Passports

A valid passport is required for each crew member. It is a usual requirement that it is valid for at least six months. It is worth having good color copies of crew passports on board for carrying around when required instead of the real thing.

Visas

Ensure that every crew member who requires one, either has a visa in advance of arrival or ensure that a ‘visa on arrival’ will be issued. Visiting cruisers are often subject to different rules to those applied to visitors arriving by air or cruise liner. Be sure to check the current requirements well in advance of arrival. Some countries may have a convenient embassy in a neighboring state where a visa may be obtained. Do your research in advance using Noonsite’s detailed immigration information for each country.

For further information see Visa section below.

Crew Lists

Several copies of the complete crew list are likely to be requested when clearing into a new country. This list should include for each crew member, including the Skipper:-

– Full name
– Date and place of birth
– Nationality
– Passport number
– Date of expiry of the passport

Medical Information

Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate: While the Pandemic has passed, many places may still want to see your vaccination certificate. Make sure you have a hard copy.

Other vaccination certificates: If required (see the Health section under country Formalities).

Medicines: A prescription or a letter from a doctor specifying the medicine, and why it is taken, should accompany any medicines containing powerful narcotics or habit-forming drugs, especially those used by a member of the crew on a regular basis, such as heart and blood pressure medication, diuretics, tranquillisers, anti-depressants, stimulants or sleeping tablets. Also, take note if there is any particular restriction as some ‘over-the-counter’ medications can be restricted in some countries. If you have a regular medication you take, as names of Meds change in every country be sure to know the content.

Medical History: When cruising you may well be dealing with doctors who know nothing of you, or your crew’s, medical history. Be sure to have basic medical records for everyone aboard your boat, renew them annually and keep them with your grab bag. Make a summary to include: Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, quick summary of known medical issues, allergies and adverse reactions (particularly food, medicines, bites/stings), chronic medical conditions, prescriptions and medications regularly taken including dose, surgical history, important family medical history, contact information of regular doctors, name of family member or friend who can make medical decisions if you are unable to.

Insurance: Have copies of personal medical insurance for all crew and any medical evacuation coverage.

Next of Kin: Names of who you should notify for all crew in case of a serious medical emergency, with their phone number and email address.

Skipper: Certificate of Competence

An International Certificate of Competence (ICC), or some official document showing the competence of the person in charge of the boat, is now required by officials in many countries. Whilst your home country may not require such a certificate, it is worth getting something before you start cruising to avoid any nasty surprises.

See Cruising Regulations: Obtaining an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for more details.

If traveling on the inland waterways of Europe, then proof of having passed the CEVNI exams is required. This is a theory test to ensure you understand the inland waterway rules and signage and can be done online. See the European Union Information page – section 4, for more details.

Pets

Any animals on board must have international health certificates and their anti-rabies and other vaccinations should be kept up to date. All Noonsite Formalities have a pets section (for example https://www.noonsite.com/place/fiji/formalities/view/pets).

Divers

If you carry scuba diving equipment on board, you may be asked to show diving qualification certificates before getting your tanks filled. In some countries spear guns are illegal. This is noted on the individual country pages under ‘Restrictions’.