Checking In and Checking Out

Right now in the United States there is great debate about immigration, illegals, and what we should do about it.

Well, guess what? I have met more cruisers this year that not only aren’t renewing in a country, but aren’t even checking in to the country. I am disturbed by this trend. I believe that you should follow the rules. Sometimes I don’t like the fees and sometimes I don’t like how they are administered or collected, but if that is the law of the country that I wish to spend time in then I should pay. If I don’t want to pay, then may-be I shouldn’t be visiting that country.

I remember when the Bahamas initiated their new fee system several years ago. Cruisers were up in arms about it. The Bahamians for their part wanted to cut down on the fishing guys from Florida that were coming in and fishing out the local waters and taking literally tons of fish back to Florida in their freezers and returning in a couple of weeks. Of course the new system hit the cruisers also. So for $300 US we got a cruising permit for six months and that included a fishing permit. (Really not a bad deal for us when you think about it.)

Checking In to Mexico. We had to hire an agent, import the boat, customs and immigration for a total of $200 in and $100 out.

Belize has a new thing going…the Port Capt fee when you check out of $40 US. People are out of sorts about it. The issue as I see it is that not everyone pays. The Port Capt doesn’t have an office, he works off a metal drum in the parking lot. If he is not there you don’t have to pay, if he is there you have to PAY!

As Americans we don’t think about what it costs cruisers from other countries to check in and out of the States or what the requirements are to do so. Believe me they pay when they come in and now they have to deal with HOMELAND SECURITY!

So remember when you head into a foriegn country that you are a GUEST. You do not have the right to work unless you have a work visa, you do not have the right to Bitch about them taking your vegetables. For Christ sweet sakes you can't take veggies across to the border of Arizona. and finally I do NOT have the right to not check in my CAT. Yes, it is a hassle, but it is the law.