On arrival in Hiva Oa, after an unofficial stopover in Fatu Hiva, the gendarmes were excellent, no problems with bonds or anything. I merely told them that the crew have return flights, which is true, and I produced my EU passport. You need an accurate stock check of any alcohol on board, in litres, apparently there is a problem with it. On Fatu Hiva we could not use money everything was by trade for rum preferably. Longest delay was in getting a stamp for the Customs form which has to be posted to Tahiti within 24 hours. No charges levied.
So far, after nearly 2 weeks, we have not been checked by Customs.
Hugh Pilsworth
Blue Flyer