Highfield Dinghy Spotted at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Exumas, Bahamas
Cruisers Net Team Member, Winston Fowler, took this photo of a dinghy from Highfield Boats, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Cruisers Net Team Member, Winston Fowler, took this photo of a dinghy from Highfield Boats, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Find everything you need to know for boating to the Bahamas.
Bahamas Chatter is published 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.
Click here for Bahamas Chatter goes MOBILE
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, is excited to announce the addition of 21 new moorings balls in the vicinity of their marina.
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier yacht club in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! If you cruise to Abacos and Marsh Harbour area, you should consider joining this great group of like minded cruisers. See also Bahamas Chatter.
The following is an update on what’s happening in the Abacos. Evidence of rebuilding is everywhere and great progress has been made. Basically, there is no reason to stay away any longer.
Because of the current Covid-19 restrictions imposed on Great Abaco and Marsh Harbor, RMHYC members have not made their way there yet but hope to soon.
Below are some pictures showing evidence of the good work done by the various organizations to which the RMHYC made donations last year; it helped make a difference.
|
|
|
Cruisers Net is proud to support the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, whose members are willing to support, protect, and preserve the wonderful and beautiful islands of the Bahamas, especially in and around Marsh Harbour. They will be uploading pictures to the Club website RMHYC.com as time and internet connectivity allows. Look in the Photo Albums section. Newest pix will be at the top. |
The Explorer Team has been hard at work on their newly designed website with new content and updated information for you, the Bahamas cruiser. The new platform means that you’ll need to sign up to continue access to their free Bahamas Chatter Forum. We invite you to visit and join for free!
Click here for invitation to join! Come on over to the new Explorer Bahamas Chatter Forum!
Bahamas Chatter is published 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: Abacos Update 2/21
Posted: 07 Feb 2021 08:51 AM PST
Our contacts in the Abacos have updated us on things our Bahamas Cruisers will want to know before they go. The Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas 9th edition contains a more detailed update as of fall 2020. Since then, the able Abaconians have made amazing progress on restoring what was devastated by Hurricane Dorian. Please send us first-hand updates to share when you get them. Here’s the latest from locals:
Marsh Harbour
BANKS:
Commonwealth is open at Maxwells.
Royal Bank has a small office in town.
1st Caribbean CIBC is reopening soon.
ATMs are located in various places in town, including Rubis Gas Station and the airport.
BOAT RENTALS: Harbour View, Cruise Abaco.
CRUISERS’ NET: Tune in to Channel 16 for announcements of Cruisers’ Net time and VHF channel. Announcements are being made with daily updates for area services and facilities. Listen for the ever-changing updates.
DINGHY LANDING: Union Jack dock has been repaired as a dinghy dock in the harbour.
FERRY SERVICE: Two services are now operational with service to Hope Town, Man o War, Guana Cay. The former Albury’s Ferry is now “The Ferry.” G&L also offers a full schedule of trips.
FUEL: Boat Harbour Marina.
GROCERIES:
Maxwells is fully open, also offering an ATM machine.
Abaco Groceries is also open, with a liquor store as well.
HARDWARE: National Hardware open. Also Yamaha has a new building . The Outboard Shop now services Suzuki, Evinrude and Yamaha (no sales).
LODGING: The Island Breeze Motel on the harbour is open. They also have car rentals.
MARINAS: Harbour View Marina and Cruise Abaco have some rentals available.
Harbour View Marina is working hard to get their docks fully functional. Docks have been stabilized and new wiring is being installed now. The reception area buildings will be next.
The Conch Inn docks are gone. Reconstruction has begun with expectations of reopening in 2022. The Moorings charter companies are still operational, keeping their boats at anchor. Snappa’s will be rebuilt on the Conch Inn site with a summer 2021 opening planned.
Marsh Harbour Marina has one dock open. Work is being done to restore the Jib Room Restaurant and boutique.
Boat Harbour at Abaco Beach Resort offers full services with dockage and fuel. The reception area and restaurant areas are still under tents, but reconstruction is ongoing. The marina plans three fishing tournaments for the spring.
MEDICAL SERVICES: Hospital was used for refugee shelter and is being renovated. Integrated Medical Services mobile medical unit offering assistance and treatment.
PROPANE: Abaco Gas will fill your propane tank on the spot.
RESTAURANTS: Wally’s will be opening soon. Snappa’s will be coming to the Conch Inn property. The Jib Room is being rebuilt. Stay tuned for opening dates. Several takeouts are available in walking distance from the harbour. A waterside cabana, located at the old site of Long’s Seafood, is serving food.
