May03rdWed Important Information about Boating into Jamaican Waters

Jamaica is a popular destination for people with sailboats, powerboats or yachts and there is important information that you may need to know about boating into Jamaican waters. This island is surrounded by a sea of unbelievable differing shades of blue that is warm, tranquil, and crystal clear, which is why so many people enjoy spending time sailing.

Of course, it is possible to reach Jamaica by cruise ship but the permissions differ for personal watercraft entry and departure. A personally owned sailboat, yacht or powerboat can enter Jamaican waters but only after going through customs and arriving at an official port of entry which include Bowden, Discovery Bay, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, and Port Royal.

Remember, a personally owned boat or yacht must go through the customs process coming into and departing from Jamaican waters. To be granted permission to go into one of the ports of entry, the vessel must pass a physical inspection but along with this, numerous forms are mandated to include a crew list and declaration, ship’s registration, departure permission from the prior port of call, and a list of the ship’s stores. Sometimes, an additional form is needed, which replaces a few of the other forms mentioned but also captures other information about the ship’s flag, as well as each passenger such as passport number, nationality, birthdate, and position on the vessel.

Keep in mind that regardless of the point of entry, it is imperative that the vessel fly the “Q” flag or quarantine flag. This flag is raised until such time the Quarantine Officer says it can be lowered, which is proof that customs’ agents were provided the necessary maritime declaration of health but also any other bill of health associated with the prior port of call, often referred to simply as a DE-RAT certification. Immigration clearance is another aspect of getting through customs.

For this, the captain must provide proof of citizenship or passports for all the passengers onboard. If there is anyone on the vessel who is not a United States citizen, a 30-day visa is required before reaching customs. Additionally, the Immigration Officer will need to take a close look at anyone sailing to Negril or other areas of the island planning to stay more than six months. Another aspect of customs is getting Coastwide Clearance, which is obtainable by completing a special form. This clearance is what allows the captain of the vessel to sail to all the different port of entries in Jamaica. After arriving, the vessel can dock at any of the marinas listed below, followed by cruising the beautiful seas encircling Jamaica.

• Errol Flynn Marina & Shipyard – Portland
• Glistening Waters Marina – Falmouth
• Montego Bay Marine Park – Montego Bay
• Montego Bay Yacht Club – Montego Bay
• Morgan’s Harbour – Port Royal
• Pier One Marina – Montego Bay
• Port Antonio Marina and Boatyard – Port Antonio
• Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Kingston
• Sunset Jamaica Grand Resort Hotel Marina – Ocho Rios

We also want to mention that for someone interested in making their way to Jamaica by boat but who does not own a vessel, there are a number of highly respected charter companies. Because there are different sizes, types of vessels and pricing of vessels it is worthwhile to contact several charters before making the final decision. Of course for peace of mind, an individual needs to conduct research specific to the experience of the captain and first-mate, as well as safety history for both the captain and vessel.