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Crossing the Suez Canal

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by ron-s, Jun 10, 2009.

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  1. ron-s, Jun 10, 2009
    #1
    ron-s

    ron-s New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2009
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    spain
    Hi..

    I am planing to cross the Suez canal with yacht in the coming weeks.

    I will appreciate your answers on the following questions:

    1. Recommendations on agents + contact details + prices.
    2. Is it better to contact an agent in Egypt .
    3. what kind of documents do I need for the crossing?
    4. when is it the best time of the day to cross the canal ?
    5. Recommendations about the pilot ?
    6. Anything that I should know ?

    Thanks in advance.

    Ron
  2. Captcruz, Jun 10, 2009
    #2
    Captcruz

    Captcruz New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2006
    Messages:
    64
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale, Fl
    Ron, I made the passage a couple of years ago and I don't recall the agent we used but it was one in Egypt. When I arrived the night before they assigned me to an anchorage # and the plot joind the vessel prior to departure in the morning.

    I know we had to have a case of Malboro cigs for the pilot and he had a good appetite. Sorry I don't have more for you but Im sure others will join in and the agent should give you a complete check off list and advise.

    Cheers,

    Jc
  3. K1W1, Jun 10, 2009
    #3
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,430
    Location:
    My Office
    Hi,

    What sort of vessel are you going in and how far south of the Canal are you headed?

    If you are headed to Maldives/Seycelles and beyond I would stringly advise the engagement of a professional security team unless you are on a Gray Funnel Line ship then you should be able to take care of the Pirate threat yourself.
  4. hasaneristi, Jun 16, 2009
    #4
    hasaneristi

    hasaneristi New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2005
    Messages:
    9
    Location:
    Marmaris, on south western Turkish meditterranean
    Hi,

    Quite a few years since I last transited Suez canal, here's what I remember:

    1. Agent: try Felix Maritime Agency, http://www.felix-eg.com. They are pretty
    efficient and used by most yachts in the area, but better negotiate well, as they can be somewhat "tricky", like most agents there.

    2. Documents: commercial ships have a "suez canal tonnage certificate", which you probably don't; so the agent will ask for the usual drawings/plans of the boat.

    3. Arrival:depending on the size of the boat, you may be asked to anchor at one of the anchorages at Port Said approach area, or anchor and dock stern-to
    at "Port Said yacht club", which is (was) just a quay approx. 50m wide.

    4. Transit: commercial traffic has priority, so yachts will follow the "south-bound convoy". the pilot will usually board in the morning, there will be a pilot exchange somewhere at mid-transit, and you should be out in the evening hours.

    5. Pilots: MOST pilots are pretty greedy (hope that's changed),and will be asking for their "presents" all the time! be kind but firm; my advice is not to give them anything until just before their disembarcation.

    Hope that helps. specific details of suez transit can be found in UK Admiralty
    publication NP 286.

    regards.