THE Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is reminding all visiting yacht and motor vessel operators to ensure they comply with Fiji’s entry, coastal cruising and reporting requirements before travelling through Fiji’s waters.
In a notice issued to visiting vessels, FRCS said all yachts and motor vessels arriving in Fiji must complete inward clearance at one of the country’s gazetted ports of entry.
All visiting yachts or motor vessels visiting Fiji must clear inward to a gazetted port of entry either at Suva, Lautoka (Vuda Marina), Denarau, Savusavu or Levuka.
The authority also reminded vessel operators planning to travel to outer islands after completing inward clearance that they must first obtain the necessary approvals.
“All visiting yachts or motor vessels that wish to visit islands after inward clearance must obtain a cruising permit from the iTaukei Affairs Board. Coastal clearance will be given once a valid cruising permit is provided,” FRCS said.
FRCS also stressed the importance of keeping crew and passenger records up to date throughout a vessel’s stay in Fiji.
“The crew and passenger list must be updated accordingly. Information must be passed to Customs on the weekly report via email to yachtsreport@frcs.org.fj,” the notice said.
The service said compliance with Fiji’s laws and traditional customs remained an important responsibility for all visiting vessels.
The reminder serves to ensure visiting vessels meet all customs and coastal clearance requirements while operating within Fiji’s maritime borders.
