The Port Captains here in Belize are using the AIS transmissions of sailboats arriving to call them and tell them to come in clear customs and immigration. Given that it costs about $200.00 to clear in plus $10.00 a day per person per day to stay it appears well worth the local port captains to invest in an AIS receiver.

I kept hearing the Port Captain calling boats asking what their intention is and to come in to Customs ASAP. I was wondering what that was until I was filled in.

Another reason not to transmit your name and position.