Chile - Restrictions

Chile Restrictions for Yachts

Chilean Channels

Access to the Chilean channels without a zarpe (see the clearance section above) is prohibited. Both the lighthouse keepers and Navy keep an eye on yacht movement.

Daily Position Reports

CHILREP: Boats must report their position to the nearest radio station at 08:00 and 20:00 local time daily. The frequencies to be used should be ascertained locally. Usually one can report on SSB 4146 kHz, VHF Channel 16 or by email: mrccchile@directemar.cl

If reporting by email, a daily report is usually sufficient. The report must contain the following information:

• yacht name
• call signal
• date and time
• position in lat and long
• course and speed.

The Navy will monitor the progress of cruising boats and insists on being kept updated on one's progress, primarily for one's own safety.

Restricted Areas

• There are restricted areas in Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Williams. The port captain must be informed if a yacht wishes to move to another anchorage within those harbors.
• Some parts of the Patagonian channels, such as Canal Barbara and Canal Murray are prohibited to yachts.

Last updated:  September 2023

Chartering

You are not allowed to operate as a charter vessel unless you are Chilean and licensed. You sign your temporary import to confirm that you are not chartering. Yachts have been seized by the authorities that have flouted this rule. Be careful if you have friends on board that are expense/cost sharing - as this may be seen as chartering - and definitely don’t post an itinerary and costs to join the boat online. Fines can range up to 100% of the assessed value of the boat and criminal penalties can be levied against the captain for paid employment with a tourist entry. This can cause months of delay.

Last updated:  April 2025