Betio Islet : Profile

Clearance

Tarawa Radio should be called on VHF Channel 16 when approaching the island and give one's ETA. The Marine Guard keeps 24 hour watch on 500, 2182 and 6215 MHz. Channel 16 is monitored only during office hours (0800-1230, 1330-1615 Monday to Friday). Having been advised beforehand, officials will be waiting in Betio when the yacht arrives. All formalities are supposed to be completed alongside in the small boat harbour in Betio, but this can only take yachts under 6 ft draft. Because of silting, the depths in the harbour are unreliable, so it may be safer for larger draft vessels to tie up to the commercial wharf on the way into Betio or anchor just outside the harbour entrance. An unmarked wreck, lying just below the surface, is close to the recommended anchorage and its position has been reported at 1°22.03'N 172°55.44'E. The customs office is at Betio and immigration officials will come over from Bairiki, where the government offices are based. The captain must show last port clearance and registry certificate.

Related Reports

Hawaii, Honolulu to Brisbane, Australia (22 May 2008)

Tide Information In South Pacific (17 Oct 2007)

Question About Fanning Island Slack Water (16 Oct 2006)

A Visit To Christmas/Kirimati Island (09 Mar 2005)

25th Anniversary of Moon Handbooks South Pacific (24 Jun 2004)

Christmas Island Still A Good Destination (15 Dec 2003)

Fanning Island (27 Jan 2001)

Christmas Island (Kirimati) (27 Jan 2001)

Related News

Dispute As To Facts Of Kiribati Yacht Arrest (31 May 2008)

Brunei Bay Radio Services (06 Jan 2002)