Palau

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WorldCentral PacificPalau
Palau
07°21.000'N, 134°28.000'E Chart icon.png
Palau map.png
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Palau
Palau flag.png
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Flag
Capital Ngerulmud
Language English and Palauan. Also Japanese, Sonsorolese and Tobian.
Currency US Dollar (USD)
Time zone UTC+9
Calling code +680

Palau's most populous islands are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror, and Peleliu. The latter three lie together within the same barrier reef, while Angaur is an oceanic island several miles to the south. About two-thirds of the population live on Koror. The coral atoll of Kayangel is situated north of these islands, while the uninhabited Rock Islands (about 200) are situated to the west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as the Southwest Islands, some 375 miles (600 km) from the main islands, are also part of the country and make up the states of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.

Palau Islands (Photo by NOAA)

Charts

NGA Raster/Paper Charts
NGA81001 - Mindanao to Palau Islands
NGA81127 - Helen Reef
NGA81133 - Caroline Islands Plans
NGA81141 - Palau Islands
NGA81145 - Palau Islands - Northern Part
NGA81148 - Toachel Mlengui (West Passage)
NGA81151 - Arangel Channel & Koror Road
NGA81155 - Malakal Harbour
NOAA ENCs - (Compatible with ECS such as OpenCPN)
NOAA Interactive Catalog

Weather

Palau enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82 °F (28 °C). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, averaging a total of 150 inches (3,800 mm). The average humidity over the course of the year is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Direct hits from typhoons are rare, as Palau is outside the main typhoon zone; however, typhoons often pass close to the north of Babeldaob bringing strong wind and torrential rain which can affect vessels in the area.

Weather links

Passages

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Islands

This section does not apply for many islands, remove it if this is the case for this particular. You may, however, list ismall islands adjacent to this one or list one or two of its neighbors.

For islands that have their own page list them as shown below.

  • Island1Island1/wiki/Island1 Island icon – island |Port of entry icon – port of entry |Harbour icon – harbour |Marina icon – marina |Anchorage icon – anchorage |Needs data icon – needs data |
  • Island2Island2/wiki/Island2 Island icon – island |Port of entry icon – port of entry |Harbour icon – harbour |Marina icon – marina |Anchorage icon – anchorage |Needs data icon – needs data |

Communication

Note that, in general, Malakal Port Authority does not maintain a radio watch unless they are expecting a radio call. If you can phone ahead, you're more likely to get an answer.

Foreign sim cards generally don't work in Palau, but some local vessels at moorings in Malakal Harbour maintain a radio watch on VHF 16 and may be able to help you phone the local authorities . The VHF channels listed below are official local emergency channels. Vessels should monitor either these channels, or channel 16 (or dual watch if your VHF has the option).

  • Koror & vicinity - VHF 7
  • Peleliu & Angaur - VHF 3 or 5
  • Northern Babeldaob - VHF 18
  • Channels 13, 68 and 69 are reserved for communication between vessels.

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

Any navigation notes here. If this section does not apply remove it.

Entrance

Cruisers must not stop anywhere before having clearing in at Malakal unless in an emergency and then contact must be made with the Chief of Immigration immediately.

It is a courtesy to advise Port Control of your pending arrival. Palau Port Control. Phone:+ 680-775-0419 , VHF 16. Opening Hours: Mon – Fri from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Email

Vessels must check in immediately upon arrival. Phone the Port Control Duty Officer + 680-775-0419. Palau Port Control monitors VHF 16 during Business Hours - 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

An Entry Permit is issued for THIRTY days with a possibility of two extensions of THIRTY days each - a maximum stay of NINETY days. US flagged vessels can apply for a one year permit.

Vessel Entry Clearance is somewhat long-winded. Expect to receive officers from Customs, Immigration, Sanitation, Quarantine, Transportation, Health Department, Public Safety (Police), as well as maybe a few others.

Note: Yachts arriving can contact Sam's Tours Email in advance who will kindly assist (free) with current information and help you with the Entry Clearance procedures.

Also see: Checking in Important information from "sv Tankgirl"

Customs and Immigration

Customs

  • Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on entry. These will be removed and held by the local police until your departure.
  • Anti-drug laws are strictly enforced. Prescriptions should be carried for any special medicines or drugs in your possession.
  • Fruit, fresh produce, meat will be confiscated.
  • PETS: All pets and birds MUST be declared to Customs on arrival.

It is wise to prepare a full, detailed inventory of ship's stores for the Quarantine officer. It is also wise to dispose of any organic trash (properly) before arriving in Palau.

When departing, any firearms and ammunition held in custody will be returned.

Immigration

All arrivals require a valid passport but no advance visas are required. Visitors are granted a THIRTY day visa on entry. Anyone wishing to stay longer should make application to the Immigration Office, not later than 7 days before the expiration of the THIRTY day period. Extensions cost $US50 each and only two additional 30 day extensions will be granted.

US citizens are allowed to stay in Palau for one year before needing to apply for a visa (free).

Palau Immigration Office: Phone: + 680-488-2498 or 2678, Fax: + 680-488-4385. Email

Fees and Charges

(As at Jan '10)

  • Fairly heavy overtime rates are charged on vessels arriving after business hours and on weekends.
  • Customs charge of $US20 per head for departure tax (excluding children under 3 years), and a $US15 "green tax" per person (including all children).
  • $US50 Malakal harbour fee to be paid to the Port Captain.
  • Additional fees are required for visits to Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.

Restrictions

  • Some parts of the Rock Islands are declared nature reserves and access by any boat is strictly prohibited (ask the Port Captain for details). Also enquire about the special permits for swimming, diving, snorkeling and use of the beaches on the Rock Islands.
  • Each person fishing requires an individual Koror State Fishing License.
  • Peleliu State has similar Permit requirements - make inquiries before visiting.

Health and Security

Health

  • Cholera and Yellow Fever immunisations are required for those arriving from infected areas.

Security

Details?

Berthing

Ports

Key to symbols: |Port of entry icon – port of entry |Marina icon – marina |Anchorage icon – anchorage |Needs data icon – needs data ||

Transportation

List transportation (local and/or international.)

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

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

Links

References

Books, Guides, etc. Use the Reference template or not at your discretion. For example:

Rod Heikel, Greek Waters Pilot, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 9780852889718, expands to
Rod Heikell, Greek Waters Pilot Imray, Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 9780852889718
  • Author, Title, Publisher, ISBN ISBN number
  • Author, Title, Publisher, ISBN ISBN number

You may want to remove the above entries and use instead a link to the Country or Region that lists the relevant references. If so enter, after removing xx, the following:

See [[Country or Region#References_&_Publications|Coutry or Region]].

If you do not use the above link, please remove it.

Comments

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