In Jamaica, call 119, 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.
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica publishes a Marine Forecast on its daily-forecast page. The Maritime Authority of Jamaica tells mariners to monitor the Met Service's official updates and warnings.
Meteorological Service of Jamaica · Jamaica Information Service (Government of Jamaica) ▾
jis.gov.jm (2026-10-14): “The MAJ is also reminding mariners to remain vigilant by closely monitoring official weather updates and warnings from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica”
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · NOAA National Hurricane Center ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Hurricane season is normally from June to November.”
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.”
Divers: recompression
Jamaica's only hyperbaric (recompression) chamber for treating divers is at the UWI Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory on the north coast, about an hour from Montego Bay airport.
The University of the West Indies, Mona – Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory ▾
mona.uwi.edu (2026-10-14): “the only Hyberbaric Chamber in Jamaica for the treatment of divers and others through re-compression”
Arriving by boat
The Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard advises entering at Kingston, Montego Bay or Port Antonio, where immigration, customs and quarantine services are available. A Customs officer boards to inspect and grants pratique, and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) needs the crew list and passports.
visitjamaica.com (2026-10-14): “The Coast Guard advises that entry to the island be made at Kingston, Montego Bay, or Port Antonio where immigration, customs and quarantine services are available.”
visitjamaica.com (2026-10-14): “A Customs Officer will board the vessel for inspection and indicate when pratique (clearance) has been granted.”
visitjamaica.com (2026-10-14): “The Passport Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) will require the crew list and passports (with proof of visas where applicable) for each vessel.”
visitjamaica.com (2026-10-14): “Mariners are advised to enter at the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club in Kingston, The Montego Bay Yacht Club in Montego Bay, or the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Jamaica?+
In Jamaica, call 119, 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 Jamaica?+
119 is the number the authorities in Jamaica give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for Jamaica.
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 Jamaica?+
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Jamaica?+
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica publishes a Marine Forecast on its daily-forecast page. The Maritime Authority of Jamaica tells mariners to monitor the Met Service's official updates and warnings.
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