Cochin (Kochi) : Profile

Location

This is a modern all-weather port and a rapidly growing maritime gateway to peninsular India. The city offers a perfect blend of the traditional and the modern. It is a major tourist destination encompassing tranquil backwaters, heritage and historical sites, antique shops, spice trade centres etc.

After a stopover here by the Volvo Ocean Race in 2009, there is a much bigger interest in sailing, and the new "Kochi International Marina" officially opened on 24, April 2010.

Clearance

Port Control must be contacted on both arrival and departure once in the approach channel. Call on VHF channel 15.

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 in front of the Port Trust Building.

No one must land before clearing Customs, who will come out in a launch. The captain can then 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.

After clearance, one may then go to the yacht anchorage south of Bolgatty Island, or the new marina at the Bolgatty Palace Heritage Hotel on the east of Bolgatty Island. 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 will 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, Tel: 04 84 666871, Fax: 04 84 668163.

If planning a day sail from the port, Port Control must be advised in advance, by fax, stating vessel, crew and duration of the trip (in hours).

The Coast Guard are likely to come alongside to check when sailing in the vicinity of the port.

Last updated January 2011.

Nazar
Boat no. 72 (BIS NANI), Yellow boat with a green shade on top
Tel:+91 989 516 4090
A very helpful, honest and reliable agent for help with clearing and obtaining or arranging other services. He normally wears a shirt and an Indian-style skirt and is sometimes accompanied by his son, Nissam who speaks fluent English.
Cruisers have reported that another boatmen tries to impersonate him. Do not be confused by this other 'Nazar' who often wears a baseball cap & jeans.

Docking

Anchoring
The anchorage south of Bolgatty Island off the Bolgatty hotel is free and quiet and good for an extended stay. Good quality fresh water is available at a low cost. They also welcome yachties to use their facilities, including a nice bar, restaurant and internet facility.

From here by dinghy you can visit Ernakulum, the modern site of Cochin. Ferries to fort Cochin run daily as well as ferries to Willingdon Island.

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

Docking
The Kochi International Marina, which opened in April 2010, is part of the Bolgatty Palace Heritage Hotel on the east of Bolgatty Island. The entrance channel is shallow, although it has been reported that boats with a 2.5m draft have made it up there. Entrance to the marina is difficult due to the tide and tight finger pontoons. Assistance is required.

In Cochin itself is a small boatyard run by John Crabtree with limited dockage for yachts. Several cruisers have recommended this facility (see reports adjacent).

Contact Liz or Jamie on SY Esper (Tel: +91 999 57 33419) if they are still in the marina as they have aquired much local knowledge. (Jan 2011).

Last updated February 2011.

Kochi International Marina
E coast of Bolgatty Island, Bolgatty Palace Heritage Hotel
Run by Ocean Blue Marinas, this facility opened April 2010. Much is planned; repair facilities, servicing, essential services (fuel, water, electricity, pump-out). Currently 37 berths available, 50 planned. June 2010 cruisers report frequent powercuts, showers in hotel, water and elec. on dock (see reports adjacent).

Kondo Syokai Marine/Malabar Yacht Club
Mattancherry, on the Fort Cochin peninsula., Across from the quarantine anchorage
Tel:Tel:+91 484 222 8389 / Mob: +91 984 739 7735, Fax:+91 484 222 8389
http://sites.google.com/site/kondosyokailleisureindia, drjohncrabtree@gmail.com
John Crabtree runs this small boatyard with hauling out service for 15-20 tons (see report "Hauling Out in Cochin" - 30 June 2008). Also limited dockage space with electricity and well water (not for drinking). Live in watchman. John and partner Fumio are reported to be very welcoming and helpful. If you are lucky, they may have a place for you at their secure dock. Located in the centre of the tourist district.

Port Authority
Port Control Room, Cochin Port Trust, Indira Gandhi Road, Eillingdo Isalnd
Tel:+91 484 266 7105, VHF Channel 16