Port Mathurin - Clearance
Note: According to a recent report from Sailors for Sustainability, the authorities in Port Louis don’t consider Port Mathurin an official port of entry, but the authorities in Port Mathurin themselves appear to be happy to welcome boats arriving from Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
For full details of Mauritius Formalities go here.
Clearance Formalities for Rodrigues are unique to the Island and not the same as formalities for Mauritius. Clearance can be obtained in Port Mathurin on Rodrigues Island. Clearance is only valid during the stay in Rodrigues and one must clear in again on arrival in Mauritius at Port Louis (or clear in again in Rodrigues if you have already cleared into Mauritius).
A Shipping Agent is not required for clearance in Rodrigues.
Call “Rodrigues Coastguard” on VHF channel 16 when several miles out and advise of ETA. Call them again on your approach. If you have not done so, the Coastguard will call you on channel 16 when you are in territorial waters. Note that night time arrivals are not permitted to enter the port. In this case, you will need to anchor off until daylight.
The Coastguard will phone the Port Captain on your behalf to get permission for you to enter the harbour.
Tie up to the commercial dock on arrival. If a supply ship is at the dock you will have to anchor off until it departs. Wait for the officials. Health, Coast Guard, Customs, Immigration and the Port Captain will all come to the boat. All the officials are reported to be very friendly.
- The quay where yachts dock on arrival for formalities. Yachts can stay here until the supply ship comes but he dock is quite rough and choppy at high tide.
Clearing-In
Upon arrival, you can request a 30, 60, or 90-day tourist visit. If you wish to stay longer, ask Immigration, who are normally very helpful. Under most circumstances, yachts are permitted to stay in Rodrigues/Mauritius waters for a maximum of 90 days. A bond worth 10% of the value of the yacht is required for boats staying longer.
There have been instances of Foot & Mouth disease on some of the Mascarene Islands and the health officials are very aware of and concerned about limiting the extent of this. They do not want fresh produce or dairy moved between the islands and will possibly confiscate such items on arrival.
If you intend to go to Port Sud-Est, advise the local authorities upon arrival.
This detailed report by SV YOLO who visited Rodrigues in May 2015 gives some very useful clearance and passage information for the Island.
Clearing-Out
You must clear-out of Rodrigues if you are heading off to Mauritius, Saint Brandon, or another country. It is possible to clear out while staying at anchor. All official will be notified the day before by the Coast Guard.
Overtime charges apply to customs only and only on Sunday.
Note that after clearing out you nor your crew can leave the yacht and you must depart before sunset. Call the Port Captain on VHF Ch. 16 to request permission to depart (he may or may not answer).
The meteorological office is extremely helpful and forecasts are made available free of charge to departing yachts.
Fees
Monday to Friday (normal business hours):
- Health Certificate: Rs 2100 (approx US$50).
- All other agencies are free.
- Overtime charges apply to Customs only and only on Sunday.
Last updated: October 2022
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Related to following destinations: Mauritius, Port Mathurin, Rodrigues
Port Navigation
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As of April 2017, the fee payable to the Health office is Rs 1400 (approx $40).
It is possible to make some repairs here but searching for the right person to help can be difficult. If you need advice then talk to Louis in the Boutik Artisanale de Rodrigues (corner of rues Francois leguat and Paul Elysee). He speaks impeccable English, has lived on the island for years, and is happy to help yachties.
He directed an American boat to a machine shop which was able to fabricate new tangs for their rigging. We used the same metal-work guy to separate a stainless steel bracket which was corroded to its shaft. Don’t forget to buy something in Louis’ shop afterwards to thank him for his trouble (the products are lovely, reasonably priced, and mostly made by his wife).