Ukraine
From CruisersWiki
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around the Ukraine.
Ukraine
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Capital | Kiev |
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Language | Ukranian. Also Russian & Crimean Tatar |
Currency | Hyrvnia (UAH) |
Time zone | EET (UTC+2) , DST: Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3) |
Calling code | +380 |
Ukraine (Ukrainian: Україна, transliterated: Ukrayina, [ukrɑˈjinɑ]) is a country in Eastern Europe. Ukraine borders the Russian Federation to the east and northeast, Belarus to the northwest, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south and southeast, respectively. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after the Russian Federation.
The first capital, Kiev, was established by Vikings in the 9th century AD. In 957 AD, the Byzantines converted Princess Olga of Kiev to Christianity and in 990 Prince Vladimir established Eastern Orthodoxy as the state religion.
During the 15th and mid-17th century Ukraine was divided between Russia and Poland. Following this there was a turbulent period but the histories of Ukraine and Russia ar interwoven up to the late 20th century.
During 1853-56 the Crimean War, made famous by the Charge of the Light Brigate took place.
For more details in the history of Ukraine see Wikipedia.
Charts
- BA
- 2200 Approaches to Kherson - sheet 1
- 2201 Approaches to Kherson - sheet 2
- 2205 Approaches to Odessa
- 2212 Dnestovsky liman to Dnestrovskiy liman
- 2213 Gura Snintu Gheorghe to Dnestrovskiy liman
- 2231 Cape Kaliakra to Odessa
- 2232 Odessa to Sevastopol
- 2233 Black Sea - Ukraine and Russia
- Turkish
- 16 Kara Deniz; Yalta to Mis Kinburn
- 17 Kara Deniz; Romanya to Bulgaristan
Weather
The climate is temperate with hot summers and cold winters. Along the coast, the winds are very much influenced by the surrounding landmass and in summer there is a daily pattern of land and sea breezes. An onshore breeze comes up around midday and usually dies by dusk to be followed by a land breeze during the night.
Sources of weather forecasting here:
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.
- [[Island1]]
- [[Island2]]
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Most approaches to Ukrainian harbors are straightforward, as there are easily seen from a distance out at sea.
Entrance
The use of an agent is almost mandatory. This is still a very bureaucratic country. It is advisable to select an agent before arrival, especially if entering via Crimea. There is no need for an agent if arriving in Odessa.
Cruising permission can be obtained for onwards of Odessa.
Arrival
All officials will visit the yacht. Captain and crew must remain onboard until formalities are completed.
On arrival at the port of entry a yacht should request a customs document that covers all the ports to be visited in the Ukraine. This may take some time but it is worthwhile as at each subsequent port Immigration will only look at the paper or can be called by VHF if on anchor.
Many ports expect advance notification.
Arrival clearance must be obtained in every port where there are officials.
Departure
The authorities must be given 24 hours' notice of departure. Entry and exit formalities must be carried out at every port where officials are present, and permission obtained to visit harbours where there are no officials.
An ecological certificate must be obtained in the port of departure stating that the vessel had not been guilty of polluting the sea or environment.
Customs and Immigration
Customs
Foreign currency, firearms and narcotics must be declared on arrival. Caviar and artworks may not be exported without a permit.
Immigration
Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Japan, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland do not require a visa to visit the Ukraine for up to 90 days in a 6 month period. Citizens of other countries will need to obtain one in advance. Visa applications do not now generally require a letter of invitation, although local consulates may say differently.
Visas and other arrangements can be made in Istanbul, where the best place to stop is at Atakoy_Marina, approximately 5 miles west of the Bosphorus. The management of the marina has an arrangement with the authorities in Odessa, as well as with the Odessa Yacht Club, and can also help with the latest information.
The Ukrainian consulate in Istanbul is open Fridays and Saturdays, 0900-1200, near the Bosphorus passenger terminal:
- c/o BASCO Shipping & Trade SA, 5th floor
- Maliye Caddesi 29, Karaköy
Intourist, the Russian state tourist agency, offer a visa service for the CIS republics.
Fees and Charges
- Visa fees
- Health certificate fees
Restrictions
Once cleared in to the Ukraine, a yacht must stay within Ukrainian territorial waters (i.e. less than 12 miles off-shore) if you don’t want to run the risk of being stopped by the coast guard.
In July and August it is a requirement to remain 2-3nm off the southern Crimea coast for security reasons (the President and Government ministers have holiday villas along this shore).
Health and Security
Health
Cholera may be a problem.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and treat any water used for filling tanks.
All visitors are required to purchase health insurance from the Ukraine state-run insurance company, even if private insurance is held. The cost is quite low ($2 for upto 5 days, $12 for up to 30 days).
Security
There is a culture of lack of respect for private property and security can be a problem as people will happily try to board a yacht to take photos. Fenced and gated marinas will stop only a few.
Berthing





Artek |
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Massandra |
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Notes:
- 1NOT a Port of Entry
- 2Rumoured Port of entry
Transportation
List transportation to other countries, etc.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
If you have idea to visit Ukraine you can contact with me. My name is George. My email is georgezinchuk at gmail dot com Web-site
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Ukraine at the Wikipedia
- Ukraine at the Wikivoyage
- Visa Requirments Depending on Country (Ukraine Foreign Affairs Website)
- Embassies of Ukraine
- Visas to Ukraine information for Australians (information is available for other nationalities - bit hard to find)
- Noonsite
- Black Sea Yachtsmen's Association
- Crimean War
References
See Black Sea.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
- Compiled from research (pilot books, internet, etc.) --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
See also Black Sea.
This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
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Names: Lighthouse, TaoJones, Rr7, Haiqu, Georgecaptain, Istioploos |