World Cruising Handbook Corrections & Additions: Mediterranean & Black Sea

Created by doina. Last modified on 2008-04-30 16:23:14
Contributors:
Topic: WORLD CRUISING HANDBOOK 2007
Countries: Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Libya, Morocco, Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine

Corrections and additions to World Cruising Handbook 3rd edition (2001).

Mediterranean & Black Sea

Bosnia (new country)

The currency is the Bosnian marka but the Croatian kuna and Euro are also accepted.

Bulgaria p.38

On January 1 2007 Bulgaria joined the European Union.

Croatia p. 40

delete: Yachts left unattended for longer periods, such as for wintering, will be bonded by customs. This is arranged through the marina and costs 120 Kunas -about US$15 (2001). For short periods of absence of up to 20 days the boat can be left in the care of a marina without being bonded.

Egypt p. 47

Time zone = UTC +2
Port Galib is the easiest place to clear in and get Egyptian Visas (US$15 per person); yachts up to 18 metres (60 feet) LOA will pay a fee of US$30 for processing formalities (US$50 for larger yachts).

Abu Tig Marina is usually fully booked, reserve a place as early as possible.

Change from: "The agent with the best reputation and who handles most cruising yachts in Suez is Fathi Soukar (Prince of the Red Sea). He normally monitors VHF Channel 16. Tel. + 20 62 222 126, Fax. 330 965, Mobile 002012 2291049, e-mail: princers@gega.net to - The agents in Suez who handles most cruising yachts are Prince of the Red Sea (Captain Habib......) and Felix Maritime Agency (Mr Nagib Latif, phone 066 333 3232/066 324 8283 or mobile 012 211 9365, fax 066 333 3510 Email: felix@felix-eg.com. Their rates are sometimes negotiable, usually around US$ 80.

Greece p.58

At subsequent ports one should check in with the port authority (or local police or customs if there is no port authority) so they can inspect your transit log.

Note that the Greek Coast Guard does not monitor or call on VHF Ch 16. If you require assistance you must call them on Ch 12. Monitor Ch 12 on entering a port in case the port police wish to call you.

It may be advisable also for non-EU passport holders to insist on having a passport stamped on entry (even if planning to leave the country by yacht) as some officials will want to see a stamp.

Libya p. 70

Every visitor needs a visa in advance, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain if you are not part of an organised tour.

It should be noted that with a Libyan stamp in one's passport, one may have considerable problems going to some other countries, although it has been reported that it is no longer a problem for entry into the United States.

Visas usually granted for 90 days with extensions possible. 15 LD visa fee. A few Arab countries, and citizens of Malta, do not need visas.

As of November 2007 all passengers travelling to Libya must have passports translated in Arabic and legalized by the local Libyan Embassy. Regulations that will be strictly applied in all points of entry to the country including road, air and sea.

Morocco p.75

Marina Smir has a 150 ton travelift.

Romania p.78

On January 1 2007 Romania joined the European Union.

Slovenia p.80

On 1 January 2007 Slovenia adopted the Euro.

Ukraine p. 96

One should take care not to leave Ukraine territorial waters while cruising the coast.