Prime Minister Minnis unveiled a ‘shelter in place’ order that will effect the closure of roads to non-essential travel, and a total restriction on social activities March 24 at 9am. Our thanks to Sara and Monty Lewis of Explorer Chartbooks for the latest update.

24-HOUR LOCKDOWN: PM announces border shutdown, expanded COVID-19 emergency powers
Eye Witness News

OFFICIAL REPORT FROM BIMINI IMMIGRATION

March 27, 2020

We just spoke with an officer at the Bahamas Office of Immigration in Bimini.  He told us, “The entire Bahamas is in LOCKDOWN.” Here is the policy for cruising yachts:

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE.  SOCIAL DISTANCING IS MANDATORY.

ON A BOAT IN BAHAMAS NOW: If you are in the Bahamas with a cruising permit, you are allowed to stay in the country until your visa expires. However, in a community such as Bimini, you are encouraged to stay on your boat except for going ashore for necessities like food and fuel or medical assistance. If you are out after the 9 p.m. all-Bahamas curfew, the police can arrest you.

ON A BOAT DESIRING TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS: You will not be allowed to clear Customs and Immigration, nor will you be allowed ashore. You will be refused entry into the country. You will be given the opportunity to get fuel and food and will be turned back to the U.S.

CLOSED: Bars, liquor stores, some marinas, some restaurants (call ahead). The official said it is “almost martial law.”

OPEN:  Essential government services such as hospitals, clinics, police, customs/immigration offices.

For the latest updates, Please check with Bahamas.gov or search the Internet for articles in the Nassau Guardian or Tribune.

Sara and Monty Lewis

Explorer Chartbooks

Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier marina in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!

Today [3/24/20] Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced a 24 hour curfew and border shutdown. See Bahamas Lockdown. If you are already in the islands, be prepared to take care of yourself. You may not be welcomed at the next port.
On to the good news… Green Turtle Club has reopened, has water and electric on the docks, and has opened their restaurant. Of course, COVID19 may be impacting their services. Be sure to call ahead before planning to go there. I have seen pictures of a load of supplies on Guana Cay for rebuilding the docks at Orchid Bay Marina. Grabbers has cleared away all the debris and is open and serving food. There are pictures on the internet that show the rebuilding that is going on at Nippers. For an up to date list of what’s open in Abaco be sure to visit The Little House by the Ferry ( https://littlehousebytheferry.com/ ). The message is that the people of the Abacos are trying hard to rebuild and welcome us back. Please support them whenever you can.

RMHYC was able to donate $3000 each to Samaritan’s Purse, Water Mission, All Hands and Hearts and World Central Kitchen. They are all very appreciative.

Scott Coles
Commodore
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club

After seventeen years Watermakers Air was re-branded as Makers Air in 2019 and is the favorite air service to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

Makers Air is available to take you home. Our fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans and dedicated crew are ready to fly you wherever you need to go.   With various options such as Scheduled Flights, Shared Charters, and Private Charters, our reservations team is standing by to assist with your travel needs.   Click our Take Me Home form and one of our agents will immediately contact you.   Trust Makers to take you home.   Sincerely,   Makers Air MakersAir.com 954.771.0330  ‌  ‌

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: All ports of entry are closed to pleasure yachts
All ports of entry are closed to pleasure yachts

Posted: 24 Mar 2020 06:04 AM PDT

The Prime Minister of The Bahamas has declared that: “All seaports also will be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating; and no visitor is permitted to enter and disembark for any reason, including transmitting through The Bahamas.”

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: plus 1 more

Posted: 20 Mar 2020 06:08 AM PDT

It has just come to our attention that there are a number of boats heading north from the Caribbean with no Explorer hard-copy charts aboard and no way to get them before coming back through The Bahamas. We are happy to say that we have a number of choices for such a time as this. Here are some options to look into before leaving the Caribbean for northern ports.
EXPLORER ELECTRONIC PARTNERS
CHARTPLOTTERS
NAVICO/C-MAP
SIMRAD/LOWRANCE/RAYMARINE

SOFTWARE
MAPMEDIA/MAXSEA/TIMEZERO/NOBELTEC
FURUNO
ROSE POINT/ COASTAL EXPLORER
APPS
AQUAMAP
EMBARK (C-MAP)
iNavX
TZ iBoat (Time Zero)
Wising you safe passage,
Monty and Sara Lewis

US State Dept Advisory

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 03:49 PM PDT

Global Health Advisory
March 19, 2020

Level 4: Do Not Travel

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification. These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens.

