Expert: Michael - 1/7/2005

Question
Is it true that a person has to request entry to bermuda one year in advance to visit Bermuda by private yacht?

Is there a definitive source of information for visiting Bermuda by private yacht (from the US)?

Answer
Dear Craig,
St. George is the port of entry for all visiting yachts, and all yacht captains and passengers must clear customs and immigrations before traveling about the island by land or sea.  If you are in doubt about regulations or are unfamiliar with entering St. George's Harbor after dark, lie off until sunup.  Once in St. George;s harbor you'll find a clearing facility located on Ordinance Island near the replica of the Deliverance.

A valid passport is essential for all visiting yacht passenger who are not from the US.  Citizens of the US just need a photo I.D.  If you intend to visit for more than a week and live onboard your boat health regulations must be complied with, and the Department of Marine and Ports, 441.295.6575 should be notified.  If you bring along your dog or cat among your shipboard companions, a general health certificate issued from a licenced veterinarian no more than ten days prior to travel is required.  Animals without these docs will be refused entry.

Bermuda Harbor Radio must be contacted on your appraoch and given an ETA. A continuous listening watch is kept on 2182Khz USB and on marine VHF Chanel 16 which is the harbor distress channel and should not be used nles contacting Harbor Radio or another vessel. Once initial contact is made with another vessel, change to another working frequencyor indicated channel.  Chanels 10 and 11 are reserved for government tenders, tugs and branch pilots.

Bermuda Harbour Radio and Rescue Coordinating Center can help with matters elating to customs, health, immigration and berthing.

AT THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION YOU MAY EMAIL:  maradros@gov.bm

BTW, St. George is beautiful.

Regards,
Michael