TELEPHONE: Some land lines have been restored by BTC, but not all telephones are connected. The local land line exchange is 365. Cable Bahamas phones are more reliable with 699 numbers. Also ALIV with 559 and 801 exchanges are reliable. Many folks switched to ALIV, which generously gave free phones and phone cards at the outset of Hurricane Dorian. Since there is no directory, we are slow to get new phone numbers listed for these customers.
CAUTION: Although progress has been made, there is still much debris in the water, particularly in the inner anchorage area of Marsh Harbour. Some obstructions are buoyed; some are not. Proceed with great caution. Also, locals warn of increased crime ashore. Because most streetlights are still not working, it is unwise to wander ashore at night.
HOPE TOWN
Mostly cleaned up with businesses in various stages of reopening. Lighthouse Marina has fuel at the dock. Hope Town Inn and Marina is yet to be fully opened.
MAN O WAR
Harbour cleaned up. Marina docks are gone with no current progress on reconstruction. Hibiscus Restaurant is open.
TREASURE CAY: Treasure Cay Marina is under reconstruction with a few slips available. Moorings are available as well. The fuel dock is open.
GUANA CAY
Progress continues with waterfront businesses beginning to reopen. A new grocery is coming on the harbour. Orchid Bay Marina has some services and is making progress.
GREEN TURTLE CAY
Green Turtle Cay, as a community, has made great strides to getting the cay back to normal. The Green Turtle Club is fully operational and welcoming visitors. Bluff House Marina is still undergoing repairs before reopening.
Bahamas Chatter is published 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: Sand “bores”?
Posted: 25 Jan 2021 04:27 AM PST
I’ve got a question that I’m hoping you might be able to help with, and the internet so far has been less-than-helpful. I notice in the Explorer charts and many other guides the use of the term “sand bore.” Explorer defines this on several charts as a “fluid, shifting, live sand bar.”
Can anyone shed some light on the origins of the term, or perhaps point me towards some reference materials? How exactly is a bore different than a “shifting sand bar,” a term often used on the same chart near the same feature? I know there are several geographic places where the term is used, but my question is mostly academic. What exactly is a sand bore?
Thanks in advance!
Matt Claiborne
s/v Dulcinea
This advisory is from Tripadvisor and the US Embassy in the Bahamas.
Dear traveler,
Are you considering an international trip? If so, read on. The CDC has issued a COVID-19 order that may impact your plans for re-entering the United States.
Effective January 26, 2021 travelers arriving in the U.S. must:
1) Get tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before departing to the United States and show a negative test result to the airline before boarding OR 2) show documentation of recent recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding.
This new order applies to all air passengers — including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents — aged 2 years and older. It also applies regardless of the length of time spent outside of the United States.
Acceptable documentation of recovery from COVID-19 includes both a positive viral test result within 3 months of travel (or the time period specified in current CDC guidance) AND a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official stating that the passenger is cleared to end isolation.
Passengers who have tested positive for COVID-19 will need to delay their travel until they meet the criteria to end isolation; learn more here.
Need more information? Visit this FAQ page at CDC.gov.
For more details, see COVID-19 Information for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
US Embassy in 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: “ABACO UPDATE” plus 1 more
ABACO UPDATE Posted: 13 Jan 2021 02:16 PM PST ABACOS UPDATE Here are some responses we got back from a query to update you on what is going on in the Abacos. PLEASE SEND US ANY FIRST-HAND INFORMATION YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH FELLOW CRUISERS. GREEN TURTLE CAY: Many repairs going on in Abaco. Green Turtle Cay is doing well all things considered. You can purchase diesel and unleaded gasoline at Green Turtle Club Marina or at Sunset Marine both on Green Turtle Cay Bluff House Marina 242-824-6231(cell) and restaurant and pool were destroyed but are currently being rebuilt. Beach Bar restaurant (Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar) will be open by the 1st of March, rooms and villas are projected to be available for rent by the 1st of May (maybe a few of the villas in advance of that date. Email frontdesk@bluffhouse.com Many restaurants and bars and stores are open, freight boats arriving several times a week bringing in building materials for businesses and home owners that are fixing their homes for rental. Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina is open. Regarding COVID: Keep checking the Bahamas.com website for updates. There is no quarantining currently unless you test positive while here. We have had no confirmed cases on Green Turtle Cay. We are a port of entry; cruisers should call to arrange clearing and regarding the 5 day Rapid antigen test if staying more than 4 nights. Call Green Turtle Club for more information. From Bluff House: We thank all of the Cruisers that have helped people on Green Turtle Cay since Hurricane Dorian and want them to know how hard we are working to be able to welcome them back and are in fact welcoming guests back on Green Turtle Cay already. There are volunteers on the island and volunteers from the island that are currently helping to rebuild homes and to provide drinking water, etc. Things are being built back better than ever. Most people are either back in their homes or close to being back after 18 months of living in other people’s homes. GUANA CAY: Orchid Bay Marina is presently open from Monday – Saturday from 7:00 – 1:00 pm for fuel and boats coming in. Our restaurant is not open at this time. We have gas, diesel, ice, electricity, water and gift shop items. Orchid Bay’s land line 242-365-5175 is working. Grocery store is rebuilding on the front street. The original Guana Harbour grocery is not reopening. Grabbers Bar and Restaurant has reopened; Mama’s Takeaway has reopened; Guana Lumber and dive Guana too. At present, a negative COVID test is required upon entering the Bahamas. After being here 5 days you must have the rapid test done. They apparently have done away with the quarantine. It appears that the cases in Abaco have decreased. LITTLE HARBOUR, ABACO: At Pete’s Pub & Gallery, the Johnstons are overjoyed to be able to welcome everyone back. Please don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns. They hope to see you soon. |
Inside Report on COVID Posted: 13 Jan 2021 12:58 PM PST From a cruiser in Spanish Wells, we had this up-to-date report on real-time experience: Generally, Store owners are requiring people to wear masks inside their businesses. Yachtsmen are cooperating with wearing masks in public. “With the Bahamas policy we feel pretty sure that most newly arrived cruisers are negative (especially after the second test) but most cruisers are not socializing with each other.” The concern among the cruising community is being careful not to get COVID from the locals. Two private clinics in Spanish Wells Eagles Landing on Main Street (fee for testing) Bahamas Wellness Eagles Landing on Main Street 242-333-4869 or 242-359-7555 M-F ******* Sat/Sun appt only 242-819-1167 ________________________ Free private clinic Bonnie Symonette 242-422-9952 |
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: Bahamian Covid
Bahamian Covid Posted: 04 Jan 2021 05:06 AM PST Just talked to a captain returning from a Christmas/New Years trip to the Bahamas. |
Since you have to COVID free to receive the shots I would hope they would accept us.
I have been following the continuously changing policies for entry into the Bahamas. My wife and I just got our first of two vaccines for Covid (we got Moderna). Is anyone hearing that proof of vaccination may in the future suffice for entry into the Bahamas?
Bahamas Petroleum Company has started drilling for oil just 150 miles off Florida’s coast, prompting a dire warning from members of Congress.
Oil drilling near Florida coast
SunSentinel
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: “Oil exploration to begin in the Santaran Channel” plus 1 more
Oil exploration to begin in the Santaran Channel Posted: 19 Dec 2020 07:46 AM PST |
New road and foot bridge on Long Island Posted: 19 Dec 2020 07:36 AM PST Prime Minister Minnis opened a new paved road to the Cape Santa Maria Monument and a foot bridge to Newton Cay on the north end of Long Island. See news article https://ewnews.com/pm-opens- |
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: “News from Recent Survey” plus 1 more
News from Recent Survey Posted: 15 Dec 2020 07:28 AM PST In our December 15 survey of various Bahamas marinas for Fuel and Dockage Updates, we discovered a new trend among several Bahamas marinas. With more and more large yachts coming to The Bahamas, it is evident that they are being favored over smaller cruising boats. Here are some of our findings: Increased tie-up fees to stop and clear Customs–Cat Cay Yacht Club $500. Added fees to go ashore and walk about–Chub Cay Club $59 weekdays and $95 weekends per person. Extra fee to get fuel–Lyford Cay $1/ft. Members Only–Albany Marina, Chub Cay Club. Lyford Cay provides transient dockage with a written sponsorship from a member. Refusing to give dockage rates on phone—Browns Marina, Bimini. Some good news to share: The folks at Harbour View Marina n Marsh Harbour are working hard to rebuild after Hurricane Dorian and are targeting a spring 2021 reopening. Marsh Harbour Marina and Hope Town Marina are also working on rebuilding to reopen as soon as possible. A note on fuel availability: Stella Maris Marina has some small amounts of fuel available onsite but can call a delivery truck for larger quantities. We love it when you share what you see as you cruise The Bahamas. Feel free to post any news you find as you travel! |
Abaco bound “hubs” Posted: 15 Dec 2020 04:43 AM PST Planning to sail from Miami to the Abacos this week probably anchoring at Great Sale or beyond.. Where is the most user friendly port to ”clear in”in the ”Hub” area, between there and Hopetown. Will probably arrive over the weekend….are there any facilities open over the weekend (as there used to be in Marsh Harbor)? |
The Bahamas government has entered into an official agreement with the United States for search and rescue missions. Our thanks to Greg Allard for this article.
