Anchoring and clearance in Montego Bay

Anchoring in Montego Bay harbour, ports of entry and clearance, and the yacht club dock after Hurricane Melissa.

Picture made with AI. It shows the place but is not a photograph.

Clearance

Ports of entry and clearance

The Jamaica Tourist Board gives the entry rules on an undated page. Check the rules for your passport.

Ports of entryThe Coast Guard advises that entry to the island be made at Kingston, Montego Bay or Port Antonio, where immigration, customs and quarantine services are available. (Jamaica Tourist Board.)

Before landingAll arriving vessels and crew are expected to complete these inspections before moving to other parts of the island or landing on it. (Jamaica Tourist Board.)

CustomsJamaica Customs requires a full crew list and documents on the vessel's registration and cargo. A Customs Officer boards the vessel for inspection and indicates when pratique (clearance) has been granted. (Jamaica Tourist Board.)

ImmigrationPICA requires the crew list and passports, with proof of visas where applicable. (Jamaica Tourist Board.)

At the clubThe yacht club says its office calls Customs and Immigration to clear boats at the club, and that nobody should leave the boat or the club until all government agencies have cleared them. (Club visitor information page, undated.)

Anchoring

Anchoring in the basin

Two sources: the club's undated visitor page and a cruiser report on Noonsite from June 2015. Neither describes the harbour after Hurricane Melissa.

WhereThe club says boats may anchor in the basin off the club, in the protected basin that forms Montego Bay Harbour. (Club visitor information page, undated.)

On arrivalThe club asks visiting boats to call on VHF channel 16 on arrival. The office number is +1 876 979 8038. (Club visitor information page, undated.)

Anchorage (2015)A cruiser report on Noonsite, June 2015, places the anchorage next to the yacht club, between the moorings and the big ship turning circle marked by buoys and beacons.

Holding (2015)The same report calls the anchoring area very limited, with indifferent holding, and says extra scope is needed because fresh winds blow the length of the harbour most days.

Ship wash (2015)The report says wash from big ships and their bow and stern thrusters can create considerable turbulence.

Holding tanksThe club says all vessels should be equipped with holding tanks. (Club visitor information page, undated.)

Club dockThe club's fundraising appeal, read on 8 November 2026, says Hurricane Melissa destroyed its dock and a major section of the clubhouse roof.

Authorities

Permits and harbour control

Permit

Cruise permit application

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica runs an online cruising permit portal. It offers links to apply for a cruising permit, apply for a replacement, check a permit status, pay online and verify a permit certificate. The portal page does not state the rules or fees.

Harbour master

Port Authority of Jamaica

The Port Authority of Jamaica says its Harbour Master heads the harbours and marine services department, which is responsible for the safe passage and navigation of all vessels in and out of Jamaica's waters. The Authority also runs marine pilot services.

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