TARAWA

Pilotage

With regard to pilotage into the lagoon at Tarawa in Kiribati, please note:

– In general, it is a wide deep pass used by ships and is currently buoyed at each end of the channel.

– The entry waypoints in the pdf document cruisersyachtinformation.pdf (titled ‘Information for Cruisers & Yachties’) appear to be incorrect.

– The waypoints in the html page (‘Yachting & Cruising Information’) on the Kiribati website are better (www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki) but take you very close to the port side of the channel on entry.

– There is a small offset in some charts, so suggest daylight entry using normal cautions on first arrival.

Clearance, Formalities etc:

– Fly yellow flag and call ‘Tarawa Radio’ on VHF16 once through the pass and be prepared to give vessel and crew details, this is a 7 day a week service.

– Anchor in Betio inside fishing boats, watch out for rapid shelving and be prepared to swing in all directions. Some fishing boats are anchored on rode with very long scope. Most wrecks are visible.

– Betio anchorage likely to be tenuous in strong Westerly although holding appears to be good.

– Dinghy landing in the harbour is difficult, be prepared to be imaginative.

– Customs and immigration and others will come to boat for clearance, be prepared to provide transfers from/to shore.

– Clearance does not seem to be possible at the weekend.

– You will then need to go to Biariki Island (bus ride is an easy and interesting experience) to complete formalities with immigration department.

– To visit other islands during your stay in Kiribati you will need to write a letter to Principal Immigration Officer requesting permission – at least 3 days prior to intended departure. You will also need to clear with customs to visit other islands.

– Current policy is that you must return to Tarawa for final clearance. It is possible there may be some flexibility in this. Suggest writing a letter and offering to stay in daily email contact with Tarawa authorities. This may work – but may not.

Related content
Tarawa (Betio Islet)