Bahamas Maritime Law Updates 2025–2026: New Cruising Fees, AIS Requirements, and Charter Regulations

The Bahamas has introduced significant maritime legislative reforms through a series of amendments enacted in 2025 and 2026. These developments impact foreign vessel owners, yacht operators, charter businesses, and maritime stakeholders operating in Bahamian waters.

The updates include revised cruising and anchorage fees, mandatory Automatic Identification System (AIS) requirements, expanded environmental enforcement powers, seabed lease regulations, and stricter oversight of foreign charter operations.

These legislative changes reflect The Bahamas’ broader effort to modernize maritime governance, strengthen environmental protection, and improve oversight of vessel activity within its territorial waters.

New Cruising Permit Structure for Foreign Vessels

Under the updated Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations, foreign pleasure vessels entering The Bahamas must obtain customs clearance and secure either:

• A Temporary Cruising Permit, or
• A Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC)

The revised framework introduces multiple permit durations to accommodate varying lengths of stay, including:

• 30-day permits
• 6-month permits
• 12-month permits
• 2-year FDCC permits for eligible repeat visitors

The new system replaces the traditional flat-fee structure with a more detailed tiered approach based on vessel size and duration of stay.

Revised Cruising Fees

In addition to cruising permits, vessels that anchor outside marinas or designated mooring fields are now subject to separate anchorage fees.

New Anchorage Fees

A separate fishing permit is also now required for foreign pleasure vessels:

• $100 for vessels up to 50 feet
• $300 for vessels exceeding 50 feet

Additionally, non-resident passengers over the first three individuals included in the cruising permit may be subject to additional passenger taxes.

Mandatory AIS Requirements for Foreign Vessels

The Port Authorities (Amendment) Act 2025 introduced a new requirement for foreign vessels measuring 50 feet and above to maintain an operational Automatic Identification System (AIS) at all times while in Bahamian waters.

AIS technology allows authorities and nearby vessels to monitor:

• Vessel location
• Speed
• Navigation routes
• Vessel identity

The requirement applies whether the vessel is:

• Docked
• Navigating
• Anchored
• Transiting through Bahamian waters

Failure to comply may result in financial penalties.

This amendment aims to improve maritime safety, strengthen monitoring capabilities, and enhance regulatory oversight of foreign vessel activity.

Expanded Regulation of Seabed Leases and Marine Structures

The updated legislation also introduces stricter rules regarding seabed use and marine construction projects.

A valid seabed lease is now required for the construction or placement of:

• Piers
• Wharves
• Jetties
• Moorings
• Groins
• Other structures affecting the seabed

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Site plans
• Financial documentation
• Environmental compliance records
• Supporting permits and approvals

The maximum lease period is 25 years, with the possibility of renewal.

The legislation also establishes stronger penalties for unauthorized seabed use, including significant fines and potential imprisonment.

Stronger Environmental Enforcement Powers

The Environmental Health Services (Amendment) Act, 2025 expands the government’s authority to address environmental pollution caused by vessels operating in Bahamian waters.

Under the updated framework, authorities may impose penalties on domestic and foreign commercial vessels that emit pollutants or contaminants that threaten public health or the marine environment.

Potential penalties may include:

• Immediate fines
• Daily charges for continuing violations
• Increased enforcement against environmental breaches

These reforms reinforce The Bahamas’ focus on protecting marine ecosystems and coastal resources.

New Rules for Foreign and Bareboat Charters

Foreign charter operators are now required to obtain a Foreign Charter Licence before entering Bahamian waters.

The licence:

• Is valid for one year
• Can be applied for online through government portals
• Requires supporting documentation and payment of applicable fees

The existing 14% charter tax remains in place, consisting of:

• 10% VAT
• 4% Port Department fee

However, the updated framework streamlines collection by allowing the Port Department to collect the full amount directly.

Increased Oversight of Charter Operations

The Boat Registration (Amendment) Act, 2025 also imposes stricter conditions on foreign charter activity within The Bahamas.

Key restrictions include:

• Foreign vessels cannot solicit charter guests locally unless specific conditions are met
• Charters must be arranged through approved Bahamian brokers or licensed companies
• Certain charter duration restrictions apply to smaller vessels

Authorities now also have broader powers to detain vessels suspected of operating unlawfully or failing to meet registration, inspection, insurance, or licensing requirements.

The updated Boat Registration (Yacht) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 further provide regulators with additional discretion regarding licensing criteria for foreign bareboat charter operations.

What These Changes Mean for Maritime Stakeholders

The 2025–2026 reforms represent one of the most significant modernizations of Bahamian maritime regulation in recent years.

For shipowners, yacht owners, charter operators, and offshore businesses, these changes create new compliance obligations relating to:

• Vessel permits and fees
• AIS compliance
• Charter licensing
• Environmental regulations
• Seabed usage
• Passenger and fishing permits

Stakeholders operating in The Bahamas should carefully review these developments to ensure ongoing compliance and avoid operational disruption.

How Parris Whittaker Can Assist

At Parris Whittaker’s Maritime Law Practice, we advise shipowners, yacht operators, charter businesses, and offshore clients on maritime regulatory compliance throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Our services include:

• Yacht and vessel compliance advisory
• Charter licensing and regulatory guidance
• Maritime dispute resolution
• Offshore structuring and operational compliance
• Environmental and port regulatory matters

You can also explore our broader practice areas for additional legal services.

Conclusion

The latest legislative amendments demonstrate The Bahamas’ continued commitment to strengthening maritime oversight, environmental protection, and regulatory enforcement.

While these changes introduce additional compliance responsibilities, they also provide a clearer and more structured framework for vessel operations, charter activity, and maritime administration in one of the world’s leading yachting and shipping jurisdictions.