Is there a proper way to Q-Flag a stop?
In recent years, most of our transits up and down the islands have been straight shots, port of departure to destination port. As this normally involves night sailing, and bypassing a number of good spots, many people opt to instead island hop their way up and down the chain. That does not however mean that they clear in to each of the islands that they stop at though. Instead, many choose to “Q-Flag it,” spend the night without clearing customs and immigration, and then carry on the next day.
If you took note of how I described our last passage, from Bequia to Martinique, that is, in fact, exactly what we did. Choosing not to sail overnight, we travelled as far as was possible during (mostly) daylight hours, and then spent the night in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. We arrived after customs and immigration had likely closed, and departed the next morning before they opened. If there is a proper way to Q-Flag a stop, that is it.
Do not pass go!
It’s important to note that when arriving at a new country, your first stop on shore must be customs and immigration to clear in. Just like in the game Monopoly, do not pass go, go directly to… customs and immigration. No going to a bar for a beer. No going to the beach to let your dog pee. In fact, if you want to go by the book, no visiting the neighbor’s boat. Knowing this, it should go without saying that if your intention is to Q-Flag a night on an island, spend a few hours there without clearing in, those rules still apply. Even more so, in fact.
It is my understanding that the opportunity to stop for a rest, or to make a repair, without clearing in is a courtesy extended to boaters, not a right.
Unfortunately, many people deviate from what I just described. We actually know a few of these folks personally. They spend more than a day on an island without clearing in, or visit shore without heading to customs and immigration first. While I have no first hand knowledge of any of the people that we know being busted for this, we have heard stories of how certain island officials take this matter very seriously, and understandably so. Not to sound preachy but when visiting a new country, the safest practice is to just follow the rules. We certainly try to.
I sure do appreciate all this useful information. We’re a few years out to a boat purchase and trying to learn everything i can from the middle of Kansas. I found you guys while trying to learn more about the Grenidines to support an upcoming charter. Sure glad we found your blog, it has been great, from knots to clearing in, thanks a bunch.
Hi Jon. You’re welcome.
Where are you chartering out of: Grenada or St. Vincent?
Great advice Mike, hope folks follow it. It’s really not that hard!
Countries we visit take their Customs and Immigration formalities seriously. I watched a Captain get a proper dressing down at West End Tortola one afternoon because he thought he would nip across the harbour and fuel up before clearing in as the fuel dock was empty.
Those who know the area understand Immigration sits practically a direct line across the bay from said fuel dock.
His choice earned him an audience with the Minister the next day in Roadtown to explain his actions and quite possibly further disciplinary actions.
You wouldn’t go into a person’s home unannounced, would you?. And while I’m at it, put on a clean shirt with a collar and bring some pleases and thank yous. Cap and sunglasses in hand when you come into the building. Goes a long way in facilitating the process.
My dress code has relaxed over the years, but I’m still my normal polite self when addressing the officers. We know the game.