Near Bahamas

Print out and insert in your existing 11th edition chartbook for future reference.

10th edition and older editions are now obsolete and should be replaced.

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Page iv, CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION

March 14, 2025

EXITING THE BAHAMAS/ENTERING TO U.S.

It is no longer necessary to APPEAR at a Customs Office to clear OUT of The Bahamas.

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Clearing Outbound: (Click for Tutorial)

• Under the ‘Pleasure Craft’ module, select ‘Create Outbound’ entering in your Rotation Number as well as the Vessel Registration Number of your previous voyage and submit.

• Select the handle (three dots) on the right hand side and clone your Inbound Submission. This will create your outbound declaration.

• Change the date of Departure and all pertinent information following the steps you would have completed before ensuring that all information is true and correct. Complete your submission by validating and submitting at the Summary Tab. (Outbound voyages should not calculate any fees as long as the passenger count does not increase and on the condition that the stores on board are the same).

• PLEASE NOTE: Outbound Clearance is only required if Clearance Documents are needed for the next Port of Destination outside of The Bahamas. There is a fee of $75.00 for this process. The Clearance Certificate will be issued manually.

 

Search Outbound

• You can also search for an existing outbound voyage by selecting the ‘Pleasure Craft’ Module and clicking ‘Search Outbound’. Enter your Country of Registration, Rotation Number and Vessel Registration before submitting.

• You can then view the details for your existing outbound voyage or if it is still in draft, edit at any time prior to payment.

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Page 54, Chart BIM 3 Bimini Channel

February 27, 2024

The chart below shows the best route starting at the South Bimini Waypoint and lining up with the range markers on South Bimini. The range is still standing; however, the  range lights are probably not working. Go in close to shore, and follow the shoreline into Alice Town, North Bimini. This is the deepest route and it carries 7-8 feet (2.3 meters).

 

The alternate route is the northern one into North Bimini from the Bimini Waypoint. The controlling depth is 6.8 feet (1.8 meters). Shoaling is continuous near the entrance to this route.

 

It is best to arrive in daylight so that you can see the bottom on your way in. It is not recommended that you navigate this route in the dark unless you have been there before and have a good breadcrumb trail.

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