When you are sailing and pull into a foreign port do the customs officials come to you or do you go to them?

Question

Also do they search your boat?

Answer 1

Also make sure you or any crew member have NOTHING illegal with them.

Answer 2

It's best to alert the Customs Officials in whatever country you're arriving in to let them know you're on your way. (48 hours notice is usually sufficient.)

Protocol dictates you fly the "Q" (quarantine) flag from your lowest starboard spreader until you've cleared customs. If they don't come to you, the skipper of the vessel ONLY may go ashore to contact them.

Your boat may or may not be searched.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Everything Audio God said. Also, be VERY aware of any regulations regarding firearms and anything else that might be considered contraband, that's a great way to get to see the inside of a foreign prison and have your boat confiscated. Also, most especially, do not have ANYTHING on your computer hard-drive that might be illegal in any country you're going to, even if it's legal in your own country. Before you set sail, become very familiar with the Customs regulations of every nation you plan on visiting, and also every nation you plan on sailing in the vicinity of; you never know where you may have to make an emergency stop.

And yes, this can be an issue for brown-water sailors as well as blue-water; Customs between the US, Canada and Mexico can be a colossal mess.

Answer 4

If you are sailing to foreign ports you'll probably have had some serious blue-water training or experience first.  Nevertheless, it is well known that Australia is amazingly strict.  In June 2006 they passed a new law requiring four to 10 days notice prior to arrival.  Otherwise law-abiding sailors have been arrested and fine for not giving sufficient notice.

Answer 5

Audio God nailed it.  I could simply repeat what he said, but thats about it.

Answer 6

You may be met by guns.

Yes, they search your boat.