Govt signs contract with US for search and rescue operations
Eye Witness News
Whether you’ve found yourself in Florida after a trip down the ICW or you call the Sunshine State your home, when you’re boating in Florida, the Bahamas beckons. A great article from our friends at DOCKWA.
Crossing the Gulf Stream: How to Boat from Florida to The Bahamas by Adrian Mott
blog.dockwa.com
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 COVID Exuma
Posted: 13 Nov 2020 06:46 AM PST
PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT ON EXUMA: INTRODUCED MEASURES TO REDUCE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN EXUMA Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the following restrictive measures for Exuma, effective Thursday, November 12:
1. There will be a 24-hour weekend curfew from 6pm Friday until 5am Mondays; businesses will not be allowed to operate during this time;
2. Weekday curfew will be from 6pm to 5am;
3. Commercial activity can continue through the week can continue save for fish frys, bars, and restaurants connected to bars;
4. Funerals are allowed at the graveside only and can have 10 people excluding the officiant; the same number of people is applicable to weddings – there will also be no repasts or receptions;
5. Church services are to be held virtually;6. Schools must be held virtually;
7. Effective tomorrow, domestic travel by air or sea is prohibited into and out of Exuma except in the case of emergency;
8. Anyone travelling from Exuma to any other island, must have a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test;
9. No public or social gatherings are allowed.Dr. Minnis said these measures do not apply to the Exuma Cays.“I know this is short notice but this is essential after seeing what has happened on several past occasions,” he said.
The prime minister further explained that Exuma has recorded over 30 new cases in the past week.There are 79 positive cases from the island of Exuma – 28 are active, two are hospitalized and there has been one COVID-19 related death, according to Dr. Minnis. The prime minister also announced that the number of health care professionals on the island have been “boosted.”
“The measures on New Providence and Abaco have helped to decrease the spread of the virus on these islands,” the prime minister said earlier. “I assure you that we can continue to make progress if we continue to work together and wear our masks and avoid large gatherings.”He also said all positive cases are in isolation in Eleuthera and all contacts are being monitored.
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: “New 9th edition Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas” plus 1 more
New 9th edition Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas Posted: 02 Nov 2020 08:09 AM PST NEW 9TH EDITION EXPLORER CHARTBOOK NEAR BAHAMAS Lewis Offshore Ltd. is announcing the publication of the latest edition in the Explorer stable of chartbooks for the Bahamas: The EXPLORER CHARTBOOK NEAR BAHAMAS 9TH EDITION, which covers Biminis, Berrys, Abacos, Grand Bahamas, Andros and New Providence. There are 80 charts in the new book. All charts have been updated with variation on compass roses for 2020, plus much new hydrographic data. This revision includes four brand new charts:
Also, you will find the most recent Post-Dorian updates on the Abacos and Grand Bahama facilities and services. All Need-to-Know Info for each community has been updated, including many new cell phone numbers for local businesses. Land lines are still down in many areas hit by Hurricane Dorian. Tide Tables are updated for 2021-2022. The Table of Marinas (spreadsheet of current status of marinas) has been revised as well. Our new Print on Demand protocol will allow us to make more frequent changes in the future. ORDER ONLINE AT www.explorercharts.com. |
Latest on Bahamas Entry Posted: 01 Nov 2020 04:30 PM PST The Islands of The Bahamas are currently open and looking forward to welcoming visitors from all countries. There are no restrictions on commercial international travel from any jurisdiction, nor are there restrictions on private planes or boats. It is recommended that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdates Those who booked travel under the former protocols that required an RT PCR test taken seven (7) days prior to travel will be permitted to enter The Bahamas with their Bahamas Health Travel Visa and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, through November 6, 2020 only. Travellers planning to visit The Bahamas should also be prepared to:
Frequently Asked Questions as of 10.31.20 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: TESTING, INSURANCE AND HEALTH VISA PRE-TRAVEL TESTING: Is a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test required to enter The Bahamas?
Is this also true for domestic inter-island travellers?
Where can I get a COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test prior to travel?
Can I use my Antigen or Antibody Test to enter the Country?
COVID HEALTH INSURANCE Does The Bahamas require separate COVID Health Insurance?
What is included as part of the COVID Health Insurance?
How much does the COVID Health Insurance cost?
HEALTH VISA Who needs to complete an electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Is a Health Visa required for domestic inter-island travellers?
Is there a fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
How do I upload my COVID-19 RT-PCR test results to my electronic Travel Health Visa?
