A license is not typically required to sail a vessel in the Bahamas, as long as the vessel is registered and in compliance with all necessary safety and navigation regulations. However, certain types of vessels and operations may require specific certifications or licenses.
For example:
A captain or skipper operating a commercial vessel, such as a charter boat, may be required to have a Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) or other professional certification.
A vessel equipped with a radio communication device, such as a VHF radio or AIS transponder, will need a radio station license and a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.
Vessels over a certain length and/or carrying a certain number of passengers may be required to have a Passenger Vessel Safety Certificate.
For commercial vessels, there are several different types of licenses depending on the type of operation, such as a fishing vessel license, a cargo vessel license, and a passenger vessel license.
Frequently Asked Questions