PLBs and Nautilus Lifeline in Fiji

[tetapa]

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this but...

After a friend went missing, my wife and I have purchased and traveled with PLBs. We also have a Nautilus lifeline.

We are leaving to Fiji this week, and our dive operator told us to leave them at home. Fiji customs will confiscate anything that looks like a radio transceiver.

From Fiji Revenue & Customs website:
Radio Transmitters and Telecommunications Equipment

Radio transmitters and telecommunications equipment is a restricted import and subject to import permit from the Telecommunication Authority of Fiji.

Before considering the purchase and importation of radio transmitters, cordless and cellular phones, and similar equipment, check with the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji that the devices meet Fiji technical standards.

My question, has anybody brought a PLB or Nautilus Lifeline into Fiji?

 

[rjack321]

Why don't you ask at the source if they are going to try and charge you an import duty or otherwise make it challenging?
Telecommunications Authority of Fiji - Contact Us

(I would print out their reply and carry it with you on the plane through Fijian customs)

 

[tetapa]

I have already sent them a message. I also sent an email to the maritime rescue folks.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this but...

After a friend went missing, my wife and I have purchased and traveled with PLBs. We also have a Nautilus lifeline.

We are leaving to Fiji this week, and our dive operator told us to leave them at home. Fiji customs will confiscate anything that looks like a radio transceiver.

From Fiji Revenue & Customs website:
Radio Transmitters and Telecommunications Equipment

Radio transmitters and telecommunications equipment is a restricted import and subject to import permit from the Telecommunication Authority of Fiji.

Before considering the purchase and importation of radio transmitters, cordless and cellular phones, and similar equipment, check with the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji that the devices meet Fiji technical standards.

My question, has anybody brought a PLB or Nautilus Lifeline into Fiji?

It may be a language issue, but to me, "import" (especially in the context of the phrase "purchase and importation") implies for commercial purposes. As in, if you are going to bring in commercial goods to be sold in Fiji, you are importing those goods. I don't interpret "importation" as including bringing in a personal cell phone, etc., for your personal use during your trip that you will take home with you. But that's just my interpretation.

My PLB is packed in my dive bag at the moment, and I will be enroute to Fiji tomorrow. I'll let you know if Customs objects. Thanks for giving me something to worry about.

 

[tetapa]

Please let me know!

We leave for Fiji on Friday. Any chance you are going to Wananavu?

 

[Lorenzoid]

Please let me know!

We leave for Fiji on Friday. Any chance you are going to Wananavu?

Nope. Nai'a liveaboard.

 

[Dogbowl]

Nope. Nai'a liveaboard.

Have fun, @Lorenzoid!

 

[Snoweman]

Nope. Nai'a liveaboard.

How long of a flight/travel time from Atlanta?

 

[Lorenzoid]

How long of a flight/travel time from Atlanta?

Well, there's the flight to LAX, and then 11 hours (I think) to Fiji.

 

[tetapa]

If you are diving the Bligh Waters and see a land based boat, it just might be us.

Oh, the Bligh Waters are where we lost a friend, and are the reason we carry a PLB.