Clearing into the Turks and Caicos Nov 2011

[jkcowboy]

All,
I just returned from the Turks and Caicos Islands and wanted to update the group with the current rates (or at least what I was charged). It is quite difficult to determine exactly what they should be.

I cleared into Grand Turk and was charged $60 to clear in including overtime charges although I presented myself to the office at 10:00am on a weekday. For a cruising permit, I was charged $300 for 3 months. I could not find this number anywhere on the internet. My admittedly old cruising guide said it was free of charge and others have been charged $75.00 pre-2011. I think $300 is pretty steep for a 28' boat.

When I arrived, we were the only private sail boat on the island. Either we (cruisers) made them angry in the past or my solitary payment of $300 is going to bail the government out of their budget dilema. I was provided a receipt for the $60 but no receipt for the $300.

Has anyone else been there recently? Anyone know how I could find out the correct rules/charges?

My boat is currently on the hard until Spring. The customs officer insinuated that I might have to purchase another cruising permit when I put my boat in the water regardless of how long I stay in the local waters. Hmmm. $600 for less than 30 in the TCI waters is even steeper.

John

[capn_billl]

Don't know I checked noonsite for clearing in and out and cruising fees. Some islands have them listed but I was unable to find them for others.

My guess is that the whole soak the boat guy thing is new, and more destinations are adding them, or increasing them.