VISITING YACHTS TO COCOS

Part of the unique Cocos lifestyle is the world-travelling yachties who call into Port Refuge (Direction Island) during the months of June through to October. Cocos is usually the last port of call before heading out over the huge expanse of the Indian Ocean. Supplies are gathered, repairs are carried out and friends are made and farewelled. Port Refuge offers fantastic, safe anchorage, a wonderful meeting venue for friends and a great experience for locals and tourists who spend time on Direction Island during the "yachtie" season.

INFORMATION FOR YACHTS VISITING THE COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS

The below information has been supplied by the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Custom & Immigration Office.

ALL VESSELS ARE TO LISTEN OUT ON CHANNEL 20 VHF

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands has two population centres:

HOME ISLAND – 1.5nms south of the Direction Island anchorage – population approximately 600 Cocos Malay persons. The Home Island population is of the Muslim religion. You are requested to observe cultural sensitivities and wear modest standards of dress when visiting the Island. Minimum standards of dress requested are - long shorts, T-shirts/shirts, sarong.

WEST ISLAND – 4.5nms west of the anchorage. West Island is the administrative centre for the Islands and has a population of about 120. Normal western dress is acceptable for West Island.

All yachts visiting Australia – Cocos (Keeling) Islands must contact Customs on Channel 20 VHF radio on arrival. Once the Customs Officer has cleared you you are free to leave your vessel and visit the Islands. The Customs Officer will supply you with a “Fact Sheet” containing ferry & bus timetables, banking times etc.

When using your vessel’s tender to go to Home Island you are advised to follow the channel markers, as there are numerous shallow areas and coral outcrops along the route.

CUSTOMS / IMMIGRATION
All non-citizens require a visa to travel to, enter and remain in Australia including Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Valid passport is also required.

Non-citizens who do not satisfy immigration clearance requirements on arrival in Australia – Cocos (Keeling) Islands are unlawfully in Australia and may be required to leave or may be subject to detention.

QUARANTINE
Under the new quarantine regime for the Indian Ocean Territories, all fresh fruit and vegetables may only be imported from AUSTRALIA if free of pests and diseases. No fresh fruit and vegetables is allowed to be imported from other countries including CHRISTMAS ISLAND. The products must also be clean and free of soil or other contamination. Quarantine officers will be required to inspect fresh fruit and vegetables on arrival.

SUPPLIES
There are supermarkets on both Islands. The Home Island supermarket caters to mostly Asian type food. The West Island supermarket has a generally more western range of foods. Supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables are generally limited on both islands.

There are three smaller shops located on Home Island and there are several smaller shops on West Island. Shop hours are very limited.

There is one restaurant on Home Island – Bunga Melati ph: 9162 7633. Bookings are required.

The Cocos Beach Motel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days per week. Accommodation is also available on West Island.

RUBBISH
If possible all rubbish should be disposed at Home Island Jetty by sorting them into glass, plastic, tin and other. PLEASE KEEP DIRECTION ISLAND CLEAN!

FISHING
Fishing is strictly prohibited within the boundaries of the marine reserve called THE RIP which is located on the southeast end of Direction Island. We ask that fishing be restricted to the west of the jetty, away from the popular swimming area.

For the sake of conservation please take only what you need. There is plenty of fish for everyone.

BANKING
There is a branch of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia on both Islands. Basic banking facilities are available. In the fact sheet you will find the current opening hours.

POST OFFICE
There is a Post Office on both islands. The fact sheet has the current opening hours for both branches.

CURRENCY
Cocos (Keeling) Islands use Australian dollars. The Commonwealth Bank offers currency exchange services.

TELEPHONE SERVICE
Cocos (Keeling) Islands have a normal telephone service including STD and ISD. There are public telephones on both islands. Phone cards are available at the West Island Telecentre and the Post Office.

INTERNET
CIIA is the local Internet service provider. Internet access is available at the West Island Telecentre. Use of your own laptop is welcome. Please note there is no free internet access on Home Island.
West Island phone: +61 8 9162 7707
Fax: + 61 8 9162 7708
Email: info@telecentre.org.cc

MARINE SERVICES
The Cocos Island Marine Centre can offer limited assistance to visiting yachts regarding minor repairs to vessels and equipment. For assistance or inquiries call “COCOS MARINE OFFICER” on Ch.20 VHF.
Phone: +61 8 9162 7595, between 7am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

FUEL
Large quantities of fuel supplies can be arranged through “SHELL WEST ISLAND” on Ch20 VHF or,
phone: + 61 8 9162 6670.
Smaller quantities can be arranged to be delivered by local boat operators.

Diesel may be purchased at the fuel depot most mornings on Home Island however you will need to bring your own jerry can. For larger quantities of fuel deliveries can be arranged by contacting the Marine Centre.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
The emergency telephone number is 000 (free call). All telephone emergencies are routed to the Police and will be acted upon or passed to the other emergency services as required.
The Police Station daytime number: +61 8 9162 6600
Mobile: + 61 8 9162 770 ext. 5055.
The Fire Service emergency number is: + 61 8 9162 7777.

Any requests for emergency assistance can be directed to “COCOS POLICE” on Ch20 VHF.

HEALTH CENTRE
For details or any questions in relation to health issues, please do not hesitate to contact the Health staff on
9162 6655 (West Island) or 9162 7609 (Home Island)

AIRPORT SERVICES
Cocos (Keeling) Islands are serviced by bi-weekly flights to and from Perth, Western Australia with Virgin Blue. Bookings can be made on-line.

TOURISM ASSOCIATION
The office is located on West Island in the Administration building.
Phone: +61 8 9162.6790
Fax: + 61 8 9162.6696,
Email: info@cocos-tourism.cc

REMEMBER, PLEASE KEEP DIRECTION ISLAND CLEAN!