In Palau, call 911 and ask for Police. Offshore, the search is run by JRCC Honolulu (USCG): +1 808 535 3333. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Source: palaugov.pw Marine-Advisory-System-Brochure.pdf · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
palaugov.pw Marine-Advisory-System-Brochure.pdf (NEMO, 2017, checked 2026-10-14) — “Emergency Contact Numbers: Police - 911 Fire & Rescue - 488-1411 Marine Law - 488-5206”; palaugov.pw/executive-branch/ministries/justice — “the national police force, which includes 911 emergency response, … maritime security”; pw.usembassy.gov/contact — “For medical and police emergencies please contact local authorities at 911.”
NOAA's National Weather Service office in Guam issues the Micronesian coastal waters forecast, which covers waters within 40 nautical miles of Koror, Palau.
NOAA National Weather Service, WFO Guam ▾
weather.gov (2026-10-14): “The Micronesian Coastal Waters are within 40 nautical miles of Koror Palau, Yap, Weno Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Delap Majuro.”
NOAA says there is no clearly defined typhoon season in the western North Pacific: tropical cyclones occur all year, with activity peaking around September–November in many places. Canada's travel advice says typhoons usually occur in Palau between June and December.
NOAA National Weather Service, WFO Guam · Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) ▾
weather.gov (2026-10-14): “Although TC activity peaks around September-November for many regional locations, TCs occur throughout the year across the WNP. Therefore, there is no clearly defined ‘typhoon season’.”
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Typhoons usually occur between June and December.”
Official warnings
Unexploded World War II ordnance may be a risk in certain areas, particularly Angaur and Peleliu.
Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) ▾
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Unexploded ordnance from World War II may pose a risk in certain areas, particularly in Angaur and Peleliu.”
Tidal changes cause powerful currents in the coastal lagoons and riptides are common; several drownings occur each year.
Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) ▾
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Tidal changes can cause powerful currents in the coastal lagoons that surround the islands. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.”
It is illegal to use reef-toxic sunscreen in Palau.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “It’s illegal to use reef-toxic sunscreen in Palau.”
Divers: recompression
Palau's only hyperbaric chamber is at Belau National Hospital in Koror, less than 2 hours from most locations.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The hyperbaric chamber is at the Belau National Hospital in Koror, less than 2 hours from most locations.”
Arriving by boat
Koror State's Cruising Yacht Permit Act requires a state permit for a non-commercial cruising yacht to anchor, moor or dock anywhere in Koror State waters other than Malakal Port. The Act limited fee collection to 10 years, so check the current permit and fees with Koror State Government.
Koror State Government (KSPL No. K6-107-2000) · Koror State Government (KSPL No. K6-107-2000) ▾
kororstategov.com (2026-10-14): “No cruising yacht may anchor, moor or dock at any location within the territorial boundaries of the State of Koror, with the exception of the Malakal Port, unless the owner or operator of the cruising yacht obtains from the State a permit allowing for such use.”
kororstategov.com (2026-10-14): “but in no event, beyond a period of 10 years from the effective date of this Act.”
In Palau, call 911 and ask for Police. Offshore, the search is run by JRCC Honolulu (USCG): +1 808 535 3333. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Palau?+
911 is the number the authorities in Palau give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for Palau.
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 Palau?+
NOAA says there is no clearly defined typhoon season in the western North Pacific: tropical cyclones occur all year, with activity peaking around September–November in many places. Canada's travel advice says typhoons usually occur in Palau between June and December.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Palau?+
NOAA's National Weather Service office in Guam issues the Micronesian coastal waters forecast, which covers waters within 40 nautical miles of Koror, Palau.
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