New Bahamas rules scheduled for July 1st

The Bahamas has released proposed amendments for travel to the Bahamas for foreign vessels, going into effect July 1st 2025.

Read here: https://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/BILLS/2025/2025-0056/2025-0056.pdf
and here: https://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/BILLS/2025/2025-0041/2025-0041.pdf

In short: Cruising permit for vessels up to 35' is increasing to $500 (was $300), and fishing permit is $100 (was included in cruising permit).

Also, all vessels are required to have active AIS while in Bahamian waters (there is some talk this one does not apply to pleasure craft, although the proposed rule does not have any exceptions listed). Vessels caught without AIS or without their AIS turned on will be fined $1,000.

Berrie said:

The Bahamas has released proposed amendments for travel to the Bahamas for foreign vessels, going into effect July 1st 2025.

Read here: https://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/BILLS/2025/2025-0056/2025-0056.pdf
and here: https://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/BILLS/2025/2025-0041/2025-0041.pdf

In short: Cruising permit for vessels up to 35' is increasing to $500 (was $300), and fishing permit is $100 (was included in cruising permit).

Also, all vessels are required to have active AIS while in Bahamian waters (there is some talk this one does not apply to pleasure craft, although the proposed rule does not have any exceptions listed). Vessels caught without AIS or without their AIS turned on will be fined $1,000.

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Proposed or passsed?

It HAS passed. This stinks. To get AIS on the boat isn't horrible. I am seeing vhf plus ais units for under $600. But then you probably want a chartplotter to see the information. At least $700.
No matter what I was really hoping to do this system on the next boat not this one

@Berrie i see you on tht as well. Keep me/us updated. I really donknow if I have the time to install new equipment with my trip planned and leaving july 5th to start driving!

One facebook warrior says that it hasn't gone to third reading yet. That is where the final yes/no vote occurs. Gonna be crazy if it's all true. Take a couple days off work to install equip?

Speedling said:

It HAS passed. This stinks. To get AIS on the boat isn't horrible. I am seeing vhf plus ais units for under $600. But then you probably want a chartplotter to see the information. At least $700.
No matter what I was really hoping to do this system on the next boat not this one

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Keep in mind, almost all radios that say to have AIS only have an AIS receiver, NOT a transponder. The least expensive radio I have seen with an actual transponder was $1,200. (Simrad RS40-B, $1,199)
Stand-alone AIS transponders start at about $700.

I can't say if it has actually become law yet. I did see that it was discussed on Bahamian news and it was clearly stated that yes, the AIS requirement is for ALL vessels. I don't think jet ski's were discussed. It would be very difficult to put AIS on a jet ski.
Also keep in mind, the rules state that AIS must be broadcasting even when docked.
I heard there is more information coming out and/or more discussions to be had tomorrow. I will post an update once I hear about it.

Berrie said:

Keep in mind, almost all radios that say to have AIS only have an AIS receiver, NOT a transponder. The least expensive radio I have seen with an actual transponder was $1,200. (Simrad RS40-B, $1,199)
Stand-alone AIS transponders start at about $700.

I can't say if it has actually become law yet. I did see that it was discussed on Bahamian news and it was clearly stated that yes, the AIS requirement is for ALL vessels. I don't think jet ski's were discussed. It would be very difficult to put AIS on a jet ski.
Also keep in mind, the rules state that AIS must be broadcasting even when docked.
I heard there is more information coming out and/or more discussions to be had tomorrow. I will post an update once I hear about it.

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I heard they need to do the third talk or whatever they call it and a final vote. This amendment has so many holes it's rediculous. I may be out a 1400 deposit but not a 2000 ais system and a possible $1k fine for turning my boat off. I love seeing some of the big boat groups freaking out as they will be 1300 just for clearing as a 35 or larger boat.
Unfortunately my whole stay may be forfeit if they pass it too late before my stay and i then cancel.
Whole thing stinks

How are they planning on enforcement???

Speedling said:

I heard they need to do the third talk or whatever they call it and a final vote. This amendment has so many holes it's rediculous. I may be out a 1400 deposit but not a 2000 ais system and a possible $1k fine for turning my boat off. I love seeing some of the big boat groups freaking out as they will be 1300 just for clearing as a 35 or larger boat.
Unfortunately my whole stay may be forfeit if they pass it too late before my stay and i then cancel.
Whole thing stinks

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I would think that there is a grace period to get this done for people like us that had already made plans. They can’t expect anyone to comply if this is a go in a week.

Update: Today’s legislative session appears to have created an exemption for AIS for all vessels less than 50’.
Fees schedule still unchanged as of today.

Berrie said:

Update: Today’s legislative session appears to have created an exemption for AIS for all vessels less than 50’.
Fees schedule still unchanged as of today.

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I think the fees are high but understandable. Everyone installing ais equipment needs time. Sounds like they may pass it and have an active date of July 1st. Thus no one gets time to install the required equipment

Aruba is $20 for comparison.

As long as you are less than 50’, AIS is no longer required so you’re good to go.

Speedling said:

Aruba is $20 for comparison.

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I don’t think you’ll have enough fuel to make it to Aruba

Berrie said:

I don’t think you’ll have enough fuel to make it to Aruba

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My wife would make me try! Actually it was on my mind because 20th anniversary i am taking her there. Via plane

Speedling said:

My wife would make me try! Actually it was on my mind because 20th anniversary i am taking her there. Via plane

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We went last year on a cruise. We’re looking at going back for 10 days next spring. Love that island!

Been a while since he was here, but...

When I saw this the first thing that came to mind was why. I saw a comment in the Out on The Reef video where someone mentioned the cruise lines built their own port / island / resort facilities, and that is costing the Bahamas a lot of tourism dollars, I have no idea of the veracity of that claim, but it makes sense. Looking through these new regs it “seems” like there is a reason the cruise lines have created their own places to go. Best guess the Bahamas were gouging the cruise ships for sometime so the cruise lines went and made their own gig. The whole sea bed section and increasing fees on moorings is interesting as well. Those items seem to be aimed at the cruise ship companies as well.

As for the 90 day return period mentioned by OOTHR, it’s now 30 days see section 4.8
Anchorage fee for vessels under 34’= $200. I thought he mentioned that it may have been $50 before dunno Also looks as if the “minister” may or could establish anchoring zones.

The description of what the “minister” can do seems wide open and a bit disconcerting.

What also makes sense is having the AIS requirement running 24/7 so enforcement is easy, I saw above where there is an exemption for vessels less than 50’, I’m thinking that will be for this year since they-the Bahamas-could lose a lot of those tourism dollars this year from the 50’ and less crowd.

The way I see it, the people with enough money to pay the increases will pay it, those who don’t will find other places to go, limit their trips, or just take one trip for longer. It appears to me that these new regs will lower the amount of people going there (was that intentional?), those impacted will be the small businesses, vrbo’s etc…