How to deal with Dominican Officialdom
In almost all instances you will find the authorities friendly and courteous. The Dominican Authorities know their business and want to get on with it. It is not wise to treat them as if they are the three stooges from a banana republic. Dominicans in these positions are educated and trained in their work.
It is wise to show respect. Be properly dressed and be willing to cooperate. I saw one fellow scream at a Coast Guard Captain because he came aboard with his boots on. Dominican military wear boots that are laced. Getting them off is not a simple task and moreover, for a military man, embarrassing to have to ‘take orders’ in front of his men from a foreigner. Sometimes we have to compromise our standards to visit other countries where things may be done differently. After all is it really that important that they take their shoes off?
I have heard many cruising sailors complain and ask “Why are there so many officials?” The answer to this is that they have various agencies to cover a number of different tasks and objectives. Notwithstanding that you may believe that you can run their country better, ultimately it is in your interest to go with the flow and cooperate. Most officials are happy just to be treated courteously and to finish their job.
I have heard others comment that they were ‘pushed for bribes’ by officials.
A small tip is customary in this culture if you find the service to your liking. You may choose to give tips or no as you decide. Keep in mind however, that tips are very much part of Dominican tradition. And tips can come as a small amount of money or a bottle of wine or rum or whatever you deem appropriate. However, there are a few ports where it has gone beyond a request for small tips to outright extortion; Luperon and Samana taking the aware for the 1st and 2nd place in this category. If you clear in or out in either one of these two harbors, you may find the officials “very inventive” as to charges. You can either pay and let it go at that, or be polite and firm and refuse to pay anything beyond what the law requires. Should you take the second course, do not lose your patience. Simply stay your course, do not understand what is being requested of you, and stand pat until the other side gives up. In the final analysis, there is really nothing they can do to you and no one is going to carry it too far, as it is not in their interest to do so. It all depends on your personality, how much time you have, and how fat your wallet is!
Every harbor has a Commandancia (Coast Guard) who know you are in the harbor and definitely keep an eye on things. They are not casual about their harbors and work very hard to prevent illegal immigration (largely from Haiti), as well as illegal trafficking in drugs. While no harbor anywhere in the world is 100% secure as to personal safety or theft, the Dominican Republic is way at the top in the Caribbean list of safe places to cruise. Compared to many islands in the Caribbean it is at the top of the list. If the Coast Guard (Marina Guerra) comes out to visit you after you anchor be sociable since you will almost always find them to be so. They want to look out for you and they want your stay to be good; it’s their job. A small tip or gift when you meet them goes a long way to cement the relationship. They will ask to see your Despacho and may even say that you cannot stay anchored where you are. Indicate that you are “taking a rest” offer a small tip for their time and everything will work out fine. If they come out with a fisherman, invite only the Coast Guard official aboard your boat. If you choose to give a little gift, do not overlook the fisherman, as he used his time and gas to bring the Coast Guard official out to your boat. He is in the harbor, and down the line he may be able to help you with everything from fresh fish to assistance with something else. It is ALWAYS nice to have friends.
Be cooperative with the authorities. Should you feel that you have met with a dishonest official, bear in mind that you can simply remain pleasant and not pay. Do not be concerned, you won’t be shot or put in jail. The Dominican Republic is a very pro tourist country and no one is going to risk their job by carrying it too far. Never be rude, don’t raise your voice but simply indicate that you do not understand. After all, you are the ‘Gringo’ (foreigner) and you are not expected to fully understand. I always remark at how well French sailors handle requests that are inappropriate. They simply sit there and smile until the other side gives up and goes away. (C’est la Vie)
