Power Boat License required in Bahamas

[Capt Montana]

I recently reserved a bare boat charter with Moorings in the Abacos and was told that going forward, to sail in this destination you will be required to hold an official Motor/Power Boat license from a recognized Association and/or an at least a ICC, RYA day skipper qualification or above. Original license/certificate must be submitted in advance and presented upon check in at the base.

Skipper is Required to have one of the following:
US Power Boating Association "Inshore Power Boat Cruising or above"
RYA-Level 2 Power Boat handling or above
IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) for Powerboat Cruising.
ICC (International Certificate of Competence) in the Power 10 meters or above
US Coast Guard License.

I have owned and operated a 48'Tolly Craft for over 10 years, did the Great Loop twice and visited the Abacos 4 times. Moorings consider me an Expert Boater, but they say this is a Bahamas requirement and there is nothing Moorings can do.

I researched these various certifications and find the courses to be very expensive and rare in the US. Does this apply to those asking for a cruising permit? Be advised.

[Uricanejack]

Presume you were intending to charter a power boat registered in the Bahamas.
You will have to comply with whatever rule the Bahamas have.
You might find ASA more readily available and cheaper and they may meet the or above.
The State boat operator cards might be acceptable? Dont cost much.
ICC is European but there might be providers. again the sail version might be more readily available.

Or just charter a boat someplace else.

It would be usual for the Bahamas to Require the operator of an American boat to have a the qualification required by America.