Bahamas
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Revision as of 15:22, 31 March 2008
BAHAMAS CRUISING GUIDE
| Bahamas | |
 | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Nassau |
|---|---|
| Language: | English, Creole |
| Currency: | Bahamian $ |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
The background and history of the Bahamas is best observed on Wikipedia
General info of cruising/sailing in the area to be added here.
Climate & Weather
Submit the climate details and general weather conditions in the area.
Sources for weather forecast info
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Passage To/From The Bahamas
(Also see: Gulf Stream Crossing)
- West to East
- Ft. Lauderdale to West End (Grand Bahama)
- West End to Abacos
- East to West
Local Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Arrival
You MUST enter the Bahamas at an official Port of Entry. The Q flag must be flown within three miles of the port and notify Customs of your arrival. No-one should leave the vessel until pratique has been granted. The Customs and Immigration officials will come to your vessel. All on board must have a valid passport and fill out an immigration card (US citizens can present a passport or birth certificate). The islands can be transited, without clearing in, until one arrives at an official port of entry at a convenient time. During this transit you must not enter a port or go ashore anywhere. Some marinas are able to arrange the visit to your vessel by the officials.
Duplicate copies of the Maritime Declaration of Health, Inward Report for Pleasure Vessels and Crew Lists must be filled in. Every crew member must complete an Immigration Card.
A Cruising Permit is issued that covers the skipper and 3 crewmembers - additional crew are added at an additional charge of $ 15 each. The Cruising Permit includes a 3 month fishing permit (can be extended).
A temporary cruising permit for the yacht, valid for one year, is granted. This document must remain on board at all times. This vessel's Temporary Cruising Permit may be extended for an additional 2 years by applying to Customs and payment made of $500 per year's extension (Dec.'07).
CRUISING PERMIT FEES:
Valid for two entries during any 90-day period
- Vessels under 35' = $150 (Dec.'07)
- Vessels over 35' = $300 (Dec.'07)
- Exit/Departure = $15 (Dec.'07)
Departure
Before leaving the Bahamas, return your copy of the Immigration Card at the last port of call. Vessels may leave without formally clearing out although the Cruising Permit should be handed in to Customs on departure. If you require an official clearance document (for your next country of visit), this should be specially requested on departure from the Bahamas.
Immigration & Customs
Immigration
ALL visitors, including those from the USA and Canada, must be in possession of a valid passport.
If arriving by air and planning to leave by boat, a copy of the cruising permit (with the particular crewmember's name listed on the yacht's manifest) must be produced.
A stay of up to six months, which may be extended to eight months, is allowed. Be very careful to note the time allowed when checking in and make sure that you apply for any extension from a local immigration officer BEFORE it expires.
BEFORE the expiration of the time allowed (incl. extensions), you must leave the country either by boat or by air.
Customs
Download Customs Declatation Form
Yachts may remain in The Bahamas for a maximum of three years, but yearly extensions after the first year must be obtained from Bahamas Customs in Nassau (apply timeously).
If you have a firearm on board, you must declare it with Customs. You must provide the firearm serial number and manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. Though you are allowed to have a firearm on your vessel, you cannot take it off the vessel unless you obtain a permit from the Bahamian police ahead of time. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times.
RADIO EQUIPMENT:
AMATEUR RADIO - All amateur radio operators wishing to transmit (including email) must to apply for a Bahamas reciprocal licence from: Public Utilities Commission, P O Box N.4860, Nassau, Bahamas. The licence is valid for a year from date of issue.
VHF/SSB - Have your vessel and home country licences for both the operator/s and equipment available.
Restrictions
- Conch. Harvesting and/or possession is not allowed.
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Ports & Popular Stops
See each island.
Islands in the group
- Bimini
- Abacos
- Grand Bahama
- Great Inagua
- Andros
- Eleuthera
- New Providence
- Cat Islands
- Long Islands
- San Salvador Island
- Acklins
- Crooked Island
- Exumas
- Mayaguana
- Turks & Caicos
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
