x-no-archive:yes
(RWKxxx) wrote:
Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?
This is from Skipper Bob's website
http://skipperbob.home.att.net/waterway.htm
Bahamas Cruising Permit.
The Bahamian government announced that effective July 1, 2003 the cruising permit for vessels over 35' will be $300 and for those under 35' the fee is $150. Dinghies over 18' are charged $150. This fee covers the captain and up to three additional crewmembers. Above that the fee is $15 per head.
A fishing license for 3 months is included in the fee specified above. From 3 months to one year the fishing license is an additional $150.
In addition to the increased fee, you will also be required to produce an original state registration or Coast Guard document when you clear customs. A copy of this document must be left with the Bahamas Customs officials. Since they may not all have copy machines, it would be wise to bring a copy of your state registration or USCG document so you can leave it with Bahamas customs.
Always ask for a receipt for fees paid. If you have to leave the country via air in an emergency, you won’t have to pay the $15 exit fee at the airport if you have a receipt for entering the country by boat. This $150 or $300 includes the $15 exit fee. (Nov 03)
The Bahamas Cruising Fee is a hotly contested subject and has resulted in a lot of angry comments on both sides. For the present it is still in effect. One concession recently won, is that the fee paid will be considered valid for any two entries into the Bahamas in any 90-day period. So keep your receipt in case you go back for some reason and fall in that 90-day period. In the meantime, the Bahamas Government is looking at someway to revise the current Cruising Fee in 2004 to make if more palatable for all concerned. If and when anything changes, it will be posted here. (Nov 03)
He also says that the Jordan Bridge in Norfolk has been hit by a barge
and is currently closed to both boat and vehicle traffic as it is in
the partly open position. As of Jan 5, 2004
There is currently no place to buy fuel in Elizabeth City and there is
serious shoaling (down to 3.5 feet at MLW at Lockwood's Folly
grandma Rosalie