Pleasure Vessel Clearance - The Bahamas Customs Department

PLEASURE VESSELS (Digital Submission Process)

The digital submission of pleasure vessels came into effect in the Islands of the Bahamas as of the February 22nd, 2021. All pleasure vessels will be entered and paid for using the Cruising Permit Module within the Click2Clear system. Bahamas Customs aims to go paperless and cashless in the near future and this process is to facilitate that very same notion.
 
  • Log onto our portal using the “Cruising Permit” button on the landing page for the Official Customs Website (www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs). No username or password is required to log in.
  • Select “Pleasure Vessel” from the menu below the login fields.
  • Once logged in, select the “Pleasure Craft” to open the module and start in “Create Inbound” to begin declaring your vessel arrival.
  • Fill out all fields following the tabs to the right to continue the process from the Header Tab to the Summary Tab. Once completed, validate and submit your voyage.
  • You will then be allowed to pay for your Cruising Permit in the ‘Payments Tab’.

For Approvals on Cruising Permits, you must visit the designated customs port and the document must be stamped and signed by a Customs Officer in order for the document to be legalized. Approvals can only happen after payment.

 
  • After submission is payment. Select the “Payment” module and click “Pleasure Craft Payment”. Where it asks for a Business Transaction Number, enter the Rotation Number you would have gotten from your Online Submission and submit.
  • Check the Header tab to verify the details you submitted and Summary Tab to view your pending fees. Lastly, pay online using the payment portal entering your preferred payment method. (Visa Debit/Credit Card). If you cannot pay online or simply choose to pay in cash, the submission can be paid for upon arrival arranged by the marina where you intend to dock. (NOTE: A vessel cannot be approved by a Customs Officer until it is paid in FULL.)
 
Waive-Off Requests
  • If you submitted and paid for a previous voyage, but were unable to depart due to circumstances, you can show proof of your previous Cruising Permit Application and apply for a Waive Off Request. This will nullify all fees for your for the next voyage so that payment will not be necessary. 
 
  • After payment you can search for your existing submission by clicking “Search Inbound”. You can then print your Cruising Permit by selecting the handle (three dots) and selecting “Print”.
  • You can also view your information if you ever lose track or log out of the interface entering in your information from your draft or unpaid submission. (NOTE: The submission is no longer editable after payment.)
 
Fishing Permit:
  • The Fishing Permit is only attainable (in the Header Tab) after the vessel has been approved by a Customs Officer upon arrival. This does not have to be stamped and signed by a Customs Officer due to the fact that is only receivable after the voyage is approved and the Cruising Permit number is shown on the Fishing Permit.
 
  • Under the ‘Pleasure Craft’ module, select ‘Create Outbound’ entering in your Rotation Number as well as the Vessel Registration Number of your previous voyage and submit.
  • Select the handle (three dots) on the right hand side and clone your Inbound Submission. This will create your outbound declaration.
  • Change the date of Departure and all pertinent information following the steps you would have completed before ensuring that all information is true and correct. Complete your submission by validating and submitting at the Summary Tab. (Outbound voyages should not calculate any fees as long as the passenger count does not increase and on the condition that the stores on board are the same).
  • PLEASE NOTE: Outbound Clearance is only required if Clearance Documents are needed for the next Port of Destination outside of The Bahamas. There is a fee of $75.00 for this process. The Clearance Certificate will be issued manually.
 
  • You can also search for an existing outbound voyage by selecting the ‘Pleasure Craft’ Module and clicking ‘Search Outbound’. Enter your Country of Registration, Rotation Number and Vessel Registration before submitting.
  • You can then view the details for your existing outbound voyage or if it is still in draft, edit at any time prior to payment.
 
  • Under the ‘Refund’ Module, select Pleasure Craft Refund to apply for a refund. Enter all pertinent information marked with red asterisks and save your submission. Ensure that you input your reason for the refund in the field provided.
  • Navigate to the ‘Attached Documents’ tab and attach all your documents pertaining to this particular refund request.
  • Lastly, review the summary tab and submit. Your request is then processed. Once approved, your funds will be returned to the account from which payment originated.
  • You can also search for an existing refund record by selecting ‘Pleasure Craft Refund Search’. Enter your rotation number (Business Transaction Number) and submit. You can then view all information you would have submitted for this refund.

Please Note: Refunds are possible only for vessels that entered and paid in Click2Clear (C2C).

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PLEASURE VESSELS (Manual Process)

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.

