CLEARING INTO THE SOLOMONS

27 March 2025

After arriving at the Gizo anchorage I had a couple of hours rest and then gathered the ships papers together and headed ashore to complete the clearing in process.  I am not a fan of bureaucracy and find the clearing in/out process tiresome, to differing degrees, depending on which country it is.  The process is basically straightforward, customs, Immigration and Biosecurity/sanitation/Port health all play a part and sometimes the Harbour Master wants some action as well. 

To make the process more entertaining each country has its own procedures and paperwork.  The various authorities don’t seem to communicate with each other and it usual to answer the same question on multiple forms, even the same information up to three times on the same form.  Thankfully, Both PNG and the Solomons are pragmatic and easy to check in and out of.  The Process in Gizo was efficient and painless.  Of course there is usually a $$$ cost.

The Customs office in Gizo is easy to access being in town.  The only picture hanging on the wall is a very old photo of Queen Elizbeth II.  I asked why it was still there as she has passed away.  I was told that no one had said take it down!  So, I suppose it will be there forever until some higher authority makes an executive decision.

Once check in was complete I returned to Truce, stowed all the paperwork and passport away, I could relax now and take my time to explore the place.  First off it was to find the ATM and get some cash, this was successful, the ATM was both operational and had cash. 

Gizo town is not a pretty place but it has a good selection of stores selling the basics of life.  The shops are mostly Chinese and I quickly noticed that the prices didn’t differ from store to store, not much competition going on.  I was able to buy fresh bread and eggs, something I have been missing.  One of the local ladies directed me to a small store on the edge of town where I could but exotic items such as meat and cheese.  Sure enough, after a short trek, I found it.  There was a freezer with the goodies in it.  I decided to return with a cold bag at a later date to pick up the butter and cheese, but in the end I didn’t bother and decided to wait until I got to Noro, the next town I would visit.

The fresh fruit and vegetable market was a delight, neat and tidy and all the goods nicely presented.  This is a delightful way to shop.  The ladies are shy at first but soon open up with lively chatter and a gentle inquisition, as is the way with market ladies everywhere.

At lunch time I found a café (PT 109) on the waterfront overlooking the anchorage where I could tie up the dinghy, very convenient.  I treated myself to a Berger and chips washed down with the local brew, lovely.  So good to have good food cooked by someone other than the lousy cook on Truce. 

I slept well  that night, secure in a calm anchorage and the difficult and exhausting passage is behind me.  Getting from Kavieng to Gizo had been a struggle, I was very tired.  I am expecting an easier passage through the Solomons where there are many places to stop if the weather is adverse.  The security here is not as dynamic as PNG, although, I still need to be streetwise.  I have not been to the Solomons before so am looking forward to this next section of the voyage.