CLEARANCE FORMALITIES

Immigration and customs formalities on Phuket are quite clear but beware that they are constantly changing. To assist you on arrival here are some key matters to consider and follow.

The AIS can be turned off in a marina, or on the hardstand, but failure to have the mandatory AIS will result in a substantial fine.

Check In: Check in at the information office on arrival. The on-line “check-in” for yachts has not yet been recognized so play it safe and visit all three relevant departments. Remember: take your passport, yacht registration (three copies of everything) plus the original of the zarpe (port clearance document) from your previous port. Processing can be lengthy the first time, but subsequent visits are easier.

Immigration: All crew and passengers must present photographs during clearance (in and out). Have three copies of papers and passports. Customs gives boats a six-month permit to remain before extensions can be applied for (up to two years). Regular checks are made to comply with Thai law. Once checked in crew and passengers can travel anywhere on Phuket. Check in advance what nationalities are eligible for 45-day visas. He/she will be registered as being in transit and will be issued with a 45-day stay.

Ao Chalong Pier

Ao Chalong Pier (07o 49.08N, 98o 21.05’E)

iIn Ao Chalong Bay on Phuket’s southeast coast has a one-stop-shop checkin /out service housing immigration, and customs (hours 0800-1200; 1300-2000). Purchase a pier bus shuttle for Bt10. Check in with all three departments. No harbour clearance can result in a Bt5,000 fine. Even short trips outside Phuket must be cleared by the Harbour Master.

AIS: Thailand has introduced the Automatic Identification System (AIS) or AIS Class B system. It must be active entering and leaving Thai waters. 62

Immigration: normal hours Bt200 inward and outward; Sat/Sun and Holidays: Bt500 inward, Bt200 departure.

Customs: normal hours nothing inward, Bt300 outward; Sat/Sun and Holidays: Bt800 inward, Bt1,000 outward.

Harbour Master: normal hours, nothing inward, Bt100 outward. Sat/Sun and holidays, no extra charges.

Have the correct money to avoid complications. Receipts must be given.

Docking: Better to dock at a suitable anchorage rather than the unreliable pontoons at Ao Chalong. You can dinghy to the makeshift dinghy dock at the foot of the one-stop centre or dinghy into the beach. More changes are coming regarding leaving your boat in the country and going abroad, but these have not been finalised as of publication time.

Phuket Smart Bus

Focus on solving the problem of mass transit systems in Phuket while helping to reduce the number of vehicles on the road it also makes tourists and locals more comfortable with traveling within the island. Able to plan travel time and economical. Inside the Phuket Smart Bus, spacious, comfortable, cool air conditioner with free Wi-Fi and battery charger. Travel through 7 beaches in Phuket; Phuket Airport - Ban Khian - Cherng Talay - Laguna - Patong - Kata - Karon - Promthep Cape - Rawai and return along the route. 100baht throughout the line; learn more at www.phuketsmartbus.com

AO CHALONG (CHALONG BAY) ONE-STOP YACHT CENTRE

Ao Chalong Pier

Tel: +66 (0) 76 383 777 Open: 08:00 - 22:00, Mon-Sat

Customs, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 222 094 Open: 08.30 - 16.30, Mon-Fri

Immigration, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 221 905 ext 115, Yacht Control Open: 08:30 - 16.30, Mon - Fri www.phuketimmigration.go.th

Port Control (Harbour Master), Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 391 174 Open: 08:30 - 16:30, Mon - Fri

CLEARANCE FORMALITIES FOR NEIGHBOURING REGIONS

The Mergui Archipelago

MYANMAR

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is one of the last untouched cruising grounds in the world. The Mergui Archipelago, located 120 nm north of Phuket, contains around 800 densely forested and mountainous islands that are surrounded by tropical reefs. Most of these islands are uninhabited and remain in their pristine and natural state. Wildlife is prolific both above and below the water, although dynamite fishing is beginning to spoil some reefs. The native inhabitants are nomadic sea gypsies who choose to live aboard their uniquely crafted wooden boats. Surviving out of the sea and on wild game from the islands, and preferring to keep to themselves, these people remain little changed by the modern world.

Permission to cruise the Mergui Archipelago must be applied for to Myanmar Tours and Travels (MTT) in Yangon at least 30 days before arrival (for more information visit https://www.noonsite.com/place/myanmar-burma/formalities/). Alternatively permits can be obtained from yacht agents in Phuket (see directory of services at the back of this guide). Fees vary depending on the number of crew/passengers and the intended length of stay. It is compulsory to take a Burmese guide onboard while the vessel is in Burmese waters.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands

ANDAMAN ISLANDS

Port Blair

The Andaman Islands are a territory belonging to India. Forming part of the Andaman and Nicobar chain, they are situated in the Bay of Bengal 420 nm northwest of Phuket. The Andaman and Nicobar chain consists of 572 islands, most of which are uninhabited, densely forested and fringed by stunning coral reefs. All foreign nationals required a permit (RAP - Restricted Area Permit) to visit the Andaman Nicobar Islands, which is easily available on arrival at Port Blair by flight or ship from the Immigration Authorities for 30 days subject to availability of valid visa. The climate is tropical with medium to heavy rain during the monsoon season (May to October) and clear dry periods through the hot season (December to April). The population is hugely varied including Malay, Indian, Pygmy and Aboriginal, most of who live in and around the capital city of Port Blair. The rest of the islands are speckled with small villages and stunning scenery.