 

Eligibility

  • 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

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.

Application Form(s)

Supporting Documents

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

Related Fee(s)

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.

FIREARMS & AMMUNITION

Regulations associated with Pleasure Vessels carrying firearms and ammunition are as follows:

  • A maximum of three firearms inclusive of handguns, rifles and shotguns, which such calibre of firearms shall not exceed three hundred & eight calibers is allowed with two hundred and fifty (250) accompanying rounds of ammunition per firearm.
  • All Automatic weapons are prohibited.
  • Open center consoles vessels are NOT allowed to carry firearms.  If firearms are found on vessels deemed unfit by the Customs Department, they will be detained at the Local Police Station until departure out of the Country.
  • All firearms are to remain on board said vessel.
  • It is illegal to take firearms off vessels without the necessary permits and duty payment.
  • The Master of all Pleasure Vessels are to ensure firearms on board are declared, along with correct serial numbers and ammunition.
  • Failure to do so can result in Forfeiture, fines and in certain circumstances, imprisonment.

 

CLEARANCE OUTBOUND OF PLEASURE VESSELS

  • Pleasure Vessels are only required to clear outward prior to departure on Form C28: Entry Outward of Pleasure Vessel if they require Clearance Documents at their next Port of Destination after leaving The Bahamas.
  • Temporary Cruising Permit must be present at the time of application.
  • Upon approval of the C28A a Certificate of Clearance of a Pleasure Vessel will be issued manually.
  • The cost for this process is $75.00.

NOTE:  The vessel will be checked at this time to ensure that all the items declared on arrival such as firearms, ammo and accessories that are listed on the Cruising Permit are on board at the time of departure.

Additionally, all seafood onboard will be verified in accordance with the fishing regulations as outlined on the back of the Fishing License issued on entrance.

CRUISING PERMIT EXTENSION

After the twelve month period, the Comptroller, on application in writing, can subsequently renew the Cruising Permit for a fee of BS$500.00 each year up to two years, making a period of stay in The Bahamas, three years in total. At the end of the three-year period the vessel must leave the Bahamas or be duty paid.

A Fishing License must be purchased Department of Marine Resources:

Please note the fees according to the Law:

 

Pleasure Vessels arriving not under their own power for temporary importation

Eligibility

  • Importer cannot be a resident or holder of permanent resident status in The Bahamas
  • Importer cannot be employed in The Bahamas for a period exceeding 6 months
  • Vessel cannot be used for commercial purposes or for hire

Application Process

  • Must submit a Request to Import Goods for a Temporary Use of Purpose (Form No. C41) (this is usually done by a Customs Broker)
  • Attached to Form No. C41:
    • Letter outlining the purpose for the importation
    • Particulars of the vessel (value, registration or proof of ownership)
    • The approximate date on which and the port at which the vessel will be re-exported.
  • Provide a Bond for the Re-exportation of Goods Imported for a Temporary Use or Purpose (Form No. CB7)
  • Upon approval of C41 you will be issued with Temporary Import Permit for Pleasure Vessel (Not imported under its own power) (Form No. C42)

This permit is valid for up to 12 months.  The cost associated with the issuance of the C42 is $50.00.  This cost has nothing to do with the CB7 or the C41 preparation.

DOMESTIC-BASED PLEASURE VESSELS

All Domestic-Based Pleasure Vessels must clear in on form C2A and are eligible for individual exemption of $500.00 per person similarly to when returning from abroad via the airport.

Domestic-Based Pleasure Vessels must be duty-paid and are not eligible for the issuance of a Temporary Cruising Permit. Domestic based pleasure vessels must complete information in Part C of C2A.

PLEASURE VESSELS ENGAGED FOR CHARTER

  • Pleasure Vessels engaged for Charter are required to fill out Report Inwards of Vessel (Form C2) and also to produce a valid Charter licence issued by The Bahamas Port Department.
  • A Transire (C38) will be issued that will enable the vessel to cruise through-out The Bahamas.
  • A Fishing Licence must be purchased for sport- fishing.
  • The fee for for Dive Charter Vessels is $50.00 per person.
  • The cost for the Inward Report (C2) is $75.00.
  • The Transire (C38) is free.
  • The requisite fee per charter (4%) is also payable on arrival.
  • Charter vessels are required to clear outwards on Form C28.
  • A Certificate of Clearance will be issued.
  • The cost for the Report Outward is $75.00.
  • There is no cost for the Certificate of Clearance.