Yemen
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===Offshore Islands=== | ===Offshore Islands=== | ||
| - | * [[ | + | * [[Socotra]] Lying off the Horn of Africa, the beautiful island of Soccottra, noted for its ''dragon-blood trees,'' is part of Yemen. The island has no ports or harbours but fairly safe temporary anchorages can be found on the lee side of the island. Arabic is widly spoken but the ''lingua franca'' is the Succottran language. In early 2007 it was possible to obtain small amounts of canned goods and a pleantiful suply of fresh goat meat and fresh fish. Appart from the goat meat and fresh fish all supplies have to be imported and are, consequently, relatively expensive. Fuel is occasionally available from a filling station at the entrance to the islands airport, from which there are flights to [[Aden]], Riyan and Sana'a several days a week. The people of Soccottra are extremely friendly and curious. They are rightly proud of their island. |
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===Cruiser's Friends=== | ===Cruiser's Friends=== | ||
Revision as of 11:27, 3 April 2009
Yemen Cruising Guide
| Yemen | |
 Yemen | |
| File:Yemenflag.gif Flag | |
| Capital: | Sana'a |
|---|---|
| Language: | Arabic |
| Currency: | Rial |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
Yemen is in the Middle East, in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, west of Oman and south of Saudi Arabia.
A number of Red Sea islands, including the Hanish Islands, Kamaran and Perim, as well as Socotra in the Arabian Sea belong to Yemen. Many of the islands are volcanic; for example Jabal al-Tair had a volcanic eruption in 2007 and before that in 1883.
At 527,970 km² (203,837 sq mi), Yemen is the world's 49th-largest country (after France). It is comparable in size to Thailand, and somewhat larger than the U.S. state of California.
Climate & Weather
Subtropical climate. SW monsoon - May to September with rain and high humidity. Drier and cooler Easterly winds dominate from October to February.
Sources of weather forecasting:
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Also see Gulf of Aden
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Arrival/Departure procedures
For inward and outward clearance you must visit Customs, Immigration and the Harbourmaster's office. Contact the Port Control on VHF16 when ready to depart - night departures are prohibited.
If you intend to stop anywhere along the coast you must obtain prior written permission from the Harbourmaster and Customs in Aden. You are able to call in at Hodeidah in an emergency only - call on VHF16 to describe your situation.
Immigration
Visas are not required for a short stay provided you do not leave the Port of Aden area. Your passports are retained until departure and you will be issued with a "shore pass".
Customs
- Firearms and ammunitions MUST be declared on arrival.
- PETS: Animals are not allowed ashore.
Restrictions
- Do not take photographs in the port area.
- Obtain permission from Customs before visiting other vessels in the harbour.
- You are officially not allowed to stop at Socotra Island.
Health
Submit any health warnings/information.
Security
Details?
Ports & Popular Stops
- Aden (Port of entry) - (Also see Gulf of Aden)
- Hodeidah (Port of entry)
- Mukalla (Port of entry)
Respect
- This is a Muslim country. As such, be sensitive about where you point your camera. There are many great photo opportunities around every corner (the question is usually what to leave out of each image), but when photographing people, always ask first. The Arabic phrase "mumkin akhud sura minak?" is very useful indeed. Don't ever, ever try to take pictures of women, even if you're a woman yourself. This is considered a great offense and can even result in more than a few harsh words. Also don't try to take pictures of anything that looks as if it could be of any strategic importance (i.e. has at least one soldier or policeman guarding it - including ports.).
- Yemen is one of the poorest states on earth. Living conditions for many locals are very tough. As a tourist, expect local merchants to demand higher prices from you. While being mindful of the poverty level in Yemen, tourists should resist sympathetic urges to pay the merchant's first price. Bargaining is a way of life in much of the world and is expected of all buyers.
- Be prepared to be asked for pens (qalam, galam) for the local schools, and also sweets (bonbon). It should go without saying that you shouldn't give money ("fulus!" "bizniz!") to children. Donate to local charities instead.
Offshore Islands
- Socotra Lying off the Horn of Africa, the beautiful island of Soccottra, noted for its dragon-blood trees, is part of Yemen. The island has no ports or harbours but fairly safe temporary anchorages can be found on the lee side of the island. Arabic is widly spoken but the lingua franca is the Succottran language. In early 2007 it was possible to obtain small amounts of canned goods and a pleantiful suply of fresh goat meat and fresh fish. Appart from the goat meat and fresh fish all supplies have to be imported and are, consequently, relatively expensive. Fuel is occasionally available from a filling station at the entrance to the islands airport, from which there are flights to Aden, Riyan and Sana'a several days a week. The people of Soccottra are extremely friendly and curious. They are rightly proud of their island.
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Red Sea | Gulf of Aden | Yemen | |
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