bahamas boating regulations
The Bahamas Boating and Sailing Regulations
As of July 1st, 2025, new boating regulations under the Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill came into effect. These include mandatory AIS usage, updated cruising permit structures, and the introduction of a two-year Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC).
Entry Requirements
To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, private vessels need the following:
- One (1) copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form
- One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person
- Proof of Citizenship—Passport
- Vessel registration documents (Vessel title/proof of ownership)
- AIS Equipment Installed and Fully Operational (Above 50 ft)
For digital submission of forms and online pleasure vessel clearance visit the Click 2 Clear information page.
All visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared.
Customs and Immigration officials will come to your vessel. Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship. U.S. citizens must present a passport. Upon your arrival in The Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until your departure.
Entry Fees
Temporary Cruising Permits for Pleasure Vessels
Regulation 91 of the principal legislation was amended under the new bill to reflect updated temporary cruising permit fees. The revised fees for pleasure craft, valid for a period not exceeding 12 months, are as follows:
- For vessels under 50 feet in length - $500.
- For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $1,000.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length - $3,000.
These fees cover:
- Cruising permit under regulation 90(a)
- Attendance fees by a customs officer for attendance and travel expenses
- Overtime and travel expenses in respect of the attendance of an immigration officer.
- Entrance into The Bahamas twice within a 30 day period.
These fees do not apply to ancillary equipment being towed or carried on board a pleasure vessel, except for tenders exceeding 25 feet in length. A tender vessel over 25 feet will incur a fee of $500, valid for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Temporary Fishing Permits for Pleasure Vessels
Fishing Permits are no longer included in the Cruising Permit fee. Foreign pleasure vessel fishing permit fees:
- For vessels under 50 feet in length - $100.
- For vessels 50 feet in length and over - $300.
Fishing permits are only valid for 30 days, even if you possess a 12-month cruising permit. It is necessary to renew fishing permits every 30 days.
NEW: Frequent Digital Cruising Card for Pleasure Vessels (FDCC)
The Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) is now available, offering enhanced convenience for pleasure vessel owners. Once issued, the FDCC allows unlimited entries into The Bahamas for a period of up to TWO-YEARS, streamlining the clearance process and reducing the need for repeated permit applications.
- For vessels under 50 feet in length - $1,500.
- For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $2,500.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length - $8,000.
These fees do NOT cover
- Attendance fees by a customs officer for attendance and travel expenses
- Overtime and travel expenses in respect of the attendance of an immigration officer.
Anchorage Fees
Anchorage fees for foreign vessels not mooring at a marina have been revised under the newly introduced Regulation 91B.
- For vessels under 50 feet in length - $200.
- For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $350.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length - $1,500.
Automated Identification System (AIS) Requirement – Effective July 1st, 2025
A new regulation, 40B, has been inserted into the principal Act which requires that every foreign vessel OVER 50 feet in length that is in Bahamian waters shall at all times:
- Be equipped with an Automated Identification System;
- Ensure that the Automated Identification System is properly functioning; and
- Ensure the Automated Identification System is turned on.
To avoid any doubt, the three points apply to foreign vessels that are docked in The Bahamas, traversing Bahamian waters, or passing through the Bahamas. The owner and master of a vessel that violates this new section commits an offense and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $1,000, according to the new bill.
Exiting Requirements
Before leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the Immigration Card (filled out upon first arrival) at the last Bahamian port you visit.
When a private vessel arrives at a port of call in the United States, the Master or Captain of the vessel must report their arrival immediately upon first landfall to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by calling the following toll-free number or visiting the following website:
The Captain will be directed to the nearest Port of Entry and must physically present him/herself and their passengers for admission to the US.
Please visit www.dhs.gov for admission requirements.
When you call for clearance, have the following information available:
1) Vessel name and registration/document number
2) Vessel owner name and citizenship
3) Vessel commander/master name, date of birth and citizenship
4) Passengers' names and dates of birth
5) Foreign ports or places visited and duration of stay
6) Total value of all acquisitions and purchases made
For more information on entering and exiting The Bahamas by private boat, click here.
The Bahamas Marina Guide