Take all normal precautions with your dingy and motor at night. In all the years I have cruised the Dominican Republic I have never had any problem whatsoever. The only people who will come to your boat, normally, are the authorities and sometimes a fisherman looking to sell you some fish. Nonetheless it is not wise to leave your boat unattended. If you need to leave your boat without anyone aboard it is best to leave it at a marina or, if no marinas are available, check with the Commandancia (Coast Guard)  and see if they can give you someone to stay on your boat while you are gone. In most cases one can arrange for someone trustworthy for a very reasonable price.

It is also interesting to note that in Dominican Culture, the concept of “anchoring out” is not clearly understood.  To Dominicans, the sea is a dangerous place, and one goes from harbor to harbor for the night.  Most local Dominican Boats are runabouts and sportfishing boats.  Sailing has not been a big pastime in the DR until recently and the ways of sailors is just beginning to be understood.  Thus when you are anchored out, in a harbor that is not “habilitado” (set up as an official port), the authorities automatically assume that you may be either involved in illegal immigration activities or involved in drug smuggling.  However, once they visit you and know who you are and what you are doing, you will see a smile on their face and you will be welcomed.  To gain”welcomed” status, you must be friendly, show your Despacho, be able to explain whatever way you can what you are doing and be pleasant.  That is all that it takes and perhaps before they leave your boat, a small gift or small tip.  NEVER start with a gift or tip; that is considered very bad form.  Dominicans like conversation that is casual and not rushed and if you approach it that way, you will be “welcomed” as above all things, Dominicans value highly one who is sociable.

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