Frequently Asked Questions

Bahamian citizens or permanent residents

Non – Bahamian citizen or residents: They are typically required to obtain a pass from immigration and customs to access the waters of the Bahamas. These passes are commonly known as cruising permits and are required for all vessels entering the Bahamas, including private yachts and charter boats. The cruising permit is usually valid for up to 90 days, and it is important to ensure that it is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Bahamas.

To continue, the following documents are required:

• A copy of your identification or passport
• A copy of your sales contract
• Documentation proving payment of customs duties (relevant if the yacht wasn't bought in the Bahamas)

The procedure to register a boat normally takes 4-6 weeks to complete.

A certificate of registration is an official document provided by the Bahamas government that certifies the registration of a boat and that it complies with all applicable safety and navigational regulations. Premium paper is frequently used to print the Bahamas flag as well as the vessel's name and registration number. As it is required for operation in Bahamian waters, the document should always be retained on board and produced to authorities upon request.

It often lasts for five years.

Yes. We will provide you the provisional registration.

The documents should be in Bahamian language. If they are in any other language, we will take care of the sworn translation.

Bahamian flag.

Yes, we do.

Yes. When applying for a provisional yacht registration in the Bahamas, inspection may be necessary.

Yes, a jet ski can be registered under Bahamian flag.

In order to apply for the MMSI license, we need the following documents:

• A permit for a radio station
• An evidence of boat registration.
• A current certificate of insurance for the vessel

The following papers must be provided by the new owner:

• Photo/Scanned copy of Bill of Sale
• Photo/Scanned copy of the previous registration
• Proof of insurance certificate for the vessel
• Radio station permit

The following documents are required:

• A copy of bill of sale
• Registration document
• Evidence if the boat has been burnt down or disassembled

In the Bahamas, if a vessel is registered and follows all applicable safety and navigational laws, no licence is normally needed to sail it. However, specific certifications or licences could be necessary for certain operations and vessel types.

For instance:

• A Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) or other professional qualification may be required of a captain or skipper running a commercial vessel, such as a charter boat.
• A radio station licence and a specific Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number are required for each vessel outfitted with a radio communication device, such as a VHF radio or an AIS transponder.
• A Passenger Yacht Safety Certificate may be necessary for vessels that are longer than a specific length or that transport more people than a certain number.

Yes, it is.