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.

You are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by local governments.

Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions.

If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States:

Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.
Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
Review and follow the
CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
Visit theDepartment of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Proclamation by Bahamas Governor General (Virus)” plus 1 more
Proclamation by Bahamas Governor General (Virus)

Posted: 19 Mar 2020 08:20 AM PDT

From the Nassau Guardian, March 18, 2020

Governor General C.A. Smith will declare a state of public emergency in The Bahamas today due to the presence of COVID-19 in the country, documents obtained by The Nassau Guardian show.

The declaration will be made in an emergency proclamation, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament today, and allows the governor general, under the Emergency Powers Act, to make regulations for securing public safety and the defense of The Bahamas, among other things.

The Nassau Guardian understands that the government will also table the Emergency Powers (COVID 19) Regulations, 2020, today.

The regulations grant wide-ranging powers to the prime minister that will allow for, among other things, the detention of people infected with COVID-19 or those who traveled to infected places; the possible prohibition of assembly of two or more people in any specific area; the requisition of any building, ship or aircraft; a curfew; social distancing and isolation orders; restricted access to specified areas; and the prohibition of publishing or re-posting false stories.

The regulations state that any person who contravenes the provisions commits an offense and is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or both.

Proclamation

The proclamation reads in part: “…I am satisfied that due to the confirmation of the presence of COVID-19 in The Bahamas, a state of public emergency exists in The Bahamas as a result of the aforementioned circumstances.

“Now, therefore, I, the Most Honourable Cornelius Alvin Smith, governor general of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Article 29 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, hereby declare that: with effect from the 17th day of March 2020, a state of public emergency exists in The Bahamas.

“This proclamation of emergency shall cease to be in force at the expiration of a period of fourteen days from the date hereof, or such longer period as may be provided for by a resolution passed by each House of Parliament approving its continuance in force for a further period, not exceeding six months, beginning on the date on which it would otherwise expire, the proclamation shall if not sooner revoked, continue in force for that further period.”

Curfew and assembly

According to the regulations, the prime minister may, by order, “require every person within any area specified in the order to remain within doors between such hours as may be specified in the order, and any person who within any area so specified is or remains outdoors between such hours without a permit in writing from the competent authority, or some person duly authorized by the competent authority, commits an offense”.

The regulations also empower the prime minister to, by an order, prohibit the assembly of two or more persons in a public space in any area specified, in the interest of public health safety.

Fake news

Under the regulations, no person shall publish or cause to be published, posted or re-posted, over any media platform inclusive of social media, any purported news or report, or purported statement of fact, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the statement is untrue or false or may incite public fear, panic or ethnic hatred.

Quarantine

The prime minister may also, by order, impose isolation on all individuals within a particular area, island or the entire country in the interest of public health, the regulations state.

“Where isolation has been imposed, the competent authority may: require the closure of all educational or religious institutions in the area specified; require the closure of any business or organization that caters to the general public in the areas so specified, unless permitted otherwise by the order; prohibit the visitation by persons at all residential care establishments; prohibit the visitation by persons at all correctional facilities; require every person to confine himself at his place of residence, unless otherwise specified by the order; permit the travel of persons to a grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, doctor, hospital or such other place as may be specified in the order,” according to the regulations.

It adds that any order regarding isolation and social distancing will not prohibit a person from going outdoors within the enclosed yard or space of that person’s residence.

Essential services

The regulations will also empower the governor general to requisition any essential service.

The regulations state that such services include those maintained or operated by the government, or by any public or private enterprise including: the storage, purification or distribution of water for public use; the storage, collection and treatment and disposal of sewage, garbage or refuse; the manufacture, storage or distribution of gas for use by the public; the removal, handling or burial of deceased persons or disposal of dead animals.

Under the regulations, the governor general may appoint a controller of any essential service. That person will be entitled to “take possession of all premises and assets of every description (other than money or securities of money)…”

Goods and services

The prime minister may also, by order, in consultation with the minister of finance, waive the application of any rules or law governing the procurement of goods and services.

