[MarkofSeaLife]

I like the flexibility to plan at the last minute and change the plan on the spur of the mement.

To do that I have all the pilot charts for every ocean, mostly electronic so they interface with OpenCpn.

Also theres software to download a whole website including ALL its links. I have downloaded Noonsite.com in its entirety. So At sea, or without internet I can get info on any country and its clearance details.

I have used this flexibility on a couple of occasions to get me out of a problem, and others I have read, who do not have the flexibility have got themselves into serious bother.
One example, a few years ago, where a cruiser went into Mexico with a gun thats not allowed. They told him it was illegal and they would jail him if he did not leave NOW. Because he was 'tired' and didnt have the ability to divert immediately to another country he spent 7 days in jail!

So yes, its nice to know everything before you go, but its not necessarily unsafe to plan on the move.

If you are rolling past some place that looks interesting just drop in! Conversely, other places, say Tunisia, that appears all good and calm now, you might be heading into the Marina port of entry and wonder why theres tanks on the roads! Time to say "Hey can we turn around and do a 3 days passage immediately???"

(Thats also a good reason to never be tired at the end of a passage.)

Mark

 

[MarkofSeaLife]

Mark, what is the software for downloading sites? I have done it piecemeal including places I might go but am not planning to go. Would be nice to have everything available if needed

It not on my computer anymore and I dont remember which one it was..

But have a look here
Offline Browsers for Windows - Free downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com

it may have been one thats free only for a trial period so I downloaded Noonsite and then gave the program the flick.

I just downloaded HTTrack but couldnt get it to work..

Noonsite is about 500mb so make sure you are on a FAST and FREE internet

 

[MarkofSeaLife]

Just need the odd bottle of spirits to help pave the way.

That means the people or the authorities are corrupt.

If they over estimate your worth you will be required to pay more than you can afford and end up either without money or without your boat.

A friend paid about $10,000 in bribes in Egypt because he started with the attitude of a brown paper bag with cash to 'grease the wheels'.

Never, ever pay a bribe.