Bahamas Crossings

If you are considering relocating a vessel either departing or returning between the Bahamas and Florida, Captain James Lowe has made multiple crossings of the Gulf stream between The Bahamas and Florida and can accompany you or relocate the vessel for you.


Weather
PICK YOUR DAYS!
it may not be as simple as marking a date on a calendar. Try to avoid a north wind. Wind over current causes an uncomfortable chop
Check Offshore Weather

Sea State
The sea state is the condition of the free surface of the water and the result of wind and swell . The sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period,
EXAMPLE 'Seas 3 to 5 ft' Period 6 seconds
YOU PROBABLY WANT LESS THAN 2 TO 4
NOTE* 'Individual waves may be more than twice the significant wave height'. So, 2-4 could produce an 8 foot wave

Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream, located along the east coast of the United States, it is a fast current and result of the wind patterns acting on North Atlantic Ocean. The exact location and speed does vary slightly from day to day. THE Gulf stream is northern current (meaning its pushing to the north) between Florida and Bahamas that flows at a rate of 2.5kt to 5.0 knots. The gulf stream is about 60 miles wide in some places and is only a few miles offshore in southern FL. it's been my experience that the seas are slightly higher in the stream.

Route
If you're going between FT Lauderdale / Miami area to Bimini Island, it only about 60 miles. So a large part of the crossing will be in the gulf stream However if you're going from FT Pierce to Freeport or further north west like Marsh harbor its about 160 miles keeping in mind you have a 2.5 knot current pushing you north at a rate of 2.5 nautical miles per hour therefore it is necessary to steer a more southern course to arrive at the preferred point. If you want to know more about this do a google search on "Set and Drift". However, if you are coming from the south like the FL Keys to Bimini you can use the stream to your advantage.

Ships
Be aware that a busy shipping channel exist between the Bahamas and Florida keep a sharp eye on the horizon and use vessel radar if equipped.

Fuel
You need to verify ahead of time that there is fuel where you headed, Many Marinas sustained major damages in recent hurricanes and some just have not been rebuilt as of yet. It may be necessary to carry extra fuel in jerry cans, keep in mind transferring the fuel from the cans to the vessels tanks in seas presents a new challenge.

Landing Fees
Landing Fees are one of the little unexpected fees you get hit with everywhere this is a fee a marina charges for you to tie up with for a short while example stopping to clear customs or stopping at a restaurant or some other attraction but not staying overnight landing fees can vary price depending on area and requested length of stay

Bahamas Customs / Immigration
Upon entry into Bahamian waters it necessary to fly the yellow quarantine flag until the entire crew and passengers have cleared Customs /Immigration.
Only the captain can get off and check in, (Of course having said that I have met with the local official at the marina tiki bar with the boat crew).
Bahamas Customs and Immigration officials will come to your boat. Everyone must have proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. US citizens must present a passport
Required Cruising /Fishing Permit Fees are $150 for boats up to 35 feet , and $300.00 for over 35 feet.
Now its TIME for another hidden fee. Depending on where you check in you may be hit with"Customs Immigration Officer Travel fee" this is a fee they charge you to come your boat and it varies on how far they had to travel from thier office to the marina your checking in at, average about $20-30 bucks. if you happen to stop at a marina that has these offices very nearby you may not have to pay this but you should be prepared to walk from one office to the next there not always next door but dont worry the people are friendly speak english and will give you directions.

US
Returning to the United States also requires contacting US Customs and Border Patrol
The master of the vessel must report their arrival at the nearest CBP facility

FAILURE TO REPORT A VESSELS RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES IS A FEDERAL CRIME WITH CIVAL AND CRIMINAL PENEATIES WITH FINES AND IMPRISONMET AS WELL AND SEIZURE AND FORFETURE OF VESSEL


Reporting Requirements / CBP ROAM
CBP ROAM app is a free mobile application that provides an option for pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry to CBP via their personal smart device or a tablet HOWEVER there's a small detail they don't mention that you may have to also get a Decal/Transponder number. DTOPS for Private Vessel (30+ ft.) or Report Arrival By Phone

For more information please see my Rates/Fees And FAQ's