Our detailed guide to European destinations.
EU member?
Yes.
Visas?
No.
Ship’s papers
Ship’s registration papers.
Evidence of VAT status.
Ship’s radio licence.
Typed page listing name of boat, port of registry, and list of crew, with their passport numbers and dates of birth, stating where joined boat, and intended departure.
Itinerary.
Crew papers
Passports.
Skipper should hold the ICC.
Radio operator’s certificate.
Report to Customs?
No, if arriving from EU port.
Yes, if arriving from non-EU port or have non-EU nationals onboard.
Other formalities
Although a transit log is no longer necessary for EU boats, harbour officials may still wish to issue you with one. If so, you will need to pay a small fee.
Diesel
In marinas. Must not use red diesel in fishing harbours.
Water
Readily available. Is likely to be charged for.
Shore power 220V AC
At a few marinas.
LPG
Not readily available.
Camping Gaz
Readily available.
Berthing fees
Slightly cheaper than in UK.
Currency
Escudo (100 centavos).
Credit cards
Widely accepted. Can be used in cashpoints .
Eurocheques
Widely accepted.
Travellers cheques
Can change in banks. Commission may be high.
Emergencies VHF
Coast radio stations monitor Channel 16. Coast guards are backed up by Portuguese navy.
Emergencies phone
Police 115
Ambulance 115
Fire 115
Pets
May be brought in. Need a certificate of health from a vet. Will probably be inspected by a Portuguese vet. If coming from countries with a history of rabies, may need to show proof of anti-rabies jabs.
Dialling code to UK
0044 then the number, omitting the first 0, except in Oporto, where the code is 0744 then the number, omitting the first 0.
Telephone boxes
International calls can be made from most. Use coins or credifone card bought at post office.
Weather forecasts
It should be possible to pick up the BBC Radio 4 long wave shipping forecasts and gale warnings. No local VHF forecasts in English. Port and marina offices display weather forecast daily.
Trailing
No special rules. You’ll be asked to show proof of purchase for the boat, and evidence of VAT-paid status.
British Embassy
Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisboa. Tel: 00351 392 4000. www.uk-embassy.pt
Tourist office in UK
Portuguese Tourist Office, 22 Sackville Street, London W1X 1DE. Tel: 09063 640610. It’s 60p per minute for a recorded message so try www.portugal.org/tourism/index.html or www.portugalinsite.pt/homepage.asp?ling=2
Charts
Admiralty charts give good coverage.
Macmillan Nautical Almanac
Iberian Guide.
Atlantic Spain and Portugal. Imray.
www.ybw-books.com
Language
Portuguese.
September 2001
