In the Turks & Caicos, 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.
Source: tcipolice.tc · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
tcipolice.tc/911-emergency-communication-centre (checked 2026-10-14) — “answer all calls for police, medical, and fire assistance on all Islands within the TCI. Marine incidents are processed as well. … staffed 24 hours per day”
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · NOAA National Hurricane Center ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The hurricane season in the Turks and Caicos Islands normally runs from June to November.”
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
A boat used for anything other than recreation counts as a non-pleasure craft. Different rules apply, and permits and licences from other government departments are needed.
Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force ▾
borderforce.gov.tc (2026-10-14): “If you’re using the vessel for anything other than recreation, it is considered a non-pleasure craft, and different rules will apply. Permits and licences from other government departments MUST be obtained.”
Official warnings
Do not anchor on coral reefs or seagrass. Use permanent moorings where available, or anchor only in clear sand. Anchoring within 300 ft of a mooring is not permitted.
TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources · TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources ▾
gov.tc (2026-10-14): “Do not anchor on coral reefs or grass beds. Please use permanent moorings where available. When using an anchor, place it in clear sand only.”
gov.tc (2026-10-14): “It is not permitted to anchor within 300ft of a mooring.”
Jet skis are banned in protected areas, and there is a 15 mph limit in all National Marine Parks. All vessels are advised to slow to 5 mph or less within about 100 m of any shoreline.
TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources · TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources · TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources ▾
gov.tc (2026-10-14): “Jet skis or similar PWC are not permitted within protected areas.”
gov.tc (2026-10-14): “There is a speed limit of 15mph in all National Marine Parks except in a designated water ski zone.”
gov.tc (2026-10-14): “it is highly recommended that all vessels reduce speed to 5mph or less when operating within approximately 330ft or 100m of the shoreline anywhere in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Arriving by boat
Give at least 24 hours' notice of arrival through SailClear. Fly the Q flag and go directly to a port of entry: South Dock on Grand Turk; Blue Haven, South Bank or Southside Marina, South Dock or Sapodilla Bay on Providenciales; or Cockburn Harbour on South Caicos. Inbound and outbound clearance cost US$50 each, with overtime charged outside working hours. A 90-day cruising permit (US$300) is issued at the first port.
Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force · Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force · Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force · Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force · Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force · Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force ▾
borderforce.gov.tc (2026-10-14): “The owner or master of a pleasure craft must give notice of arrival at least 24 hours before arrival using SailClear www.sailclear.com”
borderforce.gov.tc (2026-10-14): “Display the International Pratique Q-flag and travel directly to the port of entry to satisfy the face-to-face requirement.”
borderforce.gov.tc (2026-10-14): “Grand Turk South Dock Providenciales Blue Haven Marina South Bank Marina South Dock Southside Marina Sapodilla Bay South Caicos Cockburn Habour”
borderforce.gov.tc (2026-10-14): “Outbound Fees ($50.00) Inbound Fees ($50.00) Overtime Fee is charged if clearance is needed outside of working hours”
borderforce.gov.tc (2026-10-14): “a Cruising Permit for the Turks and Caicos Islands waters will be issued which is valid for 90 days.”
borderforce.gov.tc (2026-10-14): “A cruising permit can be obtained from the Proper Officer at the first port of arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands and costs USD 300.00.”
What number do I call for help at sea in the Turks & Caicos?+
In the Turks & Caicos, 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 the Turks & Caicos?+
911 is the number the authorities in the Turks & Caicos give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for the Turks & Caicos.
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.
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