When a person first import the boat into the Bahamas, he (she) will have to pay import duty according to the applicable rate, which depends from the size of vessel. It is better to use the services of a customs broker to make sure this is done correctly. The vessel will then have to be registered in The Bahamas, which is the responsibility of the Port Department (located at Prince George Wharf in Nassau).
Registration of the Vessel
All yachts over 24 meters in length are required to be classified with the Bahamas Maritime Authority recognized organizations. Failure to maintain class will result in the vessel being eliminated from the register.
All yachts are required to carry and provide certain predefined certification, which signifies compliance with relevant international conventions. This will require the yacht to fulfill different safety and operational demands (technical requirements).
All recognized organizations are authorized to inspect plans, perform surveys and issue certification on behalf of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The RO may only certify vessels that are constructed to the standards of the International Association of Classification Societies - IACS.
Application for Registration
The requirements and methods of the registration of a yacht in the country are usually the same as for any other type of vessel, but sometimes specific additional requirements are applicable. Proprietors and their representatives should be familiar with requirements for registration (they can contact the BMA or visit their web site, which is www.bahamasmaritime.com.
Yachts that are older than 20 years are not usually eligible for registration in The Bahamas.
All yachts are to be reviewed by the Technical Department of the BMA for their compliance with the technical norms before they are permanently registered (irrespective of age). If any deficiencies are identified during the examination, proprietors will be informed and be requested to repair them before registration is be granted.
Non-commercial yachts will be issued with a Certificate of Registry that is valid for 1 year and renewable annually at the end of each calendar year.
Technical Requirements
The annual inspection happens within the period from 3 months before to 3 months after the anniversary date, which is determined adding three months to the first date of provisional registration. For vessels already registered in The Bahamas that have not to date been subject to annual Bahamas inspections, the anniversary date will be 1 January. Non-commercial yachts over 24 metres in load line length don’t have to undergo an annual Bahamas inspection. However, the annual re-issue of the Certificate of Registry is conditional upon the proprietor supplying to the BMA a copy of valid class and statutory certificates for the boat, confirming that surveys for their maintenance happened. | 
