Bahamas - EMERGENCY POWERS (COVID 19)(NO. 1) ORDER, 2020 ???

[AllenRbrts]

Office of the prime minister released rules for foreign boats in the Bahamas. They recommend all foreign boats leave. https://blog.bahamasmarinas.com/2020...as-april-2020/

[steamgoat]

It actually says “” to help boats remain moored or leave””, it kindly has set up points at which boats on the move can stop and refuel. A good idea.
Thank you Bahamas govt.

[AllenRbrts]

It actually says "foreign boats are encouraged by the government to depart the Bahamas" in the order. Unfortunately I don't have the text of the order, just an image.

[chris mac]

Section 3, encourages.... to leave, non stop to home port or destination outside Bahamas. Not demands.
Then they give provisions for those staying.
Our home port is in Canada. There is no safe direct route there at this time, as we are not equipped as an ice breaker. The provisions allow us to stay (sheltered in place) until such time that weather and conditions allow us to safely navigate home.
The bahamian government has been very fair and generous, allowing us to be here.we have been shelter in place since the curfew began. We plan on continuing to follow their rules until we have the ability to leave.
And of course their primary objective is to look after their citizens first. That is the same in every country.

[rudykruger]

I've attached to complete protocols.

TLDR: leave Bahamas or stay on your boat away from shore and don't move the boat from where you are; plus notify the government of your boat and it's location.

[onestepcsy37]

just heard from friends in georgetown and they said they were told to leave in the next weather window.

[Woodland Hills]

How many boats are left in George Town? There were 330 when we left......
Who told them to leave?

[onestepcsy37]

their message was brief. nothing other that they were to leave at the next weather window which they figured would be saturday. will let you know more if/when we hear from them again.

[Woodland Hills]

I am curious who the authority was that made the announcement.

[DaLuz]

Currently anchored in Georgetown harbor.

No one has told the approximately 100 or so remaining boats they needed to leave in the next available weather window.

Some are here as they live and cruise full-time on their boats and have no where really to go. Some of the folks are from Europe and actually have no where to go right now due to weather...long trip across the pond. Some had their crew leave for appointments and got stuck single handed and are waiting to see what is going to happen to avoid long single-handed trips if not needed.

The administrator here is Georgetown is very accommodating and has not told anyone to go.

Yes, we are encouraged to go if we can or feel the need. We have been cautioned that the medical system in the Bahamas cannot support a large outbreak so if we are concerned possibly our home countries might be better for us.

However, if we decide to stay we need to follow the lockdown rules, which are listed on a local Georgetown cruiser page on Facebook...look at the announcement section.

Again, no one is forcing any of the 100 remaining boats to depart. We are in a hard lock down for an indefinite amount of time, but have access to deliveries of food, water, fuel, propane, trash removal, pharmacy, and even parts delivered to the boat as needed.

Be safe all.

[Nahbrown]

Has the government set a target date to start opening the Bahamas? To be clear I wont be going if they do however I feel for everyone involved that is facing the medical and financial impacts of the virus and the response to it.

[Ben51]

Originally Posted by Nahbrown

Has the government set a target date to start opening the Bahamas? To be clear I wont be going if they do however I feel for everyone involved that is facing the medical and financial impacts of the virus and the response to it.

No. Not as yet.
The existing 24/7 curfew goes on till May 4th.
They will likely extend. They may start lessening the restrictions, but the borders will likely be closed for awhile.

My guess (only a guess) is End of June.

[DaLuz]

NahBrown,

No idea of when they plan to open up for tourism. We listen to the local news programs and health news conferences and not getting a feeling like it will be soon.

Again, we are free to leave but need to submit a float plan to the local authorities, but can't come in from the US as a tourist.

Be safe.

[Woodland Hills]

Originally Posted by Nahbrown

Has the government set a target date to start opening the Bahamas? To be clear I wont be going if they do however I feel for everyone involved that is facing the medical and financial impacts of the virus and the response to it.

Unlike my country the Bahamas is led by someone with the knowledge and experience to comprehend what is happening and also the attention span to think beyond the next days news and tv ratings. He knows that they are only at the first few weeks of a several months long process and that they are a long way from thinking about opening up the country to allow the virus to spread.

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by DaLuz

NahBrown,

No idea of when they plan to open up for tourism. We listen to the local news programs and health news conferences and not getting a feeling like it will be soon.

Again, we are free to leave but need to submit a float plan to the local authorities, but can't come in from the US as a tourist.

Be safe.

So DaLuz: If the Bahamas keep their borders closed and ask visitors to leave or your cruising permit expires, where will you go to? What is your home country? What is your vessel's flag country?

Indeed, non-USA citizens and non-permanent residents of the USA would require a visa to enter the USA via a private vessel, there being no visa waiver program for entry via private vessel or private plane into the USA and only 39 countries with which the visa waiver program applies to for entry by commercial carrier transport.

Those visa are arranged at a USA embassy or consulate outside of the USA, they are not processed and issued within the USA. The visa processings have been shut down at Embassies and consulates due to Covid-19 concerns, no face to face interviews, no visas.

It could be that you would need to transit back to your home or possibly the country under which the vessel has nationality. Those could be far away.

Hope you are enjoying your time on your boat. Stay safe, stay healthy.