What you need to know when

Sailing or Boating in Mexico!

Sailing in Mexico

Sailing to Mexico or sailing in Mexico can be extremely fun and filled with adventures. Whether you are just cruising or fishing, below are some helpful preparation tips!

• The Boat – The size of the boat isn’t nearly as important as the quality. Make sure the boat has been built, designed and maintained for open-ocean sailing. A boat designed for lake sailing is not recommended for rough winds or weather.
• The Gear – Although a lot of people load their vessels with a lot of gear, some being unnecessary here are some helpful and useful gear!

1. EPIRB
2. Coast Guard Required Safety Gear
3. Life Raft
4. Dinghy
5. 3 Appropriate size anchors with appropriate size rods
6. Compass
7. At least 2 GPS’s
8. VHF Radio
9. Working Sails
10. One set of charts and one cruising guide

• Insurance – Insurance is strongly recommended! Mexican Liability is extremely important when sailing on Mexican waters. Whether you are cruising, whale watching or fishing. In the event of a loss or collision with another vessel having no Mexican Boat Insurance can cost you dearly. Your Mexican Insurance Experts, www.WestCoastRi.com offer watercraft insurance for your vessel!
• Identification & Paperwork - Below are some documents that are strongly recommended to bring with you and have for you and all the passengers in your vessel.

1. Personal Identification Cards including Passports
2. Mexican Tourist Visa
3. Boat Documents (Registration, Etc)
4. Fishing License
5. Radio License
6. 6.      Mexican Insurance

Happy Sailing!

Boat-Yacht Insurance in Mexico

Mexican Boat Liability Insurance is recommended if you have your Boat down in Mexico. Many Marinas are requiring at least this basic coverage in Mexico if you dock your boat with them.  With so many unknowns that come about when purchasing insurance in Mexico it is imperative for you to work with a trust worthy company that has done the homework for you.  West Coast Insurance Services your Mexico Insurance Experts can assist with securing Mexico Boat Liability Insurance or even a full coverage Boat or Yacht policy to help protect you while you are traveling in Mexico. Liability Insurance in Mexico is easy to secure with the assistance of West Coast Insurance Services. You will receive great service in your own language and the best rates available in the market today.

Mexico Boat Liability Insurance

West Coast Insurance www.WestCoastRi.com insures all types of watercrafts including Yachts, Sailboats and Sport Fishing vessels. We strongly recommend talking to us before you pay for a policy so we can be sure that ALL your Insurance needs are being met in Mexico. Whether you are looking to secure a Full Coverage Mexican Watercraft Insurance Policy or Mexico Liability Only we can help. We provide the peace of mind when sailing and exploring the Mexican waters.

www.WestCoastRi.com

www.MexicoInsuranceExperts.com

Mexico Auto Insurance, ONLINE

Mexican Auto Insurance online is very common now. Online Mexican Insurance is so common now that doing research on the agent is important. These tips when choosing Online Mexican Auto Insurance will help you out.

First you should review the agents website, if everything looks legit then that is the first sign in reviewing what they have to offer. Second tip, just because one agent is cheaper than the next agent does not mean it is better. You get what you pay for. You do not want to compromise coverage. Making sure the agent explains what you are paying for is extremely important. An agent that takes the time to review your needs and what you are insuring is what will determine if you’re properly covered. West Coast Insurance Services, your Mexican Insurance Experts, offers one on one help to secure the coverage that you need to make the proper decision when insuring your vehicle in Mexico. We are one of the leading websites and companies offering the best and most competitive rates in Mexico for Mexican Car Insurance. You are able to speak to an agent via telephone or log on to www.WestCoastRi.com or www.MexicanInsuranceExperts.com and purchase a policy on the spot. It is fast, easy and secure. Let us give you peace of mind knowing we have done the leg work for you and as your agents are here for you.

Mexican Auto Insurance, the fast & reliable way!

www.WestCoastRi.com

Once you cross the border into Mexico, you will need to be more cautious. The need to be very alert and a good defensive driver are greater than north of the border. Mexican Auto Insurance is STRONGLY recommended whether you’re going for a short period or long term. Below are some driving & safety tips for your trip into Mexico and the Mexican Roads! Remember you are able to secure your Mexico Car Insurance directly from www.WestCoastRi.com.

Driving & Safety Tips into Mexico!