The regulations require that the minister of finance will, within six weeks of the expiration of the proclamation of emergency, lay a report before the House of Assembly detailing: the total expenditure of the goods and services procured; the suppliers of the goods and services procured; and the reasons for the use of the suppliers of the goods and the providers of the services.

The prime minister may also waive or vary the payment of any fees for the testing and medical services rendered at any public hospital or healthcare facility in relation to COVID-19.

Finally, the regulations also empower the governor general, if need be, to authorize international or regional military or police forces as may be requested by the government, to serve as peace officers and assist in the storage, safe keeping or distribution of relief supplies; the provision of any essential services and the maintenance of public order.

The move comes after The Bahamas confirmed its first case of COVID-19 over the weekend.

The patient is a 61-year-old woman with no relevant travel history. At last report she was in stable condition.

The virus has spread throughout the globe, ravaging economies in the process.

COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China, late last year, causes cough, fever and in severe cases pneumonia. The virus has killed more than 7,300 people worldwide. There are over 185,000 cases and over 80,000 people have recovered from the virus.

During a national address on Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the closure of all schools until April 14.

He also announced that foreign nationals who have traveled within the last 20 days from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe, will be prohibited entry into The Bahamas.

Travel restrictions were already in place for Italy, Iran, South Korea and China.

As major cruise lines from the U.S. announced that cruises will be suspended for one month, Minnis said that COVID-19 will have a tremendous and widespread economic impact on the country.

“Even as we prepare and pray that few Bahamians are harmed by this virus, the economic impact of this crisis will be widespread,” he said.

“We are fighting for our health and economic well-being at the same time.”

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Corona virus
Corona virus

Posted: 17 Mar 2020 05:31 AM PDT

Does anyone know if the Bahamas are going to close their borders to cruisers due to the Corona virus?

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY
EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY

Posted: 13 Mar 2020 05:25 AM PDT

The latest edition of the EXPLORER CHARTBOOK FAR BAHAMAS, 7th ed.

has been published and is ready to ship. Order NOW from our website at

www.explorercharts.com.

Don’t go to The Bahamas or Turks and Caicos without it!

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour
Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour

Posted: 29 Feb 2020 05:49 AM PST

Both red and green buoys are now missing at the entrance to Bimini Harbour. The shoal extending south from Entrance Point of North Bimini continues to extend to the south across the entrance of the channel to the harbour. Boats attempting to enter the harbour are running aground more frequently because they are relying exclusively on GPS positions on chart plotters and not attempting to look at the water and go where the water looks deeper. Visual piloting must be used here and is more important than electronic navigation in this area and others in the Bahamas. The bottom is easily seen here with good light and weather conditions.

The Bahamas Government has a long history of not maintaining aids to navigation and this should not be expected to change.

The current Explorer Chart for the Bimini Entrance was posted here on April 10, 2019. (Go to Posts, View All Posts, Click on Bimini on left menu, scroll down seven posts to “Continued shoaling at Bimini Harbour Entrance,” and click on read more.)

Expect the shoal to slowly continuing to move south.

Our thanks to Scott Coles for this update on Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club’s Continued Efforts of Assistance in Abaco. Well worth your donation!

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Bad Electronic Chart

Bad Electronic Chart

Posted: 10 Feb 2020 03:18 PM PST

This is from a cruising yachtsman in The Bahamas this month:

Here is another “oops” story!

We met a sailor who has a large power catamaran.
He loves to anchor at the south end of Big Farmers Cay.
He told us he took a short cut to get out of the anchorage and ran aground and had to power through the sand to get out. We couldn’t believe he even tried it. He said his plotter showed 7 feet there and he had a Garmin. We insisted he come aboard and look at the paper Explorer charts (which he had, but left home). He was amazed that the data on the plotter was not the same as the chart. He also said he had his iPad aboard but he had updated it and lost the Explorer charts on the Garmin Blue Charts app.
We included a screen shot of Navionics for that area and he ran aground north of the wreck while trying to jump the bar. Navionics shows 7’.. .
We explained to him that Explorer data was no longer on that Garmin plotter.
We told him he should be using his eyeballs but he trusts his instruments. We explained why that doesn’t work in a Bahamas boating scenario!!!

