Bahamas Customs Pleasure Vessel Clearance : bahamascustoms.gov.bs

Organisation : The Bahamas Customs Department
Facility Name : Pleasure Vessel Clearance
Country : Bahamas
Website : https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/visitor-info/marine-vessel-declarations-cruising-permits/

What is Pleasure Vessel Clearance?

Pleasure vessels are vessels used for pleasure and recreation purposes only. A vessel being used for commercial purposes or for hire is not a pleasure vessel and is not eligible for a Temporary Cruising Permit. This vessel must be entered as commercial vessel on a C2 and not a C2A. Vessels carrying cargo are not pleasure vessels. Vessels carrying goods not intended for the use on the voyage is considered cargo and must be manifested hence removing the status of PLEASURE VESSEL.

Related / Similar Facility : Bahamas Land Reform Registration Bill

Eligibility of Pleasure Vessel Clearance

** Vessel imported by a person not a resident of The Bahamas
** The person importing the vessel cannot be employed in The Bahamas for a period exceeding six months.
** The vessel cannot be used for commercial purposes or hire

How To Apply For Pleasure Vessel Clearance in Bahamas?

Process for pleasure vessels arriving under its own power
** Complete upon arrival Inward Declaration and Application for Cruising Permit (Form C2A) and Maritime Declaration of Health Form
** Must entered at a designated Port of Entry. Click here to see list of designated Ports of Entry.
** Upon approval, a Temporary Cruising Permit (Form C39) and Fishing Permit will be issued for the vessel.
** At the time of clearance, supporting documents must be present (originals) and the fees associated with the clearance process must be paid.
** In addition to the Cruising Permit fee, a passenger arrival tax of $20.00 per person is applicable for any pleasure vessel that brings more than three crew/passengers of or above the age of six years who is not a resident of The Bahamas.
** Once at a Port of Entry, the captain must report directly to Bahamas Customs for the vessel clearance.
** Until the vessel has been cleared by Bahamas Customs and Immigration, the only person permitted to disembark is the captain.
** If this is your second voyage within 90 days the cost of the Temporary Cruising Permit is exempt but passenger arrival tax is not.
** Must clear outbound from the last port before leaving The Bahamas on an Entry Outwards of Pleasure Vessel (Form C28A).
** At this time, surrender your Temporary Cruising Permit if you do not intend to return within 90 days. There is no cost for this process.

Maritime Declaration of Health Form : https://www.statusin.org/uploads/pdf2024/72116-Form2.pdf

Supporting Documents of Pleasure Vessel Clearance

** Proof of citizenship/Identification for all on board (crew/passengers)
** Vessel Registration/Title

Related Fee of Pleasure Vessel Clearance

The fee associated with receiving a Temporary Cruising Permit and Fishing Permit is –

Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 34 feet:
** $150.00 (3 months)
** $300.00 (12 months)

Pleasure Vessels Exceeding 34 feet but less than 100 feet:
** $300.00 (3 months)
** $600.00 (12 months)

Pleasure Vessels Exceeding 100 feet but less than 150 feet:
** $500.00 (3 months)
** $1,000.00 (12 months)

Pleasure Vessels Exceeding 150 feet but less than 200 feet:
** $800.00 (3 months)
** $1,600.00 (12 months)

Pleasure Vessels Exceeding 200 feet:
** $1,000.00 (3 months)
** $2,000.00 (12 months)

It should be noted that these fees include:
** Cruising Permit fees
** Fishing Permit fees
** Attendance fees for both Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers
** Transportation fees for both Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers
** Re-entry of vessel if within 90 days.