SailClear Now Available in Trinidad & Tobago

Digital Yacht Clearance Arrives in Trinidad and Tobago

It’s here! SailClear, an electronic pre-arrival notification system for yachts and pleasure craft in the Caribbean that streamlines customs and immigration procedures, is now available in Trinidad and Tobago.

Developed for regional use by the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council and first launched in 2013, SailClear replaces manual, paper-based forms, reducing vessel clearance times from an average of four hours to approximately 15 minutes.

In short, sailors can submit crew, passenger, and vessel details online before arrival, helping simplify the entry process and reduce wait times at ports of entry. The subscription fee is US$25 annually.

A Long-Awaited Milestone

“We’ve been trying for over 25 years to get this done. What I’ve seen happen in eight months is overwhelming,” says Jesse James, president of the Marine Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MSATT).

Initial Rollout Focuses on Chaguaramas

The initial rollout has focused on the marina sector in Chaguaramas, including facilities such as CrewsInn Marina, one of the country’s leading yachting hubs.

The introduction of SailClear is expected to make Trinidad and Tobago an even more attractive destination for cruising sailors by reducing paperwork and improving efficiency for both vessel operators and government agencies.

For more information, visit Marine Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MSATT).

Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.