Glen McConchie says:
Sep 05, 2018 05:09 AM

Glen here a Kiwi who is an offshore sailor but living on the island of Yap for the last 5 years, Just a quick note to tell all that it is VERY IMPORTANT to have a valid cruising permit before entering FSM, here in Yap.

I have seen several boats be fined $1000 USD each for not having one, even after showing proof of having applied but not received one. If a serious bit of revenue collecting is to be avoided I recommend you get it sorted in advance.

The problem lies with head office in Pohnpei, I was witness to and tried to help a Korean sailor who lost everything he owned on the outer reef here at night after falling asleep and landing on the reef.

The boat was a total loss and it still cost him $1000 for not having a cruising permit and a bucket load of other fees on top of that for hitting the reef and getting picked up by the local police.

He was lucky that a lot of his good gear was taken from the ship with the pickup but unlucky most of it disappeared and the rest was confiscated. Still a great place to visit just be sure to have all in order BEFORE arrival.

Having just arrived in Pohnpei last week, I was told that I should have used Channel 10 on VHF, not 16 to notify our arrival at the port. On 16, there was no response.

It is not clear at all where you should berth for clearance once you have made it to the commercial harbour. We were invited to come alongside a private fishing fleet servicing vessel berthed just beyond the commercial wharf (not suitable for yachts) and behind the FSM police/fisheries vessels.

The relevant officials then came aboard across the deck of the vessel we had tied to. The clearance process was pleasant and professional.
Jim Patek
SY Let’s Go!

Long range planning. There will be an SSCA GAM at Mangrove Bay Marina on 26 December this year. We’ll celebrate Boxing Day with a great party with all yachts in the anchorage.