• Submitted by: lena campos
• Business and Economy
• 11 / 28 / 2013

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Cuba will allow pleasure boats to stay in the country for up to five years, or even longer periods, according to new regulations for marinas posted today in the government''s Official Gazette.

The document was approved by the Council of Ministers, and according to the Gazette, arises due to the complexity of operations in the marinas, which involved several state agencies.

This regulation aims to improve and simplify the formalities for releasing vessels and strengthening the competitiveness of Cuba's tourist marinas, the source said.

Under this regulation, if a yacht's owner is absent for an extended period, he or she must sign a contract with the marina to ensure the safekeeping of the boat and the services required.

The clearance process of pleasure boats from abroad will be managed by the harbor master of the given marina.

In addition, the regulation states that the Ministry of Tourism will promote a website via which pleasure boaters will be able to send information ahead of time on their vessel, crew, and passengers, facilitaing their entry into Cuba's territorial waters.

Source: Prensa Latina