Recent Sailclear Experiences

[BigNut]

I am currently in the Bahamas, heading to the Caribbean soon. A search shows very little info about the Sailclear system, and nothing recent.

Does anyone here use it?
Is it worth the bother signing up?
Is there a charge?
How reliable is it?

Thanks for any replies.

[billknny]

Last year I found it ignored and totally worthless in Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands.

Maybe further east it is actually used...

[BigNut]

Thanks billknny.

[Capt.Alex]

The only online clearance system we found between FL and Grenada was in Antigua. They use Eseaclear. Nothing computerized in T&C, DR, BVI, St. Maarten, St Vincent, or Grenada. The French islands use their own computer terminals at various locations ashore, but nothing online. Can't comment on the other islands.

[BigNut]

Thanks, Capt.Alex

[travellerw]

We have had a completely different experience than Capt Alex..

We have used Sailclear in Montserrat, St. Lucia, SVG and Grenada.. All this year.

The key is to send the noticies prior to going into the office. We send the notification from our boat, before physically presenting. On presentation, we say we used Sailclear and the officer just nods, asks our boat name and prints out the paper. Super easy.

We see so many people that go into the office expecting to use a computer in the office. In every office we have been in, the computers are turned off and you are forced to fill out paper.

Sailclear is completely free to sign up for.

As a side note. Antigua is using a different system (E-seaclear) but has been testing Sailclear and had a sign up in the office asking people to send their preference to an e-mail address.

[steamgoat]

I must be an old fart,I used to find it fun,when cruising ,to find the customs people and fill in the paperwork.

[Sea Life]

My experience is like travellerw, it has been a great time saver. We file our exit from current country and entry at next country at the same time while we have internet in whatever country we are about to leave. Upon showing up, you cut to the front of the line. Didn’t work in Anquilla, Dominica, or Marigot Bay St. Lucia because their computers were down. Otherwise great system and free. Also easy to amend if plans change.

[BigNut]

I appreciate everyone who took the time to respond. My feeling is that it is likely worth it to subscribe, and when it works, that’s great, otherwise it’s just like old times. Nothing much to loose, really.
Thanks!

[dgoanne]

Thanks for your info on SailClear.
I have a question that is stopping me from completing registration regarding Home Port, Home Country, Country of Registration
Our home port is St Thomas USVI
Our home - and main address - is Colorado USA.
So, is our Home Country USVI (outlying islands) and our country of registration US?

Don't worry, I have asked SailClear this also, and am hoping to hear back from one of you.

Thank you!