Our detailed guide to European destinations.
EU member?
Yes.
Visas?
No.
Ship’s papers
Ship’s registration papers.
Crew list with skipper’s signature.
Crew papers
Passports.
Report to Customs?
Yes. Call Coastguard, which operates as Customs and Immigration, on Ch 16 an hour before arrival. Check out with Coastguard before departure from Finland.
There are restrictions on imports from non-EU Baltic countries. Duty is charged on amounts above the following: 1 litre spirits, 3 litres fortified or sparkling wine, 15 litres beer, 300 cigarettes if have been purchased duty-paid in EU.
Other regulations
Don’t let rather oppressive-sounding rules put you off cruising in Finland. The people are friendly, there are excellent facilities for yachts, and the scenery is wonderful.
You must keep to boating routes marked on charts.
You must not fish without a permit, obtainable from post offices.
You may not anchor within 300m of private homes, or moor to private jetties. However, there are so many harbours and anchorages on the coast and islands that this is not a problem.
It is forbidden to light fires anywhere on shore.
Diesel
Widely available.
Water
Widely available.
Shore power 220V AC
At most marinas.
LPG
Refilling may be possible. See The Baltic Sea for details. Kosangas is readily available.
Camping Gaz
Small canisters only.
Berthing fees
Lower than in UK. Sometimes include free shower and sauna.
Currency
Markka (100 penniä).
Credit cards
Widely accepted.
Eurocheques
Widely accepted.
Travellers cheques
Widely accepted.
Emergencies VHF
Coast radio stations and Coastguard monitor Ch 16. Coastguard provides excellent rescue service.
Emergencies phone
Police, ambulance, fire
112
Pets?
Needs certificate of health from vet, plus certificate of anti-rabies injection not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before importation.
Dialling code to UK
99044 then the number, omitting the first 0.
Telephone boxes
All have international dialling.
Weather forecasts
Forecasts in English are broadcast by Helsinki Radio on all VHF working channels at 0833 and 2033 GMT.
Trailing
For boats over 5.5m you will need a carnet or customs bond. Contact tourist office in London for info. Max weight of unbraked trailer 750kg or half weight of car whichever is lower. Trailer may not weigh more than car; or more than twice car if 4-wheel drive. Max weight car + trailer: 3,500kg.
British Embassy
Itainen Puistotie 17, 00140 Helsinki. Tel: 00358 9 2286 5100. Visit www.ukembassy.fi or e-mail info@ukembassy.fi
Tourist office in UK
177-179 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8BS. Tel: 020 7265 2512. Visit www.alltravelfinland.com or e-mail askus@alltravelfinland.com
Charts and books
Admiralty charts.
The Baltic Sea. RCC Pilotage Foundation. Imray.
www.ybw-books.com
Languages
Finnish, Swedish. English widely spoken.
September 2001
