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Old 27-06-2014, 09:47   #1
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Checking in and out of the Bahamas with Guns Aboard

Has anyone recently checked into the Bahamas with a weapon onboard?

I am curious what issues arose if any.

We keep a shotgun and a hand launcher. We don't do it often but occasionally we will shoot clay pigeons. Usually when we are drinking....Just kidding.

I know larger yachts have weapons and I wonder how they are treated vs. a small sailing vessel.

Any opinions? Insights?

Thanks

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I am a retired SEAL if any Tm guys read this send me a private message.
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Old 27-06-2014, 10:29   #2
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

Absolutely no problem bringing the shotgun into the Bahamas, will not even raise an eyebrow as a large percentage are doing it. You will not be able to shoot your pigeons though, every round must be accounted for.


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Old 27-06-2014, 10:52   #3
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave852 View Post
..every round must be accounted for.
This is key. When they say "every round" the authorities in The Bahamas mean every, single, last round. You need to know EXACTLY how many you have on board, and you had better have EXACTLY that many on board when you check out--and they will count them. If not, I guarantee you that you are going to be spending a whole lot of time trying to explain the difference.
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Old 27-06-2014, 11:18   #4
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

I checked in 2 weeks ago with a rifle, no issue at all. They did not look at the boat or the weapon
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Old 27-06-2014, 12:47   #5
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

Thank you all for responding with helpful information!
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Old 29-06-2014, 06:16   #6
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

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Originally Posted by denverd0n View Post
This is key. When they say "every round" the authorities in The Bahamas mean every, single, last round. You need to know EXACTLY how many you have on board, and you had better have EXACTLY that many on board when you check out--and they will count them. If not, I guarantee you that you are going to be spending a whole lot of time trying to explain the difference.
Would there be a problem having a shotgun and a 9mm semi-automation pistol on board? That seems to be the minimum requirement for survival in the US.

BZT
PS Not kidding....
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Old 29-06-2014, 06:22   #7
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

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Originally Posted by denverd0n View Post
This is key. When they say "every round" the authorities in The Bahamas mean every, single, last round. You need to know EXACTLY how many you have on board, and you had better have EXACTLY that many on board when you check out--and they will count them. If not, I guarantee you that you are going to be spending a whole lot of time trying to explain the difference.
Checkout via mail, unless you need a zarpe.

Never been boarded over there, hence never a physical counting of 'rounds'.
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Old 29-06-2014, 08:42   #8
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

Checkout ? I didn't check out when I left last time and this time when I checked in last week it was no mention of it. is one actually required to check out of the Bahamas?
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Old 29-06-2014, 09:02   #9
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

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Originally Posted by BZT54 View Post
Would there be a problem having a shotgun and a 9mm semi-automation pistol on board? That seems to be the minimum requirement for survival in the US.

BZT
PS Not kidding....

Minimum for survival in the US! You may be right if you plan to sail into Chicago. I seem to remember a few years ago someone asked a general question about weapons onboard and it turned into a squabble.

I think any subject that is prone to laws, ordinances or changing political views should be discussed here monthly.

Laws change rapidly and people who actually sail their boat away from home should be able to get informed regularly.

I have a concealed carry permit so I stay abreast of laws for places I travel

I would like to get smarter about weapons laws around the Caribbean and hear some actual stories from people who actually have interacted with local law enforcement vice reading the archives.

Who cares what the law was last year, last month or 10 years ago.

Archives are great for finding out how to change a part on 30 year old boat.


Sorry....I got carried away.


I am a firm believer in being armed at sea. I think its crazy to not have a weapon.
I think sailors should be properly trained in all methods of protecting themselves and their vessel. To include methods other than 9mm and shotgun however I like your thinking. That is a great combination!!
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Old 29-06-2014, 09:20   #10
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

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Checkout ? I didn't check out when I left last time and this time when I checked in last week it was no mention of it. is one actually required to check out of the Bahamas?
Read your cruising permit.
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Old 29-06-2014, 09:24   #11
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

How about somebody with a cruising permit in hand tell us what it says
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Old 29-06-2014, 11:21   #12
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

SilentOption -
Noonsite.com might have up to date info on various countries firearms regulations.

BZ754 -
Quite a few years ago some folks I knew cleared into the Bahamas with a shotgun, a long gun, two pistols, and a pellet gun.
The only problem was the pellet gun. The officials confiscated it for the duration, explaining that if some kids stole it they'd shoot out all the street lights. "Mon, those lights are expensive."

As a matter of general interest, there have been some rumblings over the past year or so concerning the possibility of increased regulation of firearms in the Bahamas. If you are concerned a phone call to officialdom before casting off might be a good idea.
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Old 29-06-2014, 11:34   #13
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

Quote:
Originally Posted by SilentOption View Post
Minimum for survival in the US! You may be right if you plan to sail into Chicago. I seem to remember a few years ago someone asked a general question about weapons onboard and it turned into a squabble.

I think any subject that is prone to laws, ordinances or changing political views should be discussed here monthly.

Laws change rapidly and people who actually sail their boat away from home should be able to get informed regularly.

I have a concealed carry permit so I stay abreast of laws for places I travel

I would like to get smarter about weapons laws around the Caribbean and hear some actual stories from people who actually have interacted with local law enforcement vice reading the archives.

Who cares what the law was last year, last month or 10 years ago.

Archives are great for finding out how to change a part on 30 year old boat.


Sorry....I got carried away.


I am a firm believer in being armed at sea. I think its crazy to not have a weapon.
I think sailors should be properly trained in all methods of protecting themselves and their vessel. To include methods other than 9mm and shotgun however I like your thinking. That is a great combination!!
Being armed in the Bahamas and Down Island is a no brainer. Those who venture off without that strategic piece of equipment are irresponsible.

Having a concealed weapons permit is only good for your specific area. I would have to assume that one has to keep up to date with the gun laws pertaining to the Caribbean Islands and countries you are entering.

Like you said, some first hand accounts would be of great value.

BZT
PS Nothing wrong with a heated discussion. Those are usually the best....
PPS Chicago? I live in Florida. Nuff said....
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Old 29-06-2014, 12:42   #14
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

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Originally Posted by BZT54 View Post
Would there be a problem having a shotgun and a 9mm semi-automation pistol on board? That seems to be the minimum requirement for survival in the US.

BZT
PS Not kidding....
I prefer a stainless revolver to a semi - too many 'parts' in a semi. For the 12 guage riot gun I use #2 steel shot instead of buckshot.

Good hunting...

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Old 29-06-2014, 12:45   #15
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Re: Checking in and out of the Bahamas with guns aboard

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Checkout ? I didn't check out when I left last time and this time when I checked in last week it was no mention of it. is one actually required to check out of the Bahamas?
In 30 years of going to the bahamas I have NEVER checked out.

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