Monitoring measures for pleasure crafts tightened

The government has introduced a new method of reporting for pleasure crafts entering and departing the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As of Wednesday, February 1, owners of yachts and other recreational vessels are required to submit information about their voyage at Sailclear when traversing TCI waters no later than 24 hours before arrival or departure.

SailClear is an online yachting clearance system designed to facilitate the clearance requirements of Customs and Immigration throughout participating regional territories. Registering for a user account is simple. Once an account has been activated a user can begin entering his voyage details and other information related to crew, passengers, weapons and stores. This submitted information is immediately available to Customs and other authorities.

SailClear allows the user to edit the information if travel plans change.

Arrival

On arrival, vessels are required to display the International Pratique Q-flag and travel directly to the port of entry to satisfy the face-toface requirement.

Whether a returning resident or a visitor, owners need to comply with four important entry requirements.

These requirements stipulate that all persons onboard must have a valid passport and visa, if required; owners must have the relevant permits for the importation of certain foods, animals and prescribed medicinal products, firearms and ammunition and explosives.

Government reminds that the

TCI have strict laws to protect its citizens and the natural environment. As such penalties may be imposed if these laws are breached by illegally importing prohibited or restricted items including cannabis-infused products, products containing cannabidiol derivatives, and any oils containing cannabidiol

A third requirement states that owners must declare cash or other negotiable instruments with a value over US$10,000.

The fourth requirement states that owners must stay onboard until clearance is given.

No person other than a Port Health, Customs and or Immigration officer is allowed to board the vessel, nor can any person, animal or article leave the vessel until full clearance has been granted.

Owners should be aware that it