Phuket one-stop yacht shop set to open, for real, July 1

PHUKET: Phuket’s long-awaited 70-million-baht one-stop yacht shop, dubbed the Phuket Yacht Control Center (PYCC), is set to officially open on July 1 after two years of delays.

Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut confirmed the opening date yesterday.

“PYCC will be Phuket’s official check-in point for incoming and outgoing foreign yachts. Additionally, it will ensure effective vessel-traffic management and monitoring; prevent smuggling and illegal activities; and enhance maritime safety and national security,” Governor Maitri said.

“The center will smooth the process of clearing yachts travelling to and from Phuket, as it offers a complete range of services all in one place.”

The center opened in April for a two-week trial period (story here), but hit snags with newly installed software (story here).

“All of the software is now in proper working order,” Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuriphat Theerakulpisut confirmed to the Phuket Gazette today.

All foreign yachts entering Phuket waters must report to the center and register on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) locator system, explained Mr Phuriphat.

The control center for the system is at the one-stop center, and relay towers have been installed in Karon, Rawai and at the Phuket Deep Sea Port at Cape Panwa (story here).

“Six more relay towers in Phuket, two in Phang Nga and two in Krabi will be installed by September 20 this year,” Mr Phuriphat added.

Entry and exit clearance applications can be filled out online.

“The yacht must still pass the clearing process at the center after filling out the online application,” Mr Phuriphat said.

Application forms can be found here.

Yachts registered in Thailand are not required to report to the center.

— Chutharat Plerin