So much of what is depicted here  in this Navionics chart is pure fiction & makes us wonder how this data was accumulated. It is a physical impossibility that a boat had occupied the position north of the wreck & recorded a sounding of 7.7 or 9.2’unless they were there on 10’ high tide & forgot to apply a tidal offset. The Explorer chart shows “Sand nearly dry a low Water”.

NOTE from Explorer:  If you have a Garmin chart plotter with data before February 2019, (BlueChart G2) that is Explorer data. After Feb. 2019 (G3) is Navionics, NOT Explorer data.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Lower Great Exuma & Little Exuma – Theft

Lower Great Exuma & Little Exuma – Theft

Posted: 01 Feb 2020 03:46 AM PST

Hey there,

New to the forum, but not to using explorer charts.

Thinking about making way down to Great Exuma & Little Exuma, but wondering about boat rentals or taking a boat (friend’s). I have been informed that rental companies don’t allow for you to keep the boats overnight to due increased theft. In addition, a buddy is planning to take a boat and we have kind of me told not to take the vessel as it is highly likely for a tow-away scenario and that even though these acts are done by “usual suspects” no one is doing anything about it. I have traveled extensively around the Bahamas, but not lower great exuma/little exuma etc. We have eyes some rentals in this area, but aren’t getting a warm a fuzzy due to the wild west allegations in the region.

In all places that I have stayed I have always exercised caution, but since we have been told by rental companies as well I wanted to ask EC.

Thanks in advance.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Spanish Wells

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Update on Ocean Reef, Grand Bahama” plus 2 more

Update on Ocean Reef, Grand Bahama

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 06:02 AM PST

Ocean Reef and Yacht Club, Freeport, Grand Bahama
We here in Ocean Reef we were spared from big damage and flooding so we are in normal operation and open for regular business.
Kind regards
Kor Dormans

Update from Orchid Bay, Abacos

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:59 AM PST

Orchid Bay, Guana Cay, Abacos

At present, we have no docks and are currently serving gas and diesel from our roadside pump seven days a week. There are plans to rebuild at least one dock soon. Sunsetter Restaurant was badly damaged but we have it up and running from Thursday through Sunday for dinner only and with a limited menu. It is very casual and open air with no walls but at least it gives people somewhere to go and have a meal and a glass of wine.

Those are all the updates we have at the moment. Hope this helps.

Kind regards.

Lisa Roberts

UPDATE: Harbour View Marina, Marsh Harbour

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:57 AM PST

NEWS FROM HARBOUR VIEW MARINA, Marsh Harbour
As for Harbour View Marina & Blue Wave Boat Rentals…we are working hard to have boat rentals available to rent this March. Out of our fleet of 20 boats, 19 are salvageable and in varying stages of repair work. The plan for Harbour View Marina is to rebuild the docks as soon as possible and we will have a temporary office building in place while we are getting the construction portion of the office buildings completed. Our hope is to have a fully operational marina and a temporary fuel dock for this upcoming late spring/early summer season. Wally’s restaurant is in full recovery mode and we are working towards an opening in early spring. We are looking forward to a better, stronger Marsh Harbour and doing all we can to make that happen.
Thank you for reaching out and I look forward to updating you with progress along the way.
Thanks,
Troy

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Treasure Cay Update
Treasure Cay Update

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 01:55 PM PST

Treasure Cay Marina now has 20 moorings and the fuel station, the largest in Abaco for boaters open 8a-4p daily.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Provisioning from West Bay NP
Provisioning from West Bay NP

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 12:40 PM PST

Hi everyone, just wondered if anyone had tried provisioning from West Bay? Looks like there is a supermarket at Old Fort Bay. Trying to decide between using the dinghy landing at Clifton Heritage Park, or going around to Lyford Cay marina (which is much closer to the store but I’m not sure how friendly they are). Any advice will be gratefully received! Thanks

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Decca range route
Decca range route

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 03:33 AM PST

Has anyone used the old Decca range route to cross the bank from Tongue of the Ocean to Pipe Cay? I’m wandering about crossing the bank there at night. Use to do that years ago.