mieco Beach Yacht Club has requested that non-Americans be given a 30-day visa on arrival with the possibility of a 150-day extension (making six months) and this is under review. Queries on this may be made to the above Customs email address.
- Important Notes:
- A requirement is that passports must have a validity of 12 months beyond your first date of entry.
- Seperate permits for each island must be obtained in Majuro to visit any of the outlying groups/islands.
Customs
- Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival.
- Turtle shell and Coral are prohibited exports.
- PETS: Pets are allowed as long as they stay on board the vessel.
Fees and Charges
- Some permits to visit outer islands are free while others range up to $US250
- It is obligatory to obtain an outer island permit for each atoll before leaving Majuro.
Restrictions
- Kwajalein Island is a closed military base, and the missile range includes Kwajalein and the islands up to Roi-Namur Island.
- Kwajalein Atoll is used by the US as a missile testing area and the waters within a 200 mile radius may be affected. One should contact "Kwajalein Atoll Control" on VHF before sailing in this area.
- Alcohol consumption is banned on all of the outer islands, except for Likiep Atoll. It is okay to have alcohol on board your boat, but it may not be taken ashore (except at Likiep, where it may not be sold).
- Dress conservatively when visiting the outer islands.
- Any islands used by the US military are restricted (some are administered by the Marshall Islands but still require special permission and clearance to visit:
- Bikini Atoll (11°30'N 165°34'E)
- Enewetak Atoll (11°30'N 162°24'E)
- Rongelap Atoll (11°09'N 166°54'E)
Islands in the Group (of interest to cruisers)
- Majuro (Port of entry)
- Ebeye Island (Kwajalein) (Port of entry)
- Other Islands: Note that an entry permit is required to visit each atoll; acquired from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Local Government Office (next to the Mobil Oil depot), Majuro. Ph: 692 455 4143.
- Arno
- Mejit
- Wotje
- Aur Island
- Tobal Island
- Mili
- Bikar Atoll
- Toangi Atoll
- Bikini Atoll
Ports & Popular Stops
See Islands above
Cruising around the Atolls
General notes on cruising around the atolls/islands
Health
- An HIV test is required for visits of over 30 days.
- A valid health certificate is required if arriving from cholera infected areas.
- Note tuberculosis and leprosy does exist on the Islands.
Security
Details?
Transportation
Transportation - mainland or to other countries, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
- On the Move in the Marshalls. Interactive CD created by yachtie and journalist Karen Earnshaw, who has lived in Majuro for over 10 years. Email
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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