All vessels visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands are required to have the same level of safety equipment as applicable for the respective category of craft that is subject to Department of Maritime licensing regime. This includes any tenders operated from mega yachts and cruise ships, but also any visiting small craft (mainly yachts) that require a cruising permit.

Cruising permits (Border Force/Customs) are issued with an advisory notice, requesting compliance of the vessel with the local safety standards for small craft. 

Any foreign-flagged vessels operating in Turks and Caicos Islands waters are considered as having made a self-declaration of compliance with all local regulations, including the safety standards for small craft. The self-declaration of compliance also incorporates the duty to report accidents/incidents immediately by completing an incident report form.