Cruising Permit
Applying for a Cruising Permit
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General
Cruising Permits are issued to Pleasure Crafts by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica in accordance with the Shipping Act, 1998, upon satisfaction that the:
- Pleasure craft holds a valid registration
- Registration documents held will be in effect for the full term of validity of permit
- Vessel has been granted clearance into Jamaica by the relevant border control agencies (Customes, immigration etc)
- Crew and personnel onboard have been satisfactorily identified
The permit is issued for a term of Six (6) months from the date of clearance into Jamaica. A fee is payable for issue of the permit.
In order to renew the permit upon expiration, it must be demonstrated that the vessel has been outside of Jamaican waters for a minimum of Fifteen (15) consecutive days. Evidence of inward clearance given by a foreign port, is required.
U.S. Vessels
Special arrangements with the United States of America allow for Pleasure Craft registered (or documented) in the U.S. to cruise Jamaican waters uninterrupted for a period of One (1) year.
U.S. flagged vessels therefore enjoy the privilege of successive cruising permits and need not renew their Cruising Permit until after one year. A fee of USD $300 applies. Jamaica Yachts enjoy similar
benefits when cruising U.S. waters.
Other Foreign Vessels
A cruising permit may be issued by the Custom's Department upon arrival of a vessel in Jamaica or subsequent to arrival but not after the vessel has commenced cruising. Cruising permits are issued
with a validity of Six (6) months. It is a breach of the Law for a foreign vessel to cruise Jamaican waters without a Cruising Permit. It is also a breach for monetary or other gifts to be given to Government
Officials, to facilitate certification for Cruising.