Port Mathurin - Clearance
For full details of Mauritius Formalities go here.
Clearance Formalities for Rodrigues are unique to the Island and not the same as formalities for Mauritius. Clearance can be obtained in Port Mathurin on Rodrigues Island. Clearance is only valid during the stay in Rodrigues and one must clear in again on arrival in Mauritius at Port Louis (or clear in again in Rodrigues if you have already cleared into Mauritius).
A Shipping Agent is not required for clearance in Rodrigues.
General Process:
Call “Rodrigues Coastguard” on VHF channel 16 when several miles out and advise of ETA. Call them again on your approach. If you have not done so, the Coastguard will call you on channel 16 when you are in territorial waters. Note that night time arrivals are not permitted to enter the port. In this case, you will need to anchor off until daylight.
The Coastguard will phone the Port Captain on your behalf to get permission for you to enter the harbour.
Recent reports are that officials ask you to anchor off. Quaratine and the Harbor Master will come on board first to do their checks and complete paperwork.
Once complete, you will then have to go ashore by dinghy to complete formalities with Immigration and Customs. You can tie your dinghy to the barge in front of the towboat Solitaire. Clearance is reported to be fast and efficient. Overtime charges apply to Customs only and only on Sunday.
You may be able to tie up to the commercial dock on arrival if a supply ship is not at the dock.
If you intend to go to Port Sud-Est, advise the local authorities upon arrival.
Be sure to review Mauritius Formalities here for details of customs rules etc. (spearguns are not permitted).
Clearing-Out
You must clear-out of Rodrigues if you are heading off to Mauritius, Saint Brandon, or another country. It is possible to clear out while staying at anchor. All official will be notified the day before by the Coast Guard.
Note that after clearing out you nor your crew can leave the yacht and you must depart before sunset. Call the Port Captain on VHF Ch. 16 to request permission to depart (he may or may not answer).
The meteorological office is extremely helpful and forecasts are made available free of charge to departing yachts.
Last updated: August 2023
This detailed report by SV YOLO who visited Rodrigues in May 2015 gives some very useful passage information for the Island.
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Related to following destinations: Mauritius, Port Mathurin, Rodrigues
Port Navigation
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As of April 2017, the fee payable to the Health office is Rs 1400 (approx $40).
It is possible to make some repairs here but searching for the right person to help can be difficult. If you need advice then talk to Louis in the Boutik Artisanale de Rodrigues (corner of rues Francois leguat and Paul Elysee). He speaks impeccable English, has lived on the island for years, and is happy to help yachties.
He directed an American boat to a machine shop which was able to fabricate new tangs for their rigging. We used the same metal-work guy to separate a stainless steel bracket which was corroded to its shaft. Don’t forget to buy something in Louis’ shop afterwards to thank him for his trouble (the products are lovely, reasonably priced, and mostly made by his wife).