Bahamas
From CruisersWiki
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(→Islands in the group) |
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* [[Bimini]] | * [[Bimini]] | ||
* [[Abacos|Abacos]] | * [[Abacos|Abacos]] | ||
| + | * [[Andros]] | ||
* [[Grand_Bahama|Grand Bahama]] | * [[Grand_Bahama|Grand Bahama]] | ||
* [[Great_Inagua|Great Inagua]] | * [[Great_Inagua|Great Inagua]] | ||
| - | |||
* [[Eleuthera]] | * [[Eleuthera]] | ||
* [[New_Providence|New Providence]] | * [[New_Providence|New Providence]] | ||
| - | * [[ | + | * [[Cat_Island|Cat Island]] |
| - | * [[ | + | * [[Long_Island|Long Island]] |
* [[San_Salvador_Island|San Salvador Island]] | * [[San_Salvador_Island|San Salvador Island]] | ||
* [[Acklins]] | * [[Acklins]] | ||
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* [[Mayaguana]] | * [[Mayaguana]] | ||
* [[Turks_Caicos|Turks & Caicos]] | * [[Turks_Caicos|Turks & Caicos]] | ||
| - | * | + | * |
===Cruiser's Friends=== | ===Cruiser's Friends=== | ||
Revision as of 20:25, 25 April 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
Entry is through an official Port of Entry. These are of two varieties. Both Customs and Immigration agents man the first. Only a Customs agent mans the second; these are far more common. For initial entry they are functionally identical except that the latter can only issue a 90 day visa while the prior can authorize 180 days and grant extensions.
There are no limits or duties on food, liquor or tobacco provided they are not removed from the boat. Firearms must be declared an are retained on board; type, serial numbers and ammunition count are entered on the Cruising Permit. Dinghy make and length, as well as outboard horsepower are also recorded on the Cruising Permit. Note that dinghies over 17 feet (5.2 meters) must be entered as separate vessels.
The Q flag should be flown when entering port for the purpose of requesting Partique. The United Nations ILS Treaty allowing innocent passage is observed, as is Force Majeure. With the occasional exception of Nassau and Freeport the Master and all crew attend shore for formalities.
Minimum documentation for the boat is proof of ownership i.e. a notarized bill of sale. Minimum documentation for crew is a passport; except U.S. and CA nationals who may enter with a birth certificate and picture I.D. UN vaccination cards may be required if entering form countries with current infectious disease outbreaks.
Duplicate copies of a Maritime Declaration of Health, a De-ratting Certificate, an Inward Report for Pleasure Vessels and a Crew List must be completed. Each crew member must also complete the standard International Immigration Card. All forms are provided.
The Cruising Permit fee includes the Master and 3 crewmembers - additional crew may be added for $15 each. The Cruising Permit includes a 3-month fishing permit that can be extended. Authorization to spear fish will be add to your permit at no charge if you request it.
The Cruising Permit is valid for one year and allows two entries within 90 days. This document must remain on board at all times. It may be extended for an additional 2 years by applying to Customs and paying $500 per year's extension (Dec.'07).
Departure
Clearing out is unnecessary provided you agree to mail your Cruising Permit back to Nassau after departure.
If you require an outbound clearance it can be issued in advance when clearing in or upon departure.
Immigration & Customs
Immigration
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 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
- Andros
- Grand Bahama
- Great Inagua
- Eleuthera
- New Providence
- Cat Island
- Long Island
- 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?
.
