LATEST RESOLUTION FOR MEXICAN FOREIGN BOAT TIPS FROM PRE-2005

LATEST RESOLUTION FOR

MEXICAN FOREIGN BOAT TIPS FROM PRE-2005

The Ocean Posse is pleased to share information directly from a recent success story.  As reported in our October 20, 2024 newsletter there is hope yet for foreign flagged vessels  that were issued TIP's (Temporary Import Permits) and are now attempting to enter Mexican waters.  Last year all vessels with open TIPs from before 2005 were flat out turned back and refused entry because the office that had issued the TIPs had been dissolved and therefore any TIPS issued by this office that had not been properly closed were not able to be resolved.  This year Sally & Michael Aldridge on SV SWEETHEEART took this matter into their own hands with conviction and seem to have found a solution.  Sally shares below what worked for them so that others may have similar success.

Oct 17 2024 by Sally and Michael Aldridge on S/V Sweetheart

Canceling pre 2005 Aduana TIPs in Ensenada

We had two pre 2005 TIPs to cancel, one in 2001, and the other in 2004

On Oct 16,  we walked across the border at PedEast at San Ysidro in the morning and caught the ABC bus down to Ensenada from Tijuana because we didn’t want to mess with driving a vehicle across the border and dealing with a motor vehicle TIP and insurance (too many TIPs already !) Walking over the border turned out to be super easy, with no lines and the bus is nearby and is comfortable and inexpensive.

When in Ensenada (we got there at around 10:30am) we started with the

Banjercito Ensenada

On Ave Teniente Jose Azueta

(Building marked with a thin red line on attached image)

We spoke to Elia Beatriz Urquidi Cobos, who is a manager there

She speaks great English

We showed her relevant boat documentation as per the attached form from the Mexican consulate in Sacramento.

Elia made 3 copies of each, and also verified and checked the report in her system. 

Elia explained we needed to go to the Aduana office down the street to start the process. 

At this point Elia stepped outside to direct us and she and the manager of the Aduana, Jorge Badille spoke in person on the street. Not sure if they just “ran into each other” or whether this was planned, but it turned out to be a very fruitful conversation. Jorge reviewed our documents right there, and confirmed that everything was in order, and told Elia what else we needed to do

Which was the following:

Write a letter to the Aduana asking for the TIPs to be cancelled 

Including the tip number, previous owner names etc.

State that we are the new owners

Print it

Sign it 

Make 3 copies

We went to the tourist information office around the corner to do this and they were very helpful and made print outs and copies for us for free.

Then we went to the Aduana de Ensenada with all the paperwork. The office is marked with thick red line on the image and address is here.  Blvd, P.º Olas Altas 110, Recinto Portuario, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico

This office is behind a heavy layer of security and they told us that only one person can go through, so Michael, my husband, did this for us as he is the appointed “manager” of our LLC. He spoke to the woman at the desk and she asked for the letter to be in Spanish, so she translated it for Michael and he wrote it out by hand and she stamped it. She told him it would take one week to get the TIP cancellations done.

We then showed the stamped letter to Elia back at the Banjercito, but she said she actually needs a printed and stamped image of a “cancellation screen” from Aduana to get the process going on the Banjercito side. She said once she has that, she can send it to the Mexico City Banjercito and it could be canceled out of the system intraday, depending on time differences.

So we went back to Jorge at the Aduana to ask for that and he committed to doing just that the next day. Jorge promised to email it to Elia it at 10am the next morning, so we stayed overnight just to make sure that happened. 

We stayed at the Hotel Coral, as it was a good chance to speak with Fito Espinoza, the dock master, who is very experienced with TIPs and immigration. He suggested we stay on it till it is done. He was very interested to hear about the results of our efforts as it will allow him to help many other boats. 

Michael went back to the Aduana office the next day at 10am on 10/17 and he stayed there until he had the right docs in hand.

At this point we have now cancelled the two old TIPs ! 

We then took those pages to Elia who scanned them and sent them to her superiors. The old tips were cleared out of the Banjercito system within a few hours and we were able to successfully apply for a new TIP that day. Again we sat in the office until this was all done (about 30 mins) and we now have the TIP in hand.

Summary: The Sacramento consulate was correct: It is now possible to cancel pre 2005 TIPs with the Aduana in Ensenada, and the Banjercito in Ensenada can get it cleared from their system with the right documentation from Aduana (see attached process from the Mexican consulate in Sacramento).  Fito confirmed this is exactly how the process worked in the past, but he did not know it was working again at this time, and neither did BC Connections. 

