General Advice

It is important to check the latest security situation here using such sites as the U.K. FCO.

PNG has a high violent crime rate against both locals and foreigners. In recent years, the violence and unrest on the mainland appears to have spread to some of the previously untouched, outlying islands. The latest report of an armed boarding was in October 2019 from Bougainville Island (west coast), Torokina – see details below.

Some of the areas where cruisers have experienced crime towards yachts are detailed below, and in the main these do tend to be armed and violent. Remember that you are a conspicuously rich visitor in a very poor neighbourhood.

In general, it is best to avoid any place large enough to have people who migrate there away from their clan/extended family (such as Madang, Kavieng, Rabaul, Port Moresby and Lae – predominantly mainland PNG). There is no dependable rule of law and the traditional system keeps people in check in small communities. Many can’t find work in the towns and life becomes even more desperate.

As with any travel in PNG you must remain vigilant at all times. Be sure to lock everything, keep your eyes open to trouble and do not walk around at night. When at anchor, remove anything valuable from the deck and secure anything else, lock your hatches when off the boat and at night, and keep a bright light burning in the cockpit all night to deter boarders.

Don’t let your security lapse because you think everyone is so friendly. Most Papua New Guineans are incredibly friendly and giving and this is an amazing place to cruise. But there are always going to be people struggling and desperate, and they are in those bigger towns or close by.

Another point to note is women should be sensitive with their dress and short or skimpy attire could attract unwanted attention.

A great many cruisers spend months cruising around PNG with no problems at all.

Always check the current situation before planning an itinerary for PNG and review the PNG Security Reports for more details.

The best way to find out about changing conditions is to listen to the news, both Radio Australia and Radio New Zealand having good Overseas Services for the Pacific area, or by contacting one’s high commission or embassy in Port Moresby, who are usually well informed.

Cruisers’ Advice:

Useful reports on security by cruisers who have been to PNG:

• Nadine & Matt of SV Aluna cruised in PNG from mid-June to September 2018 and put together this useful guide which includes some helpful tips on security.
• Yacht Adina visited PNG in 2015. Their sailing notes have a list of all the anchorages they visited and advice on security. They did a lot of research in planning their route and did not encounter any problems. Yacht Adina Papua New Guinea Anchorage is available on: www.yachtadina.co.uk/sailingnotes
• SY Kelaerin’s thoughts and experiences re. yacht security in PNG and the Solomons following a 2014 visit.
• SY Totem’s useful security summary in their March 2013 report of 3 months cruising around PNG.

Areas where cruisers have experienced crime:

Main Island

Port Moresby and Lae: Particularly affected by the surge in criminality; however, the area around the yacht club in Port Moresby is relatively trouble-free.

Madang on the northern coast of New Guinea: A popular stop with cruisers on their way to Indonesia, is now reported to have increasing security problems similar to those afflicting Lae and Port Moresby. Locals regard it as a dangerous place – verified February 2020.

Wewak , north coast of mainland PNG, December 2015: Yacht boarded by armed men with machetes and robbed in the presence of a military patrol.

Theft from yachts is increasingly a risk on the islands east of the main island. Local knowledge and basic safety precautions are necessary.

New Britain & New Ireland  

New Britain, Rabaul and Kokopo: In New Britain, local advice remains that anchorage at Rabaul and Kokopo cannot be recommended, as boardings and thefts continue to occur here.

New Britain, The Duke of York Islands: Close to Kokopo this island group has several good anchorages, with local villagers keen to ensure the safety of their island group for traveling yachts.

New Ireland, Kavieng: Safe anchorage can be found in Kavieng, New Ireland. The anchorage off the Nusa Island Retreat on Nusalik Island provides a secure base although care should be taken in this port.  

Outer Islands

Bougainville Island (west coast), Torokina, October 2019: Yacht boarded at night by 6 armed men, skipper held at gunpoint and threatened while yacht ransacked. More details here.

Lever Harbor, New Georgia, 2014: Attempted nighttime theft from cockpit.

Manus area (Admiralty Group), September 2011: It is strongly advised that yachts avoid this area as yachts visiting in September 2011 experienced threatening behaviour from local “officials”. 

Vessels traveling west or east to/from Kavieng in Papua New Guinea and Jayapura in Indonesia, a distance of some 670 nautical miles, should note refueling opportunities are limited. Manus is an option if fuel is needed.

Last updated:  February 2020