Ocean outlook: South China Sea and Indian Ocean
by Noonsite 4 Jun 2023 13:13 PDT
South China Sea © Noonsite
South China Sea:
Dutch cruiser Eddie Smit flew into Vietnam to join a boat at the new Ana Marina, using an e-visa, which was pretty straightforward. However, once there discovered that cruising in the country is not possible at this time and yachts are treated just like commercial craft. Find out more in his report.
Singapore clearance procedures are now back to normal after Covid, albeit complicated and lengthy. An agent is still required to enter, however, now clearance must be done once a marina has been selected rather than clearance with Immigration out at sea.
Cruisers are warning of not trying to clear into the Philippines at Batangas, at the southern end of the main island of Luzon. A rogué agent there tries to extort huge fees out of sailing yachts for clearance and it is best avoided. If coming from the south, Puerto Princesa on Palawan is reported to much more yacht-friendly.
Indian Ocean:
Motor yacht "Frantic Pace" reports on a 70-day visit to the Andaman- Nicobar Islands in eastern India. This was their third visit and they noticed some significant improvements as well as welcoming officials. Some of the burdensome red tape has eased: yachts can now remain in the Andamans for the length of the Captain's visa; many more islands have been approved for anchorage, swimming, snorkeling and fishing; and there is no longer a requirement to report your position twice daily. Read the full feedback in comments, Andamans.
One of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded in the North Indian Ocean made landfall in Myanmar on May 14, flooding streets, tearing roofs from houses and downing trees. Mocha was the first named cyclone of the North Indian Cyclone season.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com