The Marshall Islands provide the perfect cyclone season alternative for South Pacific voyagers with no immediate need of extensive yacht services, or those who simply wish to remain somewhere safe in the tropics.

Oceanography and Meteorology

The main features influencing your passage north from the South Pacific include four major ocean currents, the South Equatorial Current, South Equatorial Counter Current, Equatorial Current and North Equatorial Counter Current. Sailors coming from the central South Pacific locations will get a big push west from the Equatorial Current. Transiting the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) as far east as possible will set up a pleasant, off-the-wind run to the Marshalls. Expect to encounter the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) upon arrival to the southern Marshalls.

Voyage Timing and Trajectory

Storm season for the Marshall Islands ends in early December, sharply decreasing the probability of encountering gale-force westerlies after you arrive in Majuro. Expect frequent blustery weather from the east and northeast with squalls in Majuro through March as the ITCZ passes over en route to the south. Voyaging to more northerly atolls is more comfortable during settled conditions in April and May.

The Kwajalein Option

Sailors wishing to spend time at Kwajalein Atoll will required official sponsorship and some advance paperwork, but you will find the hospitality and facilities associated with the U.S. Army Missile Range outstanding. For more information, contact the Marshall Islands Visitor’s Authority.

Weather Information

Monitor the most salient features for this route via the following weather fax broadcasts from station KVM-70, Honolulu Hawaii (frequencies 9982.5, 11090.0, 16135.0, and 23.331.5 kHz): Significant Cloud Features (at 0545Z and 1745Z), Pacific Surface Analysis (at 0600Z and 1800Z), Test Chart, Symbols and Schedule (at 0530Z and 1730Z).

Communications and Mail

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Communications Center monitors SSB 6.802 MHz and 6.221 MHz (USB) 24 hours a day. They can place phone calls and relay emergency or other information. A medical evacuation by air or sea from an out island, for example, would best start here. You may receive mail at: Postmaster, General Delivery, Main Post Office, Majuro, MH 96960, Republic of the Marshall Islands, but wait until you arrive since their recent policy is to return anything not picked up within 5 days.

Some Useful Charts

U.S. NIMA 83010 (Howland Island to Samoa Islands), 505 (Tuvalu to Palmyra Atoll), 506 (Mariana Islands to Gilbert Islands) and B.A. 761 (Marshall Islands) all proved useful. By far the best charts of individual Marshall Islands come from U.S. NIMA, such as 81796 (Mili Atoll), 81791 (Arno Atoll), 81782 (Majuro Atoll), 81771 (Maloelap and Aur Atolls), 81604 (Wotje Atoll), 6017 (Erikub Atoll) and 81587 (Likiep Atoll). B.A. charts 984 and 988, Islands and Anchorages in the Marshall Islands, provide a general overview but lack the detail and accuracy of the U.S. NIMA charts of individual islands.

Theft

Theft happens everywhere. One must always be aware no matter where they are in the world. In Majuro you should take the precaution of running plastic-coated lifeline or flexible stainless steel cable that in one run locks your dinghy outboard, fuel tank, and dinghy, and padlock the end to your boat at night. If you plan to be out well after dark, do the same at the dinghy dock, mostly to prevent drunken purse seiner crews from "borrowing" a ride out to their vessels.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are rare in the Republic of the Marshall Islands but its volatility and swift nature remains a serious threat to the low lying coral atolls of the Marshall Islands.

The following time sequences roughly estimate the amount of time it would need for a tsunami to hit landfall from the related oceanic trenches:

• 3.5 to 4 hours from the Solomon Trench,
• 3.5 to 4 hours from the Mariana Trench
• 4 to 5 hours from the N. Hebrides Trench
• 4.5 to 5 hours from the Tonga Trench
• 5 to 7 hours from the Papua Trench
• 6 to 7 hours from the Mindanao Trench

Sea Transportation

The Marshall Islands has 12 deep-water docks that are capable of handling large ocean-going vessels. Both Majuro and Kwajalein's commercial docks are capable of accommodating deep draft vessels and can service both container and bulk storage vessels. Majuro has two deep water ports and a large freight container yard which was designed to attract shippers wishing to use Majuro as a transshipment port.

Around 50 private mooring locations are available in Majuro Lagoon for $30/day at full service stations and others at no cost. In addition, tugboat services are offered through the Marshall Islands.

Central Pacific Maritime Agency

Central Pacific Maritime Agency (CenPac) has been engaged in shipping activities for both domestic and international destinations in the Marshall Islands for over 25 years. Robert Reimers Enterprises, Inc. (RRE) is an agent for a number of shipping companies and also provides freight consolidation.

CenPac has become known as the leading and most reliable shipping agency in the Marshall Islands. They are currently agents for:

• Foreign Fishing vessels, including Purseiners, Reefer Carriers, Long liners
• Fuel Tankers
• Private Yachts
• Luxury Cruise Liners
• Sea/Air Freight forwarders (Domestic & International)

Contact:

Michael Cheng, General Manager
P.O. Box 1, Majuro, RMI, MH 96960
Tel: (692) 625 3250 / 4744
Fax: (692) 625 3505 / 3783
Email: cenpac@rreinc.com
administration@rreinc.com