EMERGENCY NUMBERS · ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Antigua & Barbuda: who to call at sea

Last verified:

SHORT ANSWER

In Antigua & Barbuda, call 911, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

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Who answers in Antigua & Barbuda

English-speaking.
National emergency number
Source: police.gov.ag · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026
Official wording ▾
police.gov.ag (checked 2026-10-14) — “EMERGENCY – 911”; gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/antigua-and-barbuda (2026-03-13) — “Telephone: 999 or 911 (ambulance, fire, police)”
911 / 999

Boating in Antigua & Barbuda: what to know

From official sources · checked 2026-10-14

Weather and season

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services issues forecasts and tropical-cyclone watches and warnings for Antigua and Barbuda (antiguamet.com).

Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services ▾
antiguamet.com (2026-10-14): “Warning Statements Antigua and Barbuda St. Kitts and Nevis Montserrat Anguilla”

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services gives the Atlantic hurricane season as 1 June – 30 November.

Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services ▾
antiguamet.com (2026-10-14): “The Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1 to November 30”

Official warnings

Currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Take care when swimming. Currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.”

Arriving by boat

Antigua and Barbuda Customs lists boarding stations that handle pleasure yachts at Nelson's Dockyard (English Harbour, 06:00–18:00), Jolly Harbour (08:00–16:30), Heritage Quay and Deep Water Harbour (St John's).

Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division · Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division ▾
customs.gov.ag (2026-10-14): “Nelson’s Dockyard Boarding: Phone 1-268-460-1397 Fax: 1-268-462-2767 E-mail: customs@ab.gov.ag Type of Vessels: Type of Vessels: Pleasure Yachts Hrs. of Operation: 6 am – 6 pm”
customs.gov.ag (2026-10-14): “Jolly Harbour Boarding: Phone 1-268-562-7614 Fax: 1-268-462-2767 E-mail: customs@ab.gov.ag Type of Vessels: Type of Vessels: Pleasure Yachts Hrs. of Operation: 8 am – 4:30 pm”

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Sailing here

What to say when they answer

Who you are, where you are (latitude and longitude), what happened, how many people are aboard, and what your boat looks like.

How to make a MAYDAY call →

Engine trouble, nobody in danger?

That is a job for marine assistance, not sea rescue — keep the rescue line free for lives.

Mayday or a tow? →

Frequently asked

What number do I call for help at sea in Antigua & Barbuda?+

In Antigua & Barbuda, call 911, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Does 112 work in Antigua & Barbuda?+

911 is the number the authorities in Antigua & Barbuda give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for Antigua & Barbuda.

Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+

The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.

When is the storm season in Antigua & Barbuda?+

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services gives the Atlantic hurricane season as 1 June – 30 November.

Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Antigua & Barbuda?+

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services issues forecasts and tropical-cyclone watches and warnings for Antigua and Barbuda (antiguamet.com).

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