• • Traffic violation laws vary from state to state; make sure you know the violations for the state you are visiting!
• • Remember you may request a written ticket from police officers in Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada and Mexicali and mail your fine from the United States!
• • Speed limits are stated in kilometers (1 mile = 1.6 kilometers). Keep that in mind when you pass speed limit signs!
• • Yellow lights are a signal to stop, not just to slow down. It is recommended not to run the yellow lights for your safety and not to attract the Mexican Police.
• • You can get a citation for taking a right on red although you will see many drivers doing it. It is recommended to wait until it is green so you can avoid being pulled over.
• • In many cases, the “fast lane” is a passing lane only. You should move back over into the slow lane once you pass someone and be very cautious while passing for trucks and other vehicles.
• • Lanes can merge much quicker (with not much time to merge) so always be aware of lanes merging as this can be dangerous.
• • Construction sites can come upon you suddenly with little to no warning, being aware of your surroundings while driving in Mexico is always best. Keep a look out for construction workers and signs.
• • Using a cell phone while driving is a traffic violation in Baja California, it is also not very safe when driving in Baja or any part of Mexico.
• • Watch for cross walks, in many areas pedestrians have the right-of-way and you should always slow down when approaching a cross walk to make sure no one is crossing.
• • Driving boundaries or “comfort zones” are smaller, people will drive closer so you must be extremely cautious.
• • Take notice of the vehicle’s brake lights in front of you, many times they do not function so tail gating is not recommended.
• • Vigilance of the roads is necessary to avoid animals, people, and other obstacles.
• • It is wise to avoid driving at night!
• • The Green Angels (Angeles Verdes) patrol the toll roads to offer free roadside assistance.

West Coast Insurance Services

www.WestCoastRI.com

www.MexicoInsuranceExperts.com

A few general facts about Hurricanes that you may have not known about!

1. More than two inches of rain a day can cause flooding. Example: Some areas in Hurricane Irene’s path could see at least a foot of rain as the storm system passes through.

2. Every second, a large hurricane releases the energy of 10 atomic bombs.

3. Most people who die in hurricanes are killed by the towering walls of seawater that come inland, so heed evacuation warnings and avoid waterfronts if you can.

4. Hurricanes can release more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day.

5. According to NASA satellites, the size of Hurricane Irene is now 700 miles wide, about one-third the size of the entire East Coast of the U.S. Hurricanes vary in size!

6. Left unopened, a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours after losing electrical power

7. Coffee filters can help purify tap water after a storm. If your tap water is cloudy, pour it through a fresh coffee filter until the cloudiness goes away. Then boil it for at least one full minute before drinking or using it for cooking. (But follow local emergency management orders; if they tell you tap water isn’t safe to drink, a coffee filter isn’t going to make it safer.)

West Coast Insurance Services always advises to follow all warnings and always be prepared including have a ALL RISK homeowners policy to cover you in the event of a Hurricane or even Earthquake!

Visit www.WestCoastRi.com for more information on securing coverage for your home in Mexico against catastrophic events!

The United States, State Department has revised its STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to better inform travelers of potential dangers when traveling abroad. Below we have provided a summary of the updated Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and what it means to the international traveler.

STEP was revised in light of recent troubles affecting various parts of the world. Various natural and man-made disasters have caused trouble across the globe in 2010 and this year. With the 2011 Japanese Earthquake and tsunami claiming more than 25,000 lives. Another disaster was the Arab spring uprising resulting in thousands of causalities. Conflict in Libya is ongoing and many people in New Zealand and Australia are still struggling to come to terms with the earthquake and flooding that recently affected the countries.

STEP, which is formerly known as “Travel Registration” is the program that alerts United State travelers traveling internationally of potential dangers such as catastrophic events, acts of terrorism and civil unrest. STEP requires all travelers to sign up for the program at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. Once the registration is complete alerts or “warden messages” are sent to the traveler via email or SMS should problems arise. This way the traveler is frequently updated on the situation.

The U.S. State Department’s revised STEP acquires all relevant details from travelers (particularly their itinerary, and contact, hotel and passport information) during the registration process. The free-to-use service is available to all United State citizens traveling abroad and, in accordance with relevant privacy laws; no personal information is disclosed to third parties without the consent of registrants. Personal details are deleted after a trip has been completed which is a feature most travelers like.

