Hello and welcome back to the Yacht Delivery Solutions blog. We’re all about the freedom and adventure of the sea, but as seasoned delivery skippers, we know that being prepared for a voyage isn’t just about the weather or the boat—it’s also about understanding the local landscape, both on and off the water. While we’ve spoken before about the beauty and challenges of sailing in the Philippines, recent events and new information from trusted sources like Noonsite have made it clear that a more direct and cautionary discussion is needed.
The cruising community is a tight-knit one, and word travels fast. We’ve heard an increasing number of stories about a perfect storm of challenges brewing for sailors in the Philippines. These issues range from serious personal security risks to disturbing bureaucratic hurdles that threaten the very core of a peaceful cruise. This isn’t just about a bad experience; it’s about a pattern of events that could seriously disrupt the yachting scene in a country that many have come to love.
Navigating Trouble
The purpose of this blog post is to shed light on these issues, not to discourage you from sailing altogether, but to urge extreme caution and to arm you with the information you need to make informed decisions. As experts in yacht deliveries throughout Asia and the South Pacific, we believe that proper planning is the best form of insurance, and in this case, that planning needs to include a clear-eyed look at the situation on the ground.
Holiday Oceanview Marina and Personal Security
For years, the Holiday Oceanview Marina on the Island Garden City of Samal, near Davao, was a popular and trusted haven for cruisers. Its location outside the main typhoon belt made it a strategic choice for yachts seeking refuge during the Pacific’s storm season. However, following the tragic kidnapping incident in 2015, the marina’s reputation was irrevocably damaged, and it seems the consequences are still being felt.
We’ve recently learned from our network that the Holiday Oceanview Marina is no longer accepting foreign-flagged yachts. This is a significant development and a clear signal that the marina itself is taking a step back from catering to the international cruising community, likely due to the ongoing security concerns and the associated liability. This decision, while understandable from a business perspective, effectively removes one of the most well-known and convenient safe havens in a region where security is already a paramount concern.
This situation only amplifies the personal security risks in the Davao area. While Davao City itself is often portrayed as a safe and well-managed urban center, the surrounding region and its waters have a history of instability. The tragic kidnapping for ransom at the marina, a well-documented event that made global headlines, was a chilling reminder that no place is entirely free from risk. For a yachtie, whose vessel is both home and asset, the threat of being targeted is deeply unsettling. The fact that a major marina is no longer an option is a powerful reason for cruisers to re-evaluate their plans and consider other, safer destinations in the Philippines or elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
The Bureaucratic Black Hole: A New Threat from Customs
As if personal security weren’t enough, a new and highly concerning issue has emerged. Reports from the cruising community and sources like Noonsite have highlighted a serious problem with the Bureau of Customs in Davao. The issue? A seemingly corrupt and opportunistic effort to seize foreign-flagged yachts under questionable pretexts.
You can see an example of this in the attached notice to a yacht captain, which cites the prolonged stay of a vessel and threatens to “compel” a “Decree of Abandonment” against the yacht. This is an extreme and highly unusual level of bureaucratic harassment. The basis for this action is completely unfounded, as a circular from the Customs Headquarters in Manila clearly states that there is no ordinance or rule limiting the length of time a foreign-registered pleasure yacht can remain in the country before it must be imported.
Corruption
This discrepancy reveals a deeply troubling level of corruption. A local customs office is effectively creating its own rules to target and seize assets from foreign visitors. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to a yacht owner’s property and their right to peaceful passage. This kind of corruption is a significant risk, and it makes proper planning and preparation more critical than ever.
When we deliver yachts, we are meticulous about all the paperwork, from the yacht’s registration to the crew’s visas. But this kind of rogue action is impossible to prepare for without a heads-up from the cruising community. It’s a sad reality that this amount of power in the hands of a few officials can seriously disrupt the yachting scene and scare away visitors. For cruisers who have a flexible itinerary, this could mean an unexpected, expensive, and stressful battle to keep their vessel.
The Way Forward: Extreme Caution and Community Awareness
So, what does this all mean for the future of cruising in the Philippines? It’s a clear call to be extremely cautious. For now, we would urge any sailor considering a trip to the Davao region to reconsider their plans and opt for safer, more established cruising grounds in the country, such as the central and northern areas.
Stay vigilant and stay connected. Follow the latest information on trusted cruising forums and websites like Noonsite. If you are already in the Philippines and encounter any issues with customs, it’s vital to be aware of your rights and to have the Customs Customer Support hotline number handy, as seen in the notice.
We at Yacht Delivery Solutions are committed to the safety of every vessel and every crew member. We’ve navigated the tricky waters of the Torres Strait, managed the challenging Tasman Sea crossings, and dealt with a whole host of unexpected issues on our deliveries. Our expertise lies in anticipating problems and preparing for them. While we can’t stop corruption, we can ensure our clients are aware of the risks and that their vessel is in the safest possible hands.
In conclusion, the Philippines remains a beautiful country with incredible cruising grounds. But the recent developments in Davao—the closure of a key marina and the disturbing rise of customs corruption—are a stark reminder that some places are not for the unwary. As you plan your next voyage, we urge you to prioritize safety and vigilance. Because a great adventure is only great if you can return from it safely.
At Yacht Delivery Solutions
Navigating the seas of Southeast Asia and beyond requires vigilance, expertise, and a network you can trust. At Yacht Delivery Solutions, we are dedicated to providing safe passage and professional service, ensuring your vessel is in expert hands. Contact Us for your next yacht delivery.
Fair winds and following seas,
The Yacht Delivery Solutions Team