Cochin (Kochi) : Profile

Clearance

Yachts must anchor for clearance off the steamer point on the north tip of Willingdon Island, opposite the two jetties of the port office and the Malabar Hotel. One must not land before clearing customs, who will come out in a launch. A list must be made of all movable items on board, including foreign currency. This list should be specific, not general, as yachts have had items not mentioned on the list, such as binoculars, confiscated by customs. (NOTE: in 2007 this was not requested). Customs will check the list, then the captain can go ashore and clear at the port office (open 1000-1700), where port dues must be paid. The Customs and Immigration offices must be visited next. Customs will retain the ship's papers until departure and issue a receipt. The Immigration office is near the railway terminus and landing passes may be issued by them, or, as in 2007, only the passports stamped. Allow a couple of days for completing all formalities.

After clearance, one may then go to the yacht anchorage south of Bolghatty Island, off the Bolghatty Hotel. Boats drawing more than 6 ft (2 m) should wait for high tide as the channel is shallow in places. Written permission from the Port Captain must be obtained if one moves to another area.

With prior warning, yachts planning to call at Kondo Syokai for repair, can call on them for assistance with clearing.

You can leave your boat in Cochin and travel inland in India. If you want to leave the boat there and travel out of the country, you would need special permission from the authorities in Cochin. The boat must have a guard onboard or be stored in a recognised boatyard/workshop. Contact: Deputy Conservator's Office, Cochin 682 009, Tel. 666871, Fax 04 84 668163.

Nasar
Boat no. 72 (P M NASAR)
Tel:+91 989 516 4090
A very helpful agent for transport to the various offical offices and obtaining or arranging other services.

Docking

The anchorage at Bolgatty hotel is free and quiet and good for an extended stay. Good quality fresh water is available at a low cost.

The Taj Malabar hotel is welcoming to cruisers who can use their facilities.

The year 2008 should see an improvement in sailing facilities in Cochin as the Volvo Ocean Race is due to arrive here in December 2008. The plan is for a 2.5 acre race village to be set up near the BTP berth at Willingdon Island.

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