Indonesia's CAIT (Clearance Approval for Indonesian Territory) — officially the Vessel Declaration — is the gateway to some of the world's most spectacular sailing. But it's also where many international sailors hit their first obstacle: their insurance policy doesn't satisfy Indonesian requirements.
What the CAIT Requires
The CAIT application requires a current marine insurance certificate that:
1. Explicitly covers Indonesian waters — not just "Southeast Asia" or "Pacific". Indonesia must be named. 2. Includes wreck removal coverage — Indonesian environmental regulations require this. Wreck removal in ecologically sensitive areas (Raja Ampat, Banda Islands) can cost USD 200,000+. 3. Shows adequate third-party liability — minimum USD 300,000, USD 500,000 or more recommended.
Many standard international yacht policies fail on point 1 — they cover Southeast Asia but exclude Indonesia specifically. Some fail on point 2 — wreck removal is excluded or has an inadequate sublimit. Sorting this out after you've arrived at the Indonesian border is not an option.
How to Check Your Policy
Look at your policy's geographic coverage section. Find "Indonesia" or "Indonesian waters" explicitly. If it's not there, call your insurer or broker.
Check the wreck removal section — usually in the hull & machinery definitions or the exclusions. Confirm wreck removal is included and the sublimit is adequate.
Ask your insurer to provide a certificate of insurance that explicitly states Indonesian waters coverage and wreck removal inclusion, in a form your Indonesian yacht agent can present to CIQP authorities.
The CAIT Processing Timeline
Apply minimum 4-6 weeks before your planned Indonesian entry. Peak season (March-May, as the rally season heads east) can cause delays. Your Indonesian yacht agent submits the application to the relevant authorities in Yangon with your insurance certificate and vessel documentation.
Once granted, the CAIT is valid for 3 years, single entry. The CAIT specifies your entry and exit points. Additional permits are required for Raja Ampat (Marine Park Card + vessel permit) and Komodo National Park.
Our Indonesia Solution
Our advisors work with Lloyd's syndicates and international marine markets experienced in Indonesian waters. We source policy documentation explicitly stating Indonesian coverage and wreck removal, in the specific format required for CAIT applications. Contact us 6–8 weeks before your planned Indonesian arrival to ensure adequate lead time.
