BIOT Yacht Declaration

Created by val. Last modified on 2009-03-05 10:46:35
Contributors: Issued by the BIOT Administration March 2009,
Countries: Chagos

Declaration for Yachts in BIOT Waters

Yachts in Distress

In the event of an emergency in BIOT territorial waters, the UK authorities on BIOT will render all possible assistance to yachts in distress. If you have an emergency that you consider life threatening, you should declare it as a maritime emergency in accordance with International Maritime Regulations. In such a situation, the BIOT authorities in Diego Garcia can be contacted on 2.182MHz HF SSB or VHF if within range.

However, such assistance can lead to substantial costs being incurred by the BIOT Administration if the emergency results in the loss of a yacht and the subsequent requirement to fly the master and crew off Diego Garcia (the cost of flights from Diego Garcia to Singapore can be around US$2,000 per passenger). The BIOT Administration will also need to arrange for the clean-up and subsequent disposal of a wrecked yacht, incurring further costs.

Before issuing you with a permit allowing you to moor at Peros Banhos and Salomon atolls, the BIOT Commissioner, therefore, requires you to sign the undertaking below that you will repay such costs.

UNDERTAKING

In consideration of the Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory granting me a permit to moor my yacht ……………………………………………………in the Territorial waters of the Territory, I …………………………..…………………………….……………. of…………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………..… hereby UNDERTAKE and AGREE that if for any reason I am unable to sail my said yacht and its passengers out of the Territory, I shall within 7 days of demand pay the Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory the cost of transporting my passengers and me from the Territory together with all such costs as may be incurred for the clean up and removal of my yacht from BIOT waters.

In the event that the sum demanded is not paid within 7 days I accept that the courts of the jurisdiction in which I reside shall have jurisdiction to enforce the Commissioner’s claim against me.

…………………………………………………….... …………………………..

Signature Date