Clarifications on Clearing In

Ask a dozen sailors about any subject within the realm of sailing and you’re likely to get a dozen different opinions — even about something as seemingly straightforward as clearance regulations.

We mention this because cruisers who are gathering in San Diego for the October 24 start of the Baja Ha-Ha rally, have been getting some conflicting advice about Mexican liability insurance. To set the record straight, we checked with both longtime Cabo San Lucas yacht agent Victor Barreda and Bob Hoyt of Mag Bay Outfitters, who is facilitating clearance procedures for Ha-Ha fleet members at Bahia Santa Maria.

According to both Victor and Bob, all that is required to clear in is the original boat documentation papers, a passport from every member of the crew, and four copies of your crew list. (Download this PDF to expedite that process.) Mexican liability insurance is not asked for in order to clear in at either Cabo or San Carlos (the home office of agents who will perform special clearances for this year’s Ha-Ha fleet at Bahia Santa Maria).

Many, if not most, Mexican marinas do require liability insurance, but our understanding is that if your normal U.S., Canadian, or European policy contains international liability coverage, additional Mexican coverage is not required.

We should further clarify that the special arrangements at Bahia Santa Maria this year — a first in the Ha-Ha’s 18-year history — are being offered to the fleet simply as a goodwill gesture on the part of Hoyt (who operates a sportsfishing operation nearby) and San Carlos authorities. Using that service is strictly optional for fleet members. There is no requirement to clear in at Bahia Santa Maria or Turtle Bay (the two R&R stops on the Ha-Ha), because neither is an official port of entry.

Also, if you’re planning an extended visit to Mexico, you’ll need to get a Temporary Import Permit (which can be arranged long after original clearance), but only if you’re going to leave your boat in Mexican waters and fly home. According to Hoyt, if you stay with your boat while in Mexico, this permit is not required.