Although established with catastrophes in mind, STEP can prove useful in many situations.

For example, the program can help U.S. travelers get home after losing their passports or it can be used to contact citizens whose families have suffered emergencies. Travelers maintain the mentality that it will not happen to them, having STEP is a peace of mind.

The program also serves to facilitate efficient evacuations from trouble spots; however, registrants are required to sign a promissory note to reimburse the U.S. Government for evacuations made by commercial airline, this is where a traveler’s insurance plan will come in handy. It is easy to use, affordable and fast. You are able to sign up for a travelers plan here: Traveler’s Plan

One particularly useful improvement made by the U.S. State Department is that of a new iPhone app for STEP. The “Smart Traveler” application is available for U.S. citizens abroad and is compatible with the iPhone, iPad (iOS 4.0) and iPod Touch. This is a convenient application for all Americans traveling abroad.

The app locates U.S Embassies and provides users with maps and information pertaining to the country in which the traveler is visiting. The app also conveniently provides a direct link to register with STEP

Some Basic Hurricane Safety Tips!

• Know if you live in an evacuation area. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• At the beginning of hurricane season which is typically June 1st, check the supplies for your disaster supply kit! This include replacing batteries and canned foods.
• During hurricane season, monitor the tropics often.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio. It is the official source for weather conditions, including hurricanes.
• If a storm threatens, heed the advice from local authorities. Evacuate if ordered.

WATCH vs. WARNING – BIG DIFFERENCE!!

• TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
• TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
• HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
• HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Sport-Fishing in Baja California Sur is one of the world’s great vacation travel experiences. Places in Baja California Sur, like Cabo is a vacation spot where sport fishing tourism flourishes and any given morning it is possible to see more than 100 charter boats leaving crowded marinas and setting out for the glistening waters of Cabo to begin fishing. There are all kinds of fishes in Cabo from red snappers to yellowtail fish. Why are Cabo San Lucas fishing vacations so appealing to pro’s and newbie’s?? First, the infrastructure has been beautifully implemented here to make a fishing trip go smoothly and enjoyably. From the instant your plane lands or if you drove, park at your residence or hotel, everybody understands that you are here to fish and have fun. This is a sport anyone can enjoy, pro or not. The one thing that your Mexico Insurance Experts do recommend is always properly insuring your boat. You are there to fish with your fellow fisherman, let us give you the peace of mind that your watercraft is properly covered so you do not have to think about it. We have a one of a kind watercraft program that offers coverage’s that agents in Mexico do not have access too. Get started here! Mexico Boat Insurance

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Mexico sees $3.5 bn in foreign investment in tourism over 3 years

• MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities on Thursday predicted foreign investment in the tourism sector amounting to about $3.5 billion over the next three years, a capital inflow that will create about 20,000 jobs.
The investments come mainly from Spanish, German and Asian companies, Economy Secretary Bruno Ferrari and Tourism Secretary Gloria Guevara said at a press conference.
The tourism chief said that now “there exists a committed investment of $2.5 billion,” and that another $1 billion “will be arriving at the proper time.”
She added that hotel groups like Melia and Barcelo had confirmed that they will continue with the construction of hospitality centers in the country.
The ministers announced the progress on the National Tourism Accord, signed in February by Mexican President Felipe Calderon, the private sector and the unions with the aim of promoting the tourist industry.
Ferrari noted that the tourism industry is the country’s third-largest source of income, representing 9 percent of the gross domestic product and is “a great potential and opportunity for Mexico’s economic growth.”
“International tourism continues arriving and the only thing that is happening is that they are heading to other points, mainly in the south and states like Baja California” in the northwest, Guevara said.

Vandalism and theft have been in abundance in the Sayulita area and the residences are standing up against these crimes! Grupo Pro Sayulita is asking its residence to stand up against the vandalism and theft that is occurring in the Sayulita area. They are collecting a nominal volunteer fee to hire more state police officers to deteriorate theft. They have made it clear this is a strictly volunteer program but the more people volunteering will help them increase police on the street and in turn they are hoping this will reduce those incidences. West Coast Insurance Services supports this cause and encourages anyone in the Sayulita area to lend their support to their beautiful community. Your Mexican Insurance Experts are also here to review your insurance needs to make sure you are properly insured in the event of a loss. We are here to assist with ALL your Mexico Insurance Needs.