Approaching yachts call the Bridgetown Signal Station (call sign 8PB) on VHF channel 12 for permission to enter the Deep Water Harbour.
Barbados Port Inc. · Barbados Port Inc. ▾
barbadosport.com (2026-10-14): “Yachts approaching the island are requested to call the Signal Station on VHF Channel 12 and inform the Radio Operator of their intention.”
barbadosport.com (2026-10-14): “keep in constant communication with the Signal Station on Channel 12 on VHF (call sign 8 PAPA BRAVO)”
Weather and season
The Barbados Meteorological Services publishes a 5-day marine forecast at barbadosweather.org.
NOAA National Hurricane Center · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Atlantic basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of America.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The hurricane season normally runs from June to November.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
Visiting yachts may not charter, rent or lease, or do any other paid activity, while in Barbados.
Barbados Port Inc. ▾
barbadosport.com (2026-10-14): “No yacht will be permitted to charter, rent, lease or engage in any other activities for monetary gain while visiting in Barbados.”
Official warnings
Currents are particularly strong off many east-coast beaches; swimming is not recommended there.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Swimming is not recommended on many of the east-coast beaches where currents are particularly strong. Follow local warnings.”
Arriving by boat
Clearance is granted only at the Deep Water Harbour (Bridgetown) or Port St Charles; officers attend the Bridgetown passenger terminal 06:00–22:00 daily. Do not anchor in Carlisle Bay before clearing in; cruising or anchoring along the coast needs Customs and Harbour Master permission.
Barbados Port Inc. · Barbados Port Inc. · Barbados Port Inc. ▾
barbadosport.com (2026-10-14): “Clearance for arrival and departure will be granted only in the Deep Water Harbour and at Port St. Charles.”
barbadosport.com (2026-10-14): “No yacht is to proceed to Carlisle Bay anchorage prior to clearing in with the regulatory agencies.”
barbadosport.com (2026-10-14): “A vessel desirous of cruising or anchoring along the coast must obtain permission from the Customs Boarding Officer and the Harbour Master’s office, preferably on arrival at the time of reporting.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Barbados?+
In Barbados, call Barbados Coast Guard on +1 246 536 2948. Police: 211. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Barbados?+
The general emergency number in Barbados is 211. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for Barbados. In a sea emergency, call +1 246 536 2948.
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 Barbados?+
Hurricane season is 1 June – 30 November.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Barbados?+
The Barbados Meteorological Services publishes a 5-day marine forecast at barbadosweather.org.
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