New Bahamas rules scheduled for July 1st

[Berrie]

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.

 

[Speedling]

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.

Proposed or passsed?

 

[Speedling]

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

 

[Speedling]

@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!

 

[Speedling]

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?

 

[Berrie]

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

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.

 

[Speedling]

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.

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

 

[Babin Farms]

How are they planning on enforcement???

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

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.