I COULD BE DEPORTED - SwT 184 - MOST FREQUENT MISTAKES DONE TOWARDS SOLO SAILORS

Solo Sailing: Common Mistakes During the Check-In Process

Sailing around the world on your own is an adventurous journey that comes with a set of challenges. One such challenge that can derail this adventure is navigating through the check-in process at new ports, especially if one is not fully aware of what’s involved or overlooks common mistakes solo sailors tend to make. This video by ‘Sailing with Thomas’ takes us on an informative and slightly harrowing journey as they deal with a mix of unfortunate events related to sailing bureaucracy.

A Check-In Can Be A Challenging Process

When Thomas arrives in a new place, he knows exactly what needs to be done. However, sometimes life on the sea can change even your best plans into unexpected detours. His first hurdle comes when an official document shows he’s carrying one extra passenger on board, a potentially serious error given the risk of being charged for human trafficking if the discrepancy isn’t addressed immediately.

Not Notifying Customs can have Serious Consequences

A simple mistake with an official stamp could mean a solo sailor like Thomas might find themselves having to return to the previous port to fix their paperwork, before they’re allowed to continue onwards. In this episode, we see that Thomas’s incorrect stamp indicates he left Del, rather than his actual departure point. Not spotting such errors in your documents can lead you into a complicated situation, often leaving officials skeptical about the sailor’s intentions.

The Risk of Deportation

The repercussions for not dealing with your paperwork accurately could mean being deported. This situation is not something to be taken lightly. One has to ensure every ‘t’ is crossed, and ‘i’ dotted when handling border checks. Solo sailors often forget about the fact that crossing borders in a yacht can entail as much, if not more, bureaucracy as it does flying into a new destination.

Why You Should Not Delay Check-In

Sailing with Thomas reminds viewers not to underestimate the importance of initiating check-in right away. Comments like, ‘just go for a sleep’ or ‘wait until tomorrow before you check in’, miss the fact that a solo sailor has a lot on their plate immediately upon arriving at a new location, and waiting can result in delays that cause even more challenges.

Avoiding Mistakes with Crew List Numbers

Accurately listing the number of passengers on board, and noting if you’re a solo sailor or have any crew members, is not only important for immigration but also to avoid possible complications. It can be easily missed by both new and experienced sailors.

The Importance of Proper Paperwork

Having your papers in order is a massive responsibility, and as Captain, one cannot abdicate this task to others. Sailing with Thomas highlights how crucial it is for every solo sailor or crew member to ensure all paperwork is accurate before setting off.

An Ongoing Learning Experience

Sailing around the world alone has its perils, but it also offers an opportunity to continuously learn and adapt. Each stop can offer new experiences and challenges, which, with perseverance and a cool head, one can navigate through successfully.

Don’t Miss Out On Further Adventures

This journey of exploration doesn’t end with Indonesia. Thomas continues to explore and face new adventures in the Southeast Asian region, which promises many more stories to come.