Permit· Makemo· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Makemo Arrival Rules and Reporting (Pouheva)

16° 37.4′ S · 143° 34.2′ W · approximate

Makemo is not a port of entry: you must already be cleared into French Polynesia. In Pouheva you deal with the commune's municipal police (muto'i) and the gendarmerie, who decide where yachts may lie on the quay and are the people to see about local rules.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Approximate: placed in Pouheva village ashore of the village anchorage (Soggy Paws waypoint 16°37.6S / 143°34.3W); no source geolocates the building, so walk from the dinghy dock. Where to report: the muto'i (municipal police; the commune lists 3 municipal police officers in 2024) work from the new town hall complex, Mariteragi Tiave (4 buildings, inaugurated Dec 10, 2017), which also houses the town administration; mairie tel +689 40 980 255. The gendarmerie (+689 87 276 589) is near the post office on the wharf (Soggy Paws). No arrival paperwork is required here if you hold French Polynesia clearance, but it is courteous to say hello. Quay use: Hamble Warrior (July 2023) were checked by the local police car, who measured their draft and agreed they could tie stern-to the quay with 4 lines and 2 anchors; the quay must be cleared for the supply and passenger ships (Mareva Nui, SXMS 3, Nuku Hau). Anchoring: float your chain and do not anchor on the wreck at 16°37.610S / 143°34.245W (Sugar Shack 2019). The commune has an eco-mooring project ('projet d'ancrages écologiques', 2024) but no moorings were reported in place. Pearl farming is authorized on only about 50 ha of the lagoon (French Wikipedia), so pearl lines are less widespread here than in Katiu or Raroia, but still give buoys a wide berth. There are 6 fish parks (commune, 2024): do not fish in or near them. Recycling: can bins near the mairie.

Best for

Knowing who to ask before using the quay

Nearby