Good News for Yachts Heading to Fiji or Australia

7:06 AM Fri 21 Nov 2008 GMT
The authorities in both Fiji and Australia have issued statements making life easier for visiting yachts.

In Fiji the eighteen month allowable stay period has been restored, according to a spokesperson for the marine industry there, thus restoring the old rule, which was cast out last year by the new interim government. More news on this when we get an official announcement.

In Australia Sail-World has received encouraging news about the notification requirements, in which Customs have heralded a 'common sense' line until new legislation is enacted.

Sail-World Cruising interviewed Barbara Sweeney from Customs Media, who gave out the good news:

Sail-World Cruising: If someone notifies Customs of an arrival but it turns out to be wrong, and they have no means of communicating with you from their yacht (ie. no fax, email or telephone on board) to advise a variation in the arrival date, what is their situation on arrival into Australia?

Barbara Sweeney: It is recognised that this is an anticipated arrival report, and that sailing a small vessel in the Pacific is not always an exact science. Provided Customs is satisfied that this was a genuine situation and not an attempt to circumvent the pre-arrival reporting regime, then there would be no adverse impact. However the vessel is still required to arrive at one of the designated ports, unless under genuine duress.

Sail-World Cruising:The minimum reporting requirement, except in exceptional cases, is 96 hours. Is there a maximum time?

Barbara Sweeney: The current legislation sets a maximum time of ten days. Customs has recognised that this is not always achievable in the case of pleasure craft, and has introduced an amendment into Parliament that will allow for a pre-arrival report to be lodged up to three months before the expected arrival date. In the interim, we have implemented a policy advice that put this into effect pending the legislation change. In short, Customs will accept a pre-arrival report as early as three months prior to the intended arrival date.

Both countries require prior notification of arrival. Please refer to Noonsitefor the full requirements, to which the above information can be considered an addendum. Always check directly before arrival in any country - having the right information is the responsibility of the Skipper.

by Nancy Knudsen

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