Davao, Mindanao, Philippines - Clearance Arrangements

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-10-05 09:54:16
Countries: Philippines

Davao, Mindanao, Philippines - Clearance Arrangements, etc., Update - 31 Sep 2006

I arrived here in Davao {pron. Dah-vow} from Darwin, Sunday 24 Sep, about 1400 local time.

My calls on VHF ch 16 an hour earlier to "Davao Marina/Coastguard" and to "Davao Port Control" requesting inbound clearance instructions were not answered - (maybe because government doesn't work on Sunday afternoon? or maybe lack of practice? - I understand that I was only the 3rd yacht to clear in to Davao this year!)

The yacht quarantine anchorage is located 50-100m off the southern Sta. Anna wharf (approximately 07 04.53N, 125 37.74E).

There was too much water depth at that location for my 35m of anchor chain, but the crew on the Pilot vessel (berthed at Sta Anna wharf) who had heard my unanswered VHF calls were very helpful. They directed me to shallower safe water closer to the southernmost jetty, but clear of busy ferry access lanes. They also called the quarantine service.

Quarantine arrived within the hour and Customs a couple of hours later. No problems, apart from the expected unofficial requests for "fees/gratuities,etc". US$100 was suggested as the norm! - Follow my lead and pleasantly show them that you too enjoy a joke! - a few packets of cigarettes, a bottle of wine or $10 is plenty, even on a Sunday afternoon!

Immigration didn't show until midday Monday (after some prompting by a Filipina friend ashore) - claiming that they had not been informed of our arrival. No problems getting 21-day, no-charge, extendable, visas-on-arrival.

The Customs Boarding Officer (Mr E Montero, office phone 2331258, cellphone 0916-3808403) was accompanied by Doming Payao. Doming offered his services as an off-board or on-board watchman, general helper, shopper, etc, for 100P/day (US$2!). A very agreeable man with adequate English and a good honest worker - I recommend him to you. Either Doming will find you on arrival, or Mr Montero will locate him for you.

Another good helper is the boatman Sandro (he has a small yellow boat at Sta Anna, is versatile and has some boating knowledge). Just wave to him and he will come to you.

After immigration clearance, you can berth at either the southern or northern wharf bow-to, with a long stern anchor rode but the northern wharf and the seaward end of the southern wharf are rather busy. The southern wharf is in very bad condition (condemned?) but is adequate berthing for a visiting yacht with low expectations.

Beware of a submerged-at-high-tide, broken fender pile a couple of metres off the end of the southern wharf and shallow water on much of the shore end of both wharves.

Tide range is about 2m and the bottom is good gripping mud. I suggest that you hail one of the many willing small-boat men to paddle you around the area for a few Pesos (less than $1) and go probe the bottom yourself before berthing your boat - don't rely too much on the local advice. It tends to be what you would like it to be, rather than the actual facts!

Enjoy the experience!

Regards, John Macey, Andiamo IV