bahamas trip

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jeffk

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I signed up for one of these flings to Grand Bahamas leaving 6/27.
I am sure they will be sending me info, but would like to start a checklist.

A friend of mine said to bring my pistol, not sure I like this idea.
 
I carry one but have never even thought of needing it. But, the old saying, better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Bob
 
To each his own but I never carry one unless the owner insists on it.
Plus the likelihood of needing one on a fling is near zero I would think.
 
We have been carrying a pistol with us for years. Thank God we have never needed it. You NEED to check and please post if you find a definitive answer to whether they are going to confiscate the weapon and return it to you at check out. In November or December (forgot the date) the Bahamian Government passed a law of zero weapons allowed.

This was first posted in Bahamas Chatter with a link to the new law. I read it several times and could not determine whether the new law would apply to cruisers.

Capt. Bill1, this is a true boating issue as one cruising to the Bahamas during 2012 could end up in jail or have significant fines... or even worse have there vessel seized. Remember many cruisers carry various items that may have issues with authorities. I believe this thread deserved further discussion.

Our first trip to the Bahamas this year is coming up in a couple of weeks and I am not sure what to do when we check in (most likely in Bimini).

I would love to hear what others have found out.

Ken
 
When I checked in at Bimini a couple of weeks ago, they asked as usual if we had any weapon. We don't but there was no mention of a change, no notice in the customs office

If you want a definitive answer, call bahamian customs
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

When I checked in at Bimini a couple of weeks ago, they asked as usual if we had any weapon. We don't but there was no mention of a change, no notice in the customs office

If you want a definitive answer, call bahamian customs

Click to expand...


We will be making that call. However, you may recall how disorganized the Bahama Customs Offices are. Remember when they added an individual $20.00 fee to the $300.00 at check in when there are more than three passengers. Well the first time we checked in when this was implemented we were charged $300.00 plus $25.00 for each of my 4 passengers (which included me) for a total of $400.00. This happened to us and a buddy of mine.

Still waiting for a refund. :).

My point is we and other cruisers with weapons don't want any surprises. I most likely will leave it behind this first check in as ask what the new protocol will be this year.

Ken
 
I could tell you the answer, but I'd have to shoot you ;)

No issues. None. On a fling, the only people you have to worry about are the Americans :D

Otherwise West End check in was a breeze, very friendly no issues.
 
I think if you check Explorer Chatter you'll see that Sara updated that this was all rumor. Monty is a retired Maryland State Trooper. I'm pretty sure they'd be a solid source for information on such a subject, if you get my drift :-)
 
The only issue we have heard of, was that Green Turtle did not grant long term stays. The best people were getting there was 90 days. West End this year gave us the 6 months without hesitation, Lucaya did the two years prior as did West End the first year. When we brought 4 weapons over the first year, there was some concern but the explanation was accepted and no issues were taken. The issue was I did not want to leave them at home even though they were locked up.

If you intend to bring them over, I say bring them, and be honest about your ammo counts and serial numbers.
 
No pistol, not comfortable bringing it.
This is not related but I bought some exploding targets from redjacket and they are way cool!
 
quote:
Originally posted by jeffk

No pistol, not comfortable bringing it.
This is not related but I bought some exploding targets from redjacket and they are way cool!

Click to expand...


Go to Bahamas Chatter and review Sara's posts. She just clarified the entire issue replying to my question. You do not need to worry about the pistol. Download your customs forms in advance, put the serial number and number of rounds on the forms, lock the pistol and you will be fine. We have been doing this for years and the "new" law is not applicable to cruisers.

I do not plan on changing a thing and we hope to be there in a couple of weeks for our first of several trips this year.

Ken
 
"Capt. Bill1, this is a true boating issue as one cruising to the Bahamas during 2012 could end up in jail or have significant fines... or even worse have there vessel seized. Remember many cruisers carry various items that may have issues with authorities. I believe this thread deserved further discussion."

I must have missed the part of my reply were I stated the question wasn't a true boating question that didn't deserve any further discussion. Have at it. I was just giving my take on it.
 
Sorry, I miss understood. What confused me was actually your signature. "Great, now take it to NBR".

I got it now.

Ken
 
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