Jorge (Aduana Ensenada manager) and Elia (Banjercito Ensenada manager) are competent people who seem to have a good working relationship and they are collaborating together to make it happen. It helps that these offices are down the street from each other. Not sure if it’s dumb luck and they have started canceling old TIPs again at just the right time for us, or we are geniuses. Either way, we will take it !

There are no charges for the process of TIP cancellation and it can be done by the boat owner through the official channels without an agent in one or two days. Be prepared for multiple visits to each office.

Hopefully this bodes well for other boats in this situation. 

Feel free to send any questions to sally.aldridge@mac.com

THANK YOU SV SWEETHEART FOR SHARING YOUR SUCCESS!


AZORES CREATES LARGEST MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC

AZORES 🇵🇹 Azores CREATES LARGEST

MARINE PROTECTED AREA

Cruising the Azores Just Got Better

 

The Azures are made up of nine volcanic islands.

The Azores, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a sailor’s paradise. Comprised of nine volcanic islands, underwater mountain ranges, and rich biodiversity on land and in the surrounding sea this autonomous region of Portuguese territory offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ideal sailing conditions. For yachts and sailboats, cruising the Azores provides an opportunity to explore unspoiled nature, vibrant communities, and a wide array of maritime experiences.  The islands are about 900 nautical miles west of mainland Portugal, making them accessible from both Europe and North America. Navigation in the Azores is generally straightforward, thanks to well-marked channels and reliable nautical charts. However, sailors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and the occasional challenge posed by the archipelago’s volcanic topography.  The nine islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial), and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Each group offers distinct attractions and cruising experiences.

The best time to cruise in the Azures is in the summer.

Last year a global pact was adopted by the United Nations to protect 30% of the Earth's land and sea by 2030.  This month, the a regional assembly of Portugal's Azures Islands took the leading step towards this goal by designating expansive marine protection which now represents the largest Marine Protected Area in the North Atlantic.  The protection creates two areas: a fully protected area of sea marking it as a safe haven for biodiversity and natural resources, and a highly protected area of sea surrounding the islands.  The distinction being that in the latter selective and light fishing is permitted.

World leaders are gathered this week in Columbia for the UN Biodiversity Conference COP16 and this recent announcement by the Azures will hopefully be an inspiration to other nations to make strides to protect their 30% of the earth's land and sea that they can to preserve the world's biodiversity.  According to Oceanographic Magazine, "Marine Protected Areas are widely recognized as the most effective tool in the global effort to reverse biodiversity loss and build ocean resilience against climate change. The Azores leadership has been earmarked by commentators as ‘particularly inspiring’ given that only 2.8% of the world’s oceans are currently fully or highly protected.

A report issued by Greenpeace International earlier this week warns that at the current rate of development in ocean protection, the United Nations stands to miss its critical 2030 target by a full eight decades. This means the ambitions of the 30×30 target – at the current pace of success – won’t be realized until 2107."

José Manuel Bolieiro, president of the Regional Government of the Azores said, “The Azores has long been known for its unique ocean nature, and with this decision, we are driving the way forward to a productive, vibrant ocean.  The sea is an integral part of our collective identity, being vital socially, culturally, and economically. We are committed to protect and recover our ocean to support a healthy blue economy. Our decision through a science-based and participatory process leading to the protection of 30% of our seas serves as an example that other regions must follow now to ensure the future health of the planet.”

The process by which the Regional Government of Azores achieved this protection may also be an example to other nations.  This decision was not made by an authoritarian ruler at the expense of livelihoods and local sustainability.  Rather the decision to create the largest marine protection area in North America was reached through "an extensive participatory process".   This process included over 40 meetings with representatives from various sectors, including those within fishing, maritime transport, maritime tourism, and environmental non-governmental organizations.

“The result was the collaborative design of a network of marine protected areas that benefits people, nature, and the economy, based on the best available science in the region,” said representatives of the Azores.

This ketch found a calm and secluded anchorage in the Azures.

Cruising the Azores with the new Marine Protected Area offers an unparalleled yachting and sailing adventure. The archipelago’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and excellent sailing conditions make it a premier destination for sailors. Whether exploring the historical streets of Angra do Heroísmo, hiking the volcanic trails of Pico, or enjoying the serene beauty of Graciosa, the Azores provide a wealth of experiences for every sailor. Navigating these enchanting islands requires preparation and respect for the natural environment, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The Azores’ unique blend of maritime tradition, natural beauty, and welcoming communities ensure that every cruise is a memorable journey.


SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON OUTLOOK

SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON

NOVEMBER 1-APRIL 30

NEW OUTLOOK RELEASED

Tropical cyclones, like hurricanes, are known for their powerful winds, heavy rains, and potential to cause significant destruction.  Tropical cyclones frequently affect the southern Pacific and can pose serious threats to both public health and infrastructure.  All vessels are advised to have a plan of action for the cyclone season.

Tropical cyclone risk for the 2024-25 season

According to New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Metservice, the South Pacific may see either fewer or a normal number of tropical cyclones this season.  The cyclone season in the South Pacific starts November 1 and runs until the April 30, with the typical 'peak' of the season being January - March.   The outlook that has recently been released, "Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook - October 2024" describes a slower start to the Cyclone season, potentially less cyclone risk overall in the eastern region while potentially elevated risk in the western region.  According to the NIWA Outlook, "As of early October 2024, sea surface temperatures across the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean are below average and close to La Niña thresholds."  Forecasters are observing more La Niña-like characteristics that tend to reduce risk in the east and elevate risk in the west where warmer water may 'stack up' later in the season.  As with many weather outlooks of late there continues to be caution that while there may be less risk in the frequency of tropical storms this season, there is still a risk that those that come may intensify more rapidly or simply be very intense.

Number of predicted named tropical cyclones interacting with an island group for the 2024-25 season

For cruisers in French Polynesia South Pacific Posse member Scott on Tartaruga shares:

What is critical to following storms in FP is the location of the MJO. Madden Julien Oscillation. You can research that but when that is over French Poly that is when the highest probability of big storms occur. Per some local Tahiti sailors they almost never have any cyclonic storms outside of MJO events. This last season Fiji announced the MJO forecast and when it would be over FP and boom the storms came. Also note that Fiji is the official metrological organization for these storms. Another important data point is they name their storms very early, mean the wind scale starts at a much lower number....NOAA tracks (the MJO) closely as well. I would educate yourself on how to read the graph. It is a bit strange.

Fiji Meteorological Service Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nadi-Tropical Cyclone Centre also just released a forecast on the upcoming tropical Cyclone season.  Their predictions are similar.

Total number of TCs forecasted for the RSMC Nadi-TCC AoR.

Stay alert on great weather sites including:


MEXICO ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS

MEXICO ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS

FOR FOREIGN FLAGGED VESSELS

New guide for private boats visiting Mexico is very helpful.
Knowing entry and exit requirements for the countries you plan to visit will make the impending procedure so much easier.  Quick internet searches will often guide you right to the government website that will lay out requirements which include paperwork and fees.  Many countries have been upgrading and modernizing their systems. Mexico’s system has been changing over the last few years and unfortunately made many waves forcing some cruisers to abandon their cruising plans or turn their bow a completely different direction last year.  Mexico now has many of their entry and exit procedures available online.  The online resources do not eliminate the need to visit government offices upon entry or exit; rather, they hasten the process of getting information into the 'system' that ultimately keeps track of who and what is coming and going across their boarders.  Knowing the recent pitfalls and the newest procedures available will save a lot of time and avoid potential mishaps.
The VISITING MEXICO BY PRIVATE BOAT Quick Guide put out by the tourism board is a succinct introduction to private vessel and crew entry requirements.  The guide has detailed and simplified Mexican check in procedures. The key take away is that there are two main requirements foreign flagged vessels and crew must fulfill in order to properly clear into Mexico. The wonderful news is that both procedures can be started online now.
  1. Paperwork and fees for the people (and animals) onboard the vessel.
    • This involves getting tourist visas through Immigration and going through customs.  Visitors need to provide their passport, crew list, and vessel documentation.
  2. Paperwork and fees for the Vessel to obtain a TIP.
    • TIP’s are temporary Import Permits that boat owners apply for and pay for upon entry into Mexico. Captains present vessel and ownership documentation for permit.  The TIP is on the vessel and the ownership of the vessel is unimportant. The fee is less than $100 and yet the paperwork associated with it is the vessel’s Golden ticket into Mexico.  TIP’s for foreign flagged vessels are valid for ten years in Mexican waters. Foreign vessels are meant to cancel their TIP upon exiting Mexican waters.

When a vessel leaves Mexico without cancelling their TIP and this same vessel tries to enter Mexico complications arise.  In recent years, one of the biggest challenges cruisers entering Mexico have faced is discovering that their vessel has an uncanceled TIP.  If a vessel is found in Mexico without their ‘Golden Ticket’. The vessel can be impounded immediately.  Only fees, paperwork and stress build in this scenario.

