In the Bahamas, call RBDF Operations Command Center on +1 242 826 3117. Police (also 911): 919. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology (met.gov.bs) publishes a Bahamas Marine Forecast. The Bahamas tourism ministry also advises boaters to tune to NOAA weather on the VHF weather channels for marine advisories.
Bahamas Department of Meteorology · The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (bahamas.com) ▾
bahamas.com (2026-10-14): “Tune in to NOAA weather on your VHF weather channels for marine weather advisories in your area/region.”
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · NOAA National Hurricane Center ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The hurricane season in The Bahamas normally runs from 1 June to 30 November.”
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
A boat used commercially or for hire is not a pleasure vessel and cannot get the Temporary Cruising Permit; it must be entered with Customs as a commercial vessel.
The Bahamas Customs Department ▾
bahamascustoms.gov.bs (2026-10-14): “A vessel being used for commercial purposes or for hire is not a pleasure vessel and is not eligible for a Temporary Cruising Permit.”
Official warnings
Fatal shark attacks have occurred without warning; swimming at night or dusk raises the risk, and you should never enter water where bait has been used to attract marine life.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Fatal shark attacks can happen without warning. Night swimming (including at dusk), puts you at a higher risk, even in shallow waters close to resorts.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Never go into water that has been baited.”
Water sports and boat rentals are poorly regulated; people have been killed or seriously injured by reckless use of jet skis and other watercraft.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The water sports industry in The Bahamas is poorly regulated.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “People have been killed and seriously injured, or killed others, when using jet skis and other watercraft recklessly.”
Arriving by boat
All foreign private pleasure boats need a cruising permit and must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry, flying the yellow Q flag; only the captain may go ashore until cleared. Declarations and payment are made online in Customs' Click2Clear system, and a cruising permit and fishing permit are issued on approval.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (bahamas.com) · The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (bahamas.com) · The Bahamas Customs Department · The Bahamas Customs Department ▾
bahamas.com (2026-10-14): “A cruising permit is required for all foreign, private, non-commercial pleasure boats (and occupants) to sail in Bahamian waters.”
bahamas.com (2026-10-14): “As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared.”
bahamascustoms.gov.bs (2026-10-14): “All pleasure vessels will be entered and paid for using the Cruising Permit Module within the Click2Clear system.”
bahamascustoms.gov.bs (2026-10-14): “Upon approval, a Temporary Cruising Permit (Form C39) and Fishing Permit will be issued for the vessel.”
What number do I call for help at sea in the Bahamas?+
In the Bahamas, call RBDF Operations Command Center on +1 242 826 3117. Police (also 911): 919. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in the Bahamas?+
The general emergency number in the Bahamas is 911. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for the Bahamas. In a sea emergency, call +1 242 826 3117.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in the Bahamas?+
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for the Bahamas?+
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology (met.gov.bs) publishes a Bahamas Marine Forecast. The Bahamas tourism ministry also advises boaters to tune to NOAA weather on the VHF weather channels for marine advisories.
Change history
United States: the Sector San Diego and Corpus Christi areas and the 911 catch-all now end at the Mexican boundary; Sector Miami no longer takes in Bimini (Bahamas); Sector Key West ends at the US–Cuba line (24° N).
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