Practicalities

Hi Mike,

I've moved your post here in the hope that more people will see it and respond with the latest information.

In 2009 you could definitely clear in at Pana Pom Pom, however we heard rumors that this might change as there were a few issues with the local customs bloke.

The 2009 rally fleet cleared in at Bwagoia, Misima by special arrangement whereby the rally organisers arranged for customs officers to fly in from Alotau to clear the entire fleet.

In terms of cost, there is no charge for customs clearance (I think international law requires customs clearance to be free of charge). PNG Quarantine clearance in 2009 cost 250 kina payable in cash for a 35' yacht with 3 on board.

The only fee you can pay before departing Australia is for your personal visitor visas. You get these from the PNG High Commission in Brisbane or Canberra, and in 2009 they cost about $30 per crew/passenger and $100 for the skipper. Phone them and get the latest prices before you send in your paperwork, as their website tends to be out of date.

That's as much confirmed factual information as I can offer. The following is my interpretation only...

I think in 2009 it was possible to make initial landfall at Bwagoia and obtain a certificate of pratique (i.e. clear quarantine), however there was no local customs officer.

Independent cruisers in 2009 cleared in either at Pana Pom Pom, Alotau, or I think Samarai.

There is very little government presence in the islands, and they appear to be pretty lax about the formality of clearance. Although technically illegal, in practice you are unlikely to have any problems going ashore at any less developed islands whilst still flying the yellow flag if you wanted to stretch your legs on the way to your official port of entry. Of course, be responsible with regard to quarantine matters - don't go ashore if anyone is unwell and don't take food or animals ashore.

Good luck!

Simon

> Planning to sail to louisiades August 2010. Semm to be getting conflicting info re customs and quarantine. July 2009 you could clear customs at Nivani/pana pom Island and quarantine at Bwagaola (misima) or you can do both at Samauri. Can anyone please update me on this ?
> Cost, very vague info from PNG Consulate, what is the customs charge and quarantine charge, can any of these be paid prior to departure from australia.
>
> Thanks
>
> Mike
> SV Koshin

Hi Mike,
We can confirm Simon's info of about 250 kina for quarantine clearance at Bwagoia. We were 39' with 2 people, but we don't think the charge is dependant on either factor. We can also confirm no charge for customs clearance. International maritime law is that no charge can be made for customs clearance, however countries can charge as much as they like for quarantine. We were on the rally but know of independent yachts that cleared customs (in and out) at Panapompom. HOWEVER, the scuttlebut was that the customs officer at Panapompom was trying to charge overtime to clear them in on the weekend and after hours. He should not have been doing this. Also, there seemed to be a period of grace allowed before clearing either customs or quarantine that was not exclusively for the rally yachts.
Happy cruising.
John and Catherine SV Ada

> Planning to sail to louisiades August 2010. Semm to be getting conflicting info re customs and quarantine. July 2009 you could clear customs at Nivani/pana pom Island and quarantine at Bwagaola (misima) or you can do both at Samauri. Can anyone please update me on this ?
> Cost, very vague info from PNG Consulate, what is the customs charge and quarantine charge, can any of these be paid prior to departure from australia.
>
> Thanks
>
> Mike
> SV Koshin

17/5/10
Mike of SV Koshin has just provided this update for yachts clearing into PNG:

"Customs will no longer clear yachts into PNG at their station in the
Deboyne Group in the Louisiades, they will have to go either to
Alotau or Samarai."

This is a hassle for visiting yachts, and the cruising community may be able to do something about it by writing to the PNG minister for Customs, although I wouldn't hold my breath....

> Planning to sail to louisiades August 2010. Semm to be getting conflicting info re customs and quarantine. July 2009 you could clear customs at Nivani/pana pom Island and quarantine at Bwagaola (misima) or you can do both at Samauri. Can anyone please update me on this ?
> Cost, very vague info from PNG Consulate, what is the customs charge and quarantine charge, can any of these be paid prior to departure from australia.
>
> Thanks
>
> Mike
> SV Koshin

Hi - we are plannin gto go to the Louisiades out of Carins around August. Would be great if we could sail with another boat. Anyone out there planning a trip to the island group.

Cheers

Diana>
>

Yacht Seagoon will be leaving May 2014 for the islands. If we can a few boats together, then it is cheap to fly customs to Misima Island, much easier thatn tacking out from Samarai Island. Last year I paid quarentine 100 Kina, yacht rally pay 150 kina.

 

We might be able to get MP Gordon Wesley to fly Customs to Misima as he is helping me with my Solar Light Project, all I need to know is when the boats can be at Misima. Get back to me at svseagoon at yahoo.com

 

Hans