The Mexican Government has been upgrading and computerizing their TIP database that catalogs what vessels have TIPS.  There are a variety of complications that have arisen from computerizing TIPs.  In the process of creating a formal and universal database some vessels came up as having more than one TIP issued to it.  Some vessels that had a TIP and left did so without cancelling their TIP.
Most recently new complications have arisen for TIPs issued before 2005 through the Mexican government agency called Aduana. This branch of the government has since been disbanded in the past few years.  In turn, last year all TIPS issued and uncanceled through Aduana prior to 2005 were completely frozen. These TIPs could not be cancelled or re-issued. These are the vessels who were forced to completely change their plans.  As of THIS WEEK, vessels with TIPS that fall into this category HAVE NEW HOPE!
The details of this recent turn of events can be found here in an article just released October 18th, 2024 in which a couple went to Ensenada with the sole intention to cancel two pre-2005 TIPs.  Their success is offering a beacon of hope and potentially a path forward for Mexican authorities to assist vessels seeking cruising clearance into Mexico this season.
Ideally vessels with TIPs issued before 2005 will now fall into yet a new category: vessels with TIP complications that are challenging AND solvable.  Like most places sometimes a little more paperwork and fees goes a long way!  Fortunately, there are people and companies that specialize in assisting people with their TIPs. That said, If a boat owner choses to use a representative to help obtain or cancel a TIP it is very important to be certain that others before you have used their services successfully.  Last year there was an issue in Mexico's Northwesternmost port, Ensenada, whereby someone was accepting money for the service of obtaining TIPs for vessels. These vessels cruised Mexico only to discover upon exiting the country that their TIPs were not valid. In fact, they were fake and had never been properly issued. This created huge problems. The Ocean Posse has a vetted company that helps with TIP challenges.
NOTE: The majority of boats do not have TIP issues but those that do have long convoluted yarns.  
For all vessels and crew entering and exiting Mexico from the north or the south know that the system of entry and exit is improving and one can get the process rolling on the new online system available.  The online system has not replaced office visits, inspections, or the issuance of official papers with even more official stamps.  Be very sure to keep all stamped paperwork and receipts from the Entry and Exit Processes.  The same actually holds true when flying or driving in or out of Mexico: keep entry and exit receipts and paperwork.  Entry Papers are required upon exiting Mexico and, most of the time, the subsequent country of entry requires the exit papers from the last country visited.  Follow the procedures properly and clearance will ideally be smooth and easy.

OCEAN POSSE REPRESENTS AT ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2024

OCEAN POSSE REPRESENTS AT ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2024

Vessel 200 signed up at the Annapolis Boat Show this week!

EXPANDING POSSE PERKS: YACHT PORT CARTAGENA, SPAIN💰 Save real money at Marinas with discounts

ANNOUNCING: NEW MARINAS SIGNING ON WITH THE OCEAN POSSE

EXPANDING POSSE PERK:💰 Save real money at Marinas with discounts

Ocean Posse's new cruiser friendly and liveaboard friendly sponsorship marina in Cartagena Spain 🇪🇸
Dietmar tending bar. Thanks Flor de Cana! The 12 year old rum was a hit!!!

SV QUESO GRANDE II and Captain Dietmar kicked off the first Ocean Posse event in Yacht Port Cartagena, Spain!

Dietmar says: Thank you Sherri for all the event support and promotion to the international cruisers who came! AND THANK YOU LANCE FOR SOME SUCCULENT RIBS !!!

Sherri from SV QUESO GRANDE II says: Great fun, great cruisers, and great grilled meat by my darling husband Lance.  

Thank you for securing the Cartagena, Spain marina. We loved it so much, SV PATHFINDER

Currently, the Ocean Posse has ????some number of marinas in ????some number of countries bla bla bla.  This represents great savings bla bla bla

 


OVERSEAS AND ONLINE: PASSPORT RENEWAL & VOTING

OVERSEAS AND ONLINE: USA PASSPORT RENEWAL & VOTING

As a US citizen, passports and voting rights are very important.  Both can be kept up to date from afar...here's how:

After a two month beta trial, The United States Department of State has recently announced that Americans can now renew their passports online.   This is new and additional staff has been hired to process the online system.  The two caveats are for using this service: You must be located in the United States and your passport may not be expired by over 5 years.  As of now, it is unclear if this new avenue of renewal will speed up the process overall or not.  We will have to wait and see.

 

Americans have elections coming up locally and nationally.  Are you registered to vote?  Do you know that US Citizens living abroad can register to vote from overseas?

There are several online resource to help US citizens understand how to register to vote and vote from wherever they are when the time comes.  Some useful sites include:

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE

SUN POWERED YACHTS SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

☀️ SUN POWERED YACHTS ☀️  

⛵SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE⛵

We are exited and pleased to sponsor the Panama Posse with a special

10% discount off SunPower solar panel bundles.