When will I receive a response about my Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Is a print version of my electronic Travel Health Visa required?
What if I do not complete the electronic Travel Health Visa application form?
How long are Health Visas valid for? Will visitors and residents be required to get a new Health Visa each time they travel?
POTENTIAL FOR CHANGES TO REQUIREMENTS What is the plan for the tourism industry should The Bahamas see a dramatic rise in cases?
Will persons wishing to travel from an island with a higher number of cases be permitted to enter an island with a low number of cases?
ARRIVAL PROCESS: TESTING PROCEDURES (AS OF NOVEMBER 1) INSURANCE, CONTACT TRACING AND RAPID ANTIBODY TESTS (NOV 14 AND LATER) Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?
What are the updated travel and entry protocols?
· Prior to Travel: o COVID-19 RT-PCR Test: All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival. The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result. · Children age ten (10) and under, as well as pilots and crew of commercial airlines, who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test. o Travel Health Visa: Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, all travellers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded. · Beginning November 14, all visitors will be required to opt in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Visa. o The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas. · A fee for the visa will be dependent on length of stay (ranging from $40-60 USD) and includes expenses for COVID Health Insurance and rapid antigen testing as appropriate. o Children age ten (10) and under will be covered at no extra charge and are exempt from taking a rapid antigen test. (more on visa pricing above) · Upon Arrival o Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable): all persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test. · All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test. · The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email. · Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests. · All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website. · All other visitors, returning residents and citizens – those staying or returning to private residences or rental properties such as Airbnb – will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website. o Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms upon arrival or at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation. · If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test. Who has to take a rapid antigen test?
Where can I make arrangements to take a rapid test if I’m staying longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days?
How much does the rapid test cost?
How long until rapid test results are ready?
What if I have a positive result on my rapid antigen test?
How will the Ministry combat the risk of asymptomatic persons?
ON ISLAND EXPERIENCE: TOURISM PROTOCOLS Restaurants, Businesses and Attractions Are on-island businesses, restaurants and attractions operating normally?
What are the requirements for travellers who are staying on an island that has curfew or lockdown measures in place?
What is the status of beaches?
When do I have to wear a face mask?
Do I have to wear a face mask at the beach?
What if I don’t wear a face mask?
What is the “Clean & Pristine” Certification?
What are the safety measures in place for front line staff and those that work in the tourism industry at all points of entry?
What does this mean for Taxis and Independent Cars?
What does this mean for Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rentals?
What does this mean for Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services?
What does this mean for Excursions, Tours, Local Attractions and Shopping?
What does this mean for Vessel and Ferry Operations?
Check for updates at: file:///C:/Users/Basil/ |
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, is excited to be welcoming guests as coronavirus restrictions are eased. With commercial airlines limiting and cancelling flights regularly, Makers Air is continuing to schedule flights with every safety precaution in mind. 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.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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: Report of cruise ships damaging the seabed near the Berry Islands
Report of cruise ships damaging the seabed near the Berry Islands Posted: 08 Sep 2020 12:33 PM PDT The COVID-19 pandemic has forced shutdown of active cruise ships operations in the Bahamas and cruise ships have been allowed to shelter in Bahamian waters. According to a report from the director of the Bahamas National Trust, fishermen in the Berry Islands have reported significant damage to the seafloor from cruise ships’ anchors and chains dragging across the seabed. Two miles west of Little Stirrup Cay, a private cruise port (AKA Coco Cay), it’s reported there are 15-18 cruise ships anchored two to three miles apart. The fishermen have said, the anchors are sometimes dragging along the seafloor as ships fail to properly anchor or have to be repositioned. On Sunday a dive team found “significant damage” to the marine environment allegedly caused by ship anchors.“The anchors are totally destroying the fishing grounds, and dragging through the coral. The chains are dragging coral and mountains of sand, ripping up the shoals and bars, totally devastating the fishing area. It looks like someone was driving a bulldozer across the seafloor,” the report alleged. A team is urgently putting together a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the damage and quantify the value of the damage and the potential remediation costs. The report stressed that all vessels sheltering in Bahamian waters are “obliged to anchor, operate and navigate in a safe manner and in all respects compliant with all local laws and regulations, including safety and environmental regulations.”It added: “This extends to discharges of any kind, to the avoidance of any protected or restricted areas, and to the avoidance of damages to any sensitive commercial and environmental resources including reefs.” Divers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of the Environment have been ordered to carry out further anchorage site assessments between the Berry Islands and Bimini. Editors note: Most cruise ships should be able to use Dynamic Positioning to maintain a fixed position providing it is properly manned. |
Be the first to comment!