Kuwait

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Revision as of 11:52, 6 March 2016

Kuwait Cruising Guide

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing along the coast of Kuwait.

Kuwait
Map - click for larger view
Flag
Capital:	Kuwait City 29°22′N, 47°58′E
Language:	Arabic
Currency:	Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
Timezone:	UTC+3
More notes about the country
Latest News
Content - news items, etc.

Overview

The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab emirate situated in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, and Iraq to the north. It lies on the northwestern shore of the Persian Gulf. Located in the north-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Kuwait is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of land area. The flat, sandy Arabian Desert covers most of Kuwait.

Cruising the region

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Climate & Weather

The spring season in March is warm and pleasant with occasional thunderstorms. The frequent winds from the northwest are cold in winter and spring and hot in summer. Southeasterly winds, usually hot and damp, spring up between July and October; hot and dry south winds prevail in spring and early summer. The shamal, a northwesterly wind common during June and July, causes dramatic sandstorms.

Sources of weather forecasting here.

Charts

Available from Ministry of Communications, Marine Department, Shuwaikh in English and Arabic. UK Admiralty charts same (Chart numbers need adding)

KU 1E Al-Nuwaisib to Jazirat Warbah 1:200,000

KU 2E Jazirat Bubiyan and Jazirat Failaka 1:100,000

KU 3E Approaches to Khalij Al Kuwait 1:75,000

KU 4E Approaches to Mina Al Ahmadi 1:75,000

KU 5E Approaches to Mina Al Zoor 1:75,000

KU 6E Khalij Al Kuwait 1:50,000 Al Doha Port - Inset 1:15,000

KU 7E Al Kuwait and Mina Shuwaikh 1:15,000

KU 8E Mina Al Ahmadi 1:37,500 Mina Al Shuaiba - inset 1:12,500

KU 9E Mina Al Zoor 1:25,000

KU 10E Khor Al Subiyah 1:50,000

KU 11E Ras Al Julaiyah 1:10,000

Special Navigation Notes

Any navigation notes here.

Local Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Arrival/Departure procedures

Arrival

There are three ports of entry (sailing) into Kuwait: Al Zoor, Shuwaikh and Umm AL Miradim. Since Al Zoor and Shuwaikh are out of the way, they are little used now that Um Al Miradim has opened. Whilst there are other points of entry at military bases and oil refineries, these have security issues, and do not allow access to recreational boats.

Departure

As above.

Immigration

Visit visas can be issued on arrival (Fee KD3) to all Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, and holders of the following passports: USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, The Netherlands, Belgium Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Holy See, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, China.

Customs

Import of nearly everything is prohibited including pornography, alcohol and pork products. Local yachts have a very good relationship with customs - please don't spoil this by attempting to smuggle these things in. If you are caught carrying drugs, you will likely spend the rest of your fertile days in prison.

Ports & Popular Stops

• Umm Al Maradim (port of entry)
• Khiran Resort, Al Zoor - watch out for the powerlines over entry channel - our 40ft yacht has to enter at low tide.
• El Khout Marina, Fahaheel - for rich folk.
• Fahaheel Sea Club, Mangaf (up to 40 feet) - Kuwait Offshore Sailing Asociation is based here
• Shaab Marina, Salmiya - most commonly used for larger racing boats.
• Marina Mall Marina, Salmiya - very posh, only for the super rich.
• Sharq Marina, Kuwait City - out of the way, and has an annoying lift bridge.
• Failaka, Failaka Island - very shallow. Well, the ferry has to enter at high tide... Ghost town with a hotel, roman ruins.

Offshore Islands

• Um Al Miradim
• Um Al Garu
• Kubbar

These islands have mooring buoys which are suitable for overnight stays, free of charge. But use your own rope. And keep a careful watch - they deteriorate throughout the winter, and are maintained in Spring.

Diving is started from these mooring buoys - take a heading from the line to the mast on the island. When you reach the reef, remember to start your dive into current. Watch for lion fish, rays and turtles.

Health

Cigarettes are bad for you, but very cheap!

Security

Be nice to anyone with a gun.

Transportation

• Most commonly entered by plane to Kuwait International Airport.
• Can be entered by road from Saudi or Iraq. Visas needed for both these countries in advance.

Cruiser's Friends

Kuwait Offshore Sailing Association, [email protected], Email

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc.