Yellow flagging the Bahamas?

[jhovan]

Hello,

Does anyone have the latest details on the laws of the Bahamas? I would like to sail from Florida to Puerto Rico by passing through the Bahamas and Turks. Do I legally need to check into the Bahamas if I would like to stop for fuel along the way? Can I just fly a yellow flag and go on through if I plan to stop for fuel/supplies in Georgetown?

thanks,
John

[seacap]

If you stop you must check in. That is the rule in any country.

[JPA Cate]

No. The yellow "Q" flag means you are quarantined. You must be cleared before shore contact. If you do not clear, the country you are visiting can confiscate your boat and put you in jail.

Ann

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

No. The yellow "Q" flag means you are quarantined. You must be cleared before shore contact. If you do not clear, the country you are visiting can confiscate your boat and put you in jail.

Ann

Exactly.. if your flying the Q flag your first stop should be a delegated 'Clearing Port'.. even anchoring can put you in violation unless ordered to by the authorities to wait for entry.. going ashore for sure..
Its an age old protocol/aw to prevent diseases/pests entering the country.

[Hud3]

If you want to stop for fuel, you need to first go to an official "Port of Entry", raise your yellow "Q" flag, and proceed to clear in.

Anchoring somewhere other than a Port of Entry can get you arrested and fined.

Can I just fly a yellow flag and go on through if I plan to stop for fuel/supplies in Georgetown?

I think you have the wrong idea about the yellow flag. Flying the yellow "Q" flag indicates that you want to clear into the country and agree to remain in "quarantine" until you've gone through the process. You don't fly the yellow flag when passing through a country's waters if you don't intend to clear in.

[jhovan]

Thanks All, So basically, anyone "passing through" has to pay the $300 check in? There is no "24 hour" category of visa? On the island of San Andres, they have a provision that you do not have to check in if you are only stopping for fuel. They allow you a 24 hour stay.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by jhovan

Thanks All, So basically, anyone "passing through" has to pay the $300 check in? There is no "24 hour" category of visa? In Providencia, they have a provision that you do not have to check in if you are only stopping for fuel. They allow you a 24 hour stay.

I know its slightly tacky but... strap a few 25L drums midships like many of us do..

[jhovan]

ps. Why are humans always more energetic about telling others what they cannot do? Hmmm.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by jhovan

ps. Why are humans always more energetic about telling others what they cannot do? Hmmm.

Unless one crosses their palms with silver.. thought one would be used to it by now..

[jhovan]

Thanks Boatman! I can buy a lot of jugs for less than the $300 check in fee. I'll need to do some fuel calculations. For sure on the Silver!! lol.

[jhovan]

ps. I believe there are maritime laws that allow stopping for safety. ie. Single handed sailor needing sleep.

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by jhovan

ps. I believe there are maritime laws that allow stopping for safety. ie. Single handed sailor needing sleep.

Maybe so, but I'd love to know where you find them.

[boatman61]

What are you sailing.. and when are you sailing.. from where in Fl..?

[John A]

Originally Posted by jhovan

Hello,

Does anyone have the latest details on the laws of the Bahamas? I would like to sail from Florida to Puerto Rico by passing through the Bahamas and Turks. Do I legally need to check into the Bahamas if I would like to stop for fuel along the way? Can I just fly a yellow flag and go on through if I plan to stop for fuel/supplies in Georgetown?

thanks,
John

Yes, to be legal you need to check in, otherwise you are an illegal alien.

[goboatingnow]

These days many countries , if they expect a " Q" flag at all, do not come out to a yacht, but expect you to dock. Hence requesting "'free pratique" is not really a practice anymore.

Dave