When cruising the Bahamas, youll need three flags : a yellow quarantine pin, your home country flag, and a bahamian courtesy flag. When nearing your port of introduction, hoist the yellow quarantine pin and report to a Customs and Immigration facility equally soon as possible after entering bahamian waters. once docked or anchored, only the captain is allowed to go ashore to meet with Customs and Immigration to clear the vessel ; all other crewmembers must stay aboard until this is completed.In addition to the ships documentation/registration paperwork, the captain should besides take passports for all persons aboard, an import license for any pets, and information on any firearms onboard ( make, model, serial number, numeral of rounds of ammunition, and so forth ). Leave all firearms on the gravy boat ; do not take them with you while clearing in. We besides recommend that you dress neatly, and constantly treat officials with courtesy and respect-you are a guest in their nation after all. Things move at a slower pace in the islands than you may be accustomed to ; expect it and don ’ thymine get flustered about it. Youll find a smile and coarse courtesy will serve you well during the process, but a bad attitude may add to any delays. After clearing in and receiving your cruising permit, take down the chicken Q flag and hoist your bahamian courtesy sag, which should remain flying during the length of your stay .
Costs
For pleasure boats arriving in the Bahamas, the fee is $ 150 for those under 30 feet or $ 300 for boats over 30 feet. This covers the price of the initial-entry cruise license, plus a return travel to within 90 days. It besides includes a three-month fish let and any attendant fees account payable to a Customs officer ( overtime and travel costs required for the attendance of an officer ). Your introduction fee besides pays the $ 20 deviation tax should you need to fly home ; be sure to take a replicate of your cruising license to the airport, if this is the subject.
The tip covers entrance for three persons. Each extra person will be charged $ 20 ; however, there is no charge for children under 6 years previous. Its a good estimate to verify all fees by contacting Bahamas Customs prior to departing the U.S .
Exiting Bahamas, entering U.S.
You don ’ t have to clear out of the Bahamas when heading back to the good ole US of A, but you do have to clear in with U.S. Customs and Immigration. The easiest way to do this is by registering with the Small Vessel Reporting System ( SVRS ) ( aka the Local Boater Option ) before heading over to the Bahamas. The benefit here is that you can likely clear in over the phone ( if all requirements are met ). U.S. vessels longer than 30 feet must besides display a Customs User Fee Decal and be prepared to give the decal number when clearing back in to the U.S. This can besides be purchased on-line and in boost of your cruise using the Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System ( DTOPS ). here are some helpful resources : Bahamas Customs : www.bahamas.com/boating-enter-exit
Read more: Australia Maritime Strategy
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