BERMUDA (ST. GEORGE'S HARBOUR, HAMILTON HARBOUR AND THE GREAT SOUND)

St. George's, Bermuda: boating safety

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Bermuda is an isolated island group in the western North Atlantic, surrounded by extensive reefs, and a major stopover for yachts crossing between the US East Coast, the Caribbean and Europe. Most visiting yachts clear in at St. George's at the east end, and many continue to Hamilton and the Great Sound.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 911
Call 911 and ask for sea rescue. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Bermuda: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

Call Bermuda Radio (the Maritime Operations Centre) on VHF channel 16 when 30 miles from the island. It gives approach information, arranges a pilot if needed, and boats not alongside should give it a daily float plan.

Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Guidance for visiting pleasure craft and superyachts (V4, 2023) ▾
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “1. Contact Bermuda Radio on VHF Channel 16 when 30 miles from the island. 2. Bermuda Radio will provide you with the approach information. 3. Bermuda Radio will arrange for a Pilot if determined necessary. 4. Give your daily ‘Float Plan’ to Bermuda Radio if not alongside.”

Weather

Bermuda Radio broadcasts marine weather 24 hours a day on VHF weather channel 2 (162.4 MHz), updated at 05:30, 11:30, 16:30 and 23:30 local time. Navigational information broadcasts are announced on VHF 16 and given on channel 27.

Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Bermuda Radio/ZBR broadcast schedule · Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Bermuda Radio/ZBR broadcast schedule ▾
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “VHF Marine Weather Channel 2 162.4 MHz. Issued at 0530, 1130, 1630 and 2330 Local times.”
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “VHF channel 16 and MF 2182 kHz VHF channel 27 and MF 2582 kHz All inshore and offshore navigational information included.”

Local rules

Every visiting yacht needs a Transit, Cruising or Charter Permit unless exempt. A Transit Permit, issued by Customs on clearance, is valid for 5 days; to stay longer, apply for a Cruising Permit during that time. Charter Permits must be arranged in advance through a local agent.

Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Guidance for visiting pleasure craft and superyachts (V4, 2023) · Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Guidance for visiting pleasure craft and superyachts (V4, 2023) · Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Guidance for visiting pleasure craft and superyachts (V4, 2023) ▾
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “All vessels are required to have one of three (3) permits: Transit, Cruising or Charter Permit if not exempted.”
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “1.2. Transit Permit is valid for 5 days.”
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “Charter Permit – Advance application only through your Local Agent.”

Hospital and medical

King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has Bermuda's emergency department, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Bermuda Hospitals Board · Bermuda Hospitals Board ▾
bermudahospitals.bm (2026-10-14): “Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year”
bermudahospitals.bm (2026-10-14): “If your injury or illness is serious or potentially life threatening, you should call an ambulance (911) or go straight to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.”

Arriving from abroad

The principal yacht reporting centre is at 3 Ordnance Island, St. George's, where Customs and Port Health meet arriving boats. Bermuda Customs requires a pre-arrival notice through SailClear, and Marine & Ports also has an online yacht pre-arrival form.

Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Guidance for visiting pleasure craft and superyachts (V4, 2023) · Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Guidance for visiting pleasure craft and superyachts (V4, 2023) · Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services · Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services ▾
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “St. George’s Yacht Reporting Centre at 3 Ordnance Island, St. George’s”
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “Customs and Port Health are the first people you meet upon arrival.”
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “Bermuda Customs - Mandatory Pre-Arrival for Customs Clearance - Sailclear.com.”
rccbermuda.bm (2026-10-14): “Online Yacht Pre-arrival Form for yachts sailing to Bermuda.”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near St. George's, Bermuda?

Call 911 and ask for sea rescue. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

How do I contact the harbour in St. George's, Bermuda?

Call Bermuda Radio (the Maritime Operations Centre) on VHF channel 16 when 30 miles from the island. It gives approach information, arranges a pilot if needed, and boats not alongside should give it a daily float plan.

Where do I get the marine forecast for St. George's, Bermuda?

Bermuda Radio broadcasts marine weather 24 hours a day on VHF weather channel 2 (162.4 MHz), updated at 05:30, 11:30, 16:30 and 23:30 local time. Navigational information broadcasts are announced on VHF 16 and given on channel 27.

Read before you sail

Cold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Newport 632 nmAnnapolis and Chesapeake Bay 697 nmHalifax 736 nmNassau & the Exumas 799 nmTortola 840 nmSt. Thomas and St. John 845 nmFajardo 848 nmSint Maarten / Saint-Martin 867 nm

Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com