The new fees are $150 for a permit for boats up to 35 feet and $300 for boats over 35 feet. The fees originally took effect in mid-June but were quickly rescinded when boaters and Bahamian businesses that cater to visiting boaters complained.
At the time, it was announced that new fees would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2004. But the Bahamas government suddenly reinstated the fees on July 1, much to the surprise of local boaters. The permits, which include a fishing license and departure tax for four people, are good for a year as long as the boat stays in the Bahamas. Boats that make repeated visits must purchase a permit each time.
The old cruising permit, which took effect July 1, 1999, and included all entry costs and fishing licenses, cost $100. Before that, a Bahamas cruising permit was $10, a fishing license was $20 per trip and customs and immigration-clearance charges averaged $50.
The new fees come on top of the recent enforcement of a law that requires boaters who go to the Bahamas to clear U.S. Customs by telephone and then show up in person within 24 hours to be cleared by an immigrations officer. Offices are at Palm Beach International Airport, Port Everglades, Miami and Key West.
Previously, boaters would simply call Customs upon their arrival in Florida. The requirement of the personal visit comes in the wake of 9-11 at the behest of the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials with Customs and Border Protection are trying to simplify the check-in process. This past Sunday, inspectors were at six South Florida marinas to check in boaters who went to the Bahamas for the holiday weekend.
Some local boaters say those inspectors won’t have much to do if the new cruising permit fees remain in effect.
“I have a vacation house on South Bimini and had planned on boating there on numerous occasions this summer, along with many friends who visit me,” Patrick O’Neal wrote in an e-mail. “This fee is totally ridiculous and prohibitive. After paying for fuel at over $3.15 per gallon, drinks, meals, entertainment, guides, bait, etc., we will be better off going to the Florida Keys instead of the Bahamas.”
O’Neal told of a group of three boats that, when informed of the $900 they owed upon arriving in Bimini last week, turned around and headed back to Florida.
Earl Miller of the Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board said he wants boaters to e-mail him so he can convey their concerns to Bahamas government officials, who might revisit the issue. Miller, who can be contacted at earl@boipb.com, said he also welcomes suggestions from boaters who frequent the Bahamas.
By Steve Waters, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