Just use promocode PANAMAPOSSE at checkout www.sunpoweredyachts.com/shop and start enjoying clean & quiet solar aboard your boat.

 

We also offer free consultations so please email or call and let us help you go solar today.

PRODUCTS

  • SUNPOWER
  • VICTRON
  • MAXEON
  • AERL
  • CABLES CONNECTORS SLEEVES
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Sun Powered Yachts

W: sunpoweredyachts.com

 

T: +1 808 825 2670

 

E:  lyall@sunpoweredyachts.com

E: katie@sunpoweredyachts.com

 

Lyall is from the UK and has travelled to 50 countries backpacking and sailing.  With a background in Hospitality and Event Management he found sailing in 2004 has logged over 55,000 miles and qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.

 

Katie is from Maine and has been working in the solar industry in Hawaii for over a decade, most recently for Sunspear Energy.  Her knowledge of solar products and system design will be an asset to your yacht’s system.

Based on our time and experience sailing, on short trips and living at sea, we have created a Power Usage Chart below.  You can see more details on what each system could power on your weekend or live aboard sailing adventure.  Create your own power usage table and see what your power needs are aboard your own yacht then choose the number of solar panels accordingly

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POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS

POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS

INCLUDED WITH OCEAN POSSE SIGN UPS

coming up in Safe Harbor, San Diego

October 23-25, 2024 @ Safe Harbor South Bay, San Diego

 

https://oceanposse.com/events/san-diego-seminar-series/

Sneak a Peak at the Seminars and Schedule...

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23rd, 2024 ● SEMINARS
$ 45 per person x day or FREE
FOR OCEAN 
° PANAMA ° SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE PARTICIPANTS

09:00
Cruising down Pacific Mexico
Sea of Cortez

10:00
Water Makers + Plumbing in Paradise
Plumbing in Paradise

11:30
Diesel Engines  & Generators and preventative Maintenance
Smoky engine


12:30 LUNCH
Open CPN – installation and integration (PC + MAC )

Open Cpn with Satelit Images

14:00
Rigging 101 Standing and Running

Rigging


15:30
Weather Weather Weather – planning – routing – underway
Weather


16:30
Crew the good the bad and the ugly
CRew

17:00
Destination Costa Rica and Nicaragua

 


THURSDAY OCTOBER 24th, 2024 ● SEMINARS

09:00
South Pacific  – French Polynesia – Cook Islands – Tonga &  Fiji
SPP


10:00
Safety Security and Emergencies  outside the US and what to expect


11:00
Electrical Systems – Batteries, Chargers, Alternators, Solar Panels

batteries

12:30 LUNCH
Cruising in Panama + the Panama Canal
SAN BLAS


14:00
Where and how to repair boats outside the US

Repairs


15:30
The tropics – Refrigeration, AC, Shading,  Airflow + other ways to stay cool
AC


17:00
Destination Colombia, Jamaica & Bay of Islands Honduras
ROATAN

 


FRIDAY OCTOBER 25th, 2024 ● SEMINARS + PARTY

09:00
Destination Belize & Rio Dulce Guatemala
Blue Hole Belize Cruising Ground and how to get there


10:00
Communications onboard, underway and on shore
STARLINK

11:30
The fundamentals of wires, connectors and fuses
GROUND


12:30 LUNCH
Open CPN – Satellite Charts – Use Cases and Satellite Chart creation


14:00
Chart Accuracy, Navigation Trips and Tricks & Tracking
CHART ACCURACY


15:30
Provisioning, Propane and Fuel – where to replenish
PROVISIONS


17:00 – 21:00  
PPPPARTY
SOUTH BAY SAFE HARBOR


UPCOMING PREDICTWIND SEMINARS

UPCOMING PREDICTWIND SEMINARS

PredictWind began sponsoring the Panama Posse in 2021.  As of Season 8 PredictWind is extending their sponsorship to the entire Ocean Posse and is offering four seminars over the next 6 months.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING SEMINARS

The upcoming seminar dates are as follows:

  • WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23rd, 2024     @ 15:30  US PACIFIC TIME
  • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5,  2024           @  14:30 US PACIFIC TIME
  • MONDAY FEB 2, 2025                           @ 14:30  US PACIFIC TIME
  • MONDAY MARCH 17 2025                  @ 14:30   US PACIFC TIME

PredictWind supports the Ocean Posse with free tracking and a 20 % Discount off our pro packages – to claim your discount please login and email support@predictwind.com asking for your Ocean Posse discount.  Please include your vessel name and email address.  The discount will be credited back.