Our detailed guide to European destinations.
EU member?
Yes.
Visas?
No.
Ship’s papers
Ship’s registration papers.
Insurance certificate for third party liability issued either by an Italian insurance company, or a foreign company that has reciprocal arrangements with a recognised Italian insurance company. You must carry an Italian translation of the certificate. Check with your insurance company that they have such an arrangement, then ask them to send you an Italian translation.
Proof of VAT status.
Crew papers
Passports.
Skipper will probably be asked to show an ICC.
VHF operators certificate.
Report to Customs?
Not necessary if arriving from an EU country. If arriving from non EU, fly Q flag within 12 miles offshore, and report to Customs on arrival.
Diesel
At most marinas and ports in north; harder to find in south and parts of Sardinia and Sicily.
Water
Readily available in most places. Usually charged for. May be shortages in south in summer. Sometimes two taps: one drinkable. Non-drinkable is aqua non potabile.
Shore power 220V AC
At most marinas.
LPG
Several brands of Italian gas. You can buy an adaptor in Italy to use with UK appliances.
Camping Gaz
Readily available.
Berthing fees
Some marinas, especially on the Riviera and Sardinia, are extremely expensive. Elsewhere can be cheaper than UK, and sometimes free.
Currency
Lire.
Credit cards
Widely accepted. Can use in cashpoints.
Eurocheques
Widely accepted.
Travellers cheques
Take in sterling.
Emergencies VHF
Coastal radio stations monitor Ch 16. Rescue boats at all large harbours and most small ones.
Emergencies phone
Police 113
Ambulance 113
Fire 113
Pets?
Dogs and cats require a certificate of health issued, in both English and Italian, by a UK vet , and proof of vaccination against rabies.
Dialling code to UK
0044 then the number, omitting the first 0.
Telephone boxes
Use coins, or phonecards available in newsagents and other shops.
Weather forecasts
Forecasts in Italian, then English are broadcast four times a day on VHF Chs 25, 26 or 27 covering all parts of the coastline. See RYA Weather booklet or Italian Waters Pilot for times. Ashore, telephone 196 for a forecast read in slow, easy to understand Italian.
Trailing
Trailer max width 2.30m. Car max width 2.55m. Trailer height must not exceed 1.8 times the distance between the wheels of the car. Trailer max length – one axle: 6.50m; two axles: 8m. Boats should be inspected by a Port Authority before launching. Skipper must have ICC.
British Embassy
Via XX Settembre 80A, I-00187 Rome. Tel: 0039 6 4220 0001. Visit www.ukinitalia.it or e-mail info@rome.mail.fco.gov.uk
Tourist office in UK
Italian State Tourist Office, 1 Princes Street, London W1R 8AY. Tel: 020 7408 1254 (between 0930- 1230 or 1430-1600.) Visit www.italytourism.it or e-mail info@italytourism.it
Charts and books
Admiralty charts. Italian Hydrographic Institute charts give better coverage. Available in Italy at chandlers.
Mediterranean Almanac, Imray.
Italian Waters Pilot. Rod Heikell. Imray.
Adriatic Pilot. T and D Thompson. Imray.
www.ybw-books.com
Language
Italian.
September 2001
