BOATING TO THE BAHAMAS 

Only 50 miles off the Floridian coastline lay the entrance to The Bahamas. It is an archipelago of tranquility and beauty that stretches for 700 miles. These islands are a boaters dream, with its numerous islands, cays and reefs. The Bahamas lie between the latitudes 20°56’ and 27°25’ N, and the longitudes of 71°00’ and 79°20’ W, and has a land area of about 5400 square miles.

When sailing to the Bahamas, private, non-commercial, pleasure craft must comply with Bahamian Rules and Regulations. Upon arrival the vessel and the occupants must visit Bahamas Customs and Immigration in order to receive a Cruising Permit. This permit allows for foreign vessels and foreign occupants to sail throughout the crystal clear Bahamian waters for the specified period of time stated on the permit. Foreign Charter vessels must apply for a Foreign Charter License from the Port Department prior to their arrival. The license is available for one calendar year and expires December 31^st. Upon approval of the Charter License the vessel can transport passengers for hire. The passengers, however, cannot and must not originate in the Bahamas. Foreign vessel must not engage in any commercial fishing transactions in Bahamian waters.

If you need assistance, your primary call should be by voice on VHF 16 to anyone who responds, afloat or on shore. Many land based stations can either help directly, or pass on your position and circumstances to the Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association (BASRA).