Bahamas Chatter: “Returning to the US” plus 1 more
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: “Returning to the US” plus 1 more
| Returning to the US Posted: 08 Apr 2020 01:08 PM PDT From Chris Parker: We heard from a client who tried to clear into Miami Monday and was turned away, but we are not sure of the details. We have heard from other clients who did clear into difficult places (USVI and PuertoRico Ports which were supposedly closed) with no hassle at all by using the US Customs and Border Patrol ROAM app. So if you are eligible, use the ROAM app. LakeWorth Inlet may be a good option for some. There may be other options as good as or better than LakeWorth Inlet, but here’s what we know with reasonable certainty as of today for LakeWorth Inlet / WestPalmBeach: We believe the information above is correct as of Wed8, but as they say “your mileage may vary”, and of course the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. If you have updated information on COVID-19 related stuff of interest to Cruisers, please send it to covid19@waterwayguide.com, editor@noonsite.com and/or send it to chris@mwxc.com and we’ll forward it to WaterwayGuide and/or Noonsite as appropriate. |
| Bahamas Government lockdowns causing problems leaving the Bahamas Posted: 08 Apr 2020 05:30 AM PDT UPDATE FOR PRIVATE VESSELS Under the current 24-hour curfew emergency orders, now extended until April 30, all domestic inter-island traffic by air or boat within The Bahamas remains temporarily banned. The emergency orders will, however, allow foreign pleasure craft currently anchored or moored in The Bahamas to depart DIRECTLY FOR THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, making only the absolute minimum necessary stops in order to ensure safe passage. Vessels returning to the United States are permitted to re-fuel at fuel docks, but ARE PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING ANY CREW OR PASSENGERS. All private vessels departing The Bahamas must do so expeditiously, with minimal stops or delays. FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS Please note that vessels will NOT BE ABLE TO RE-FUEL or make use of fuel docks DURING THE FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced on April 6 (see below for details). Vessels can still transit through Bahamian waters on a direct route back to the United States, but cannot re-fuel. We urge any and all U.S. citizens on private vessels to return to the United States as soon as possible, ESPECIALLY BEFORE THE NEXT FULL LOCKDOWN period begins at 9:00pm on Wed, April 8. Do not wait; the time to leave is now. Depart as soon as weather and provisions allow you to do so safely, or be prepared to remain in The Bahamas for an indefinite period of time. It bears repeating: restrictions to movement in The Bahamas continue to evolve rapidly, and WE CANNOT PREDICT if, when, for how long, or HOW SEVERELY MOVEMENT through The Bahamas MAY BE RESTRICTED further. In every instance, all vessels must follow the directions of the Bahamian authorities. FULL LOCKDOWN SCHEDULE (when vessels can still move directly towards the US, but cannot re-fuel): – 9pm on Wednesday, April 8 – 5am on Tuesday, April 14 Once more, private vessels departing The Bahamas must avoid any unnecessary deviation on the way to their final destination. Crew and passengers are PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING and MUST REMAIN ABOARD their vessel. The emergency orders only allow stop-offs for re-fueling or to receive provisions essential for safe transit, such as food and water, outside the full lockdown periods noted above. |
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