stop to fuel up without customs

[chuckg5]

would someone know - if we were to head down to the virgin islands an pass thru the bahamas bank from florida and needed some more diesel fuel - could we possibly stop in lets say Great anagua (southern most island) to get fuel without paying the 300 dollar entrance fee?

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by chuckg5

would someone know - if we were to head down to the virgin islands an pass thru the bahamas bank from florida and needed some more diesel fuel - could we possibly stop in lets say Great anagua (southern most island) to get fuel without paying the 300 dollar entrance fee?

My guess is no. You cannot approach another vessel, anchor, or dock without clearing customs and immigration, unless you can claim force majeur.

[chuckg5]

thanks, Jack
darn it

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by chuckg5

thanks, Jack
darn it

I would verify that with the appropriate authorities.

[ArcherBowman]

Hmmm. That's interesting. I never considered that you'd have to clear in just to hit the fuel dock. Just never crossed my mind.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by ArcherBowman

Hmmm. That's interesting. I never considered that you'd have to clear in just to hit the fuel dock. Just never crossed my mind.

How would DHS respond to a vessel doing that?

[ArcherBowman]

Don't get me started on DHS. But yeah - I see the point. The picture in my head, though, was pulling off the highway for fuel. Just didn't see it that way.

Originally Posted by jackdale

How would DHS respond to a vessel doing that?

[Minnewaska]

I wouldn't risk it, but somehow doubt the fuel dock is going to ask for your papers. I've flown all over the Bahamian out islands. Once we've cleared in at a port of entry and received our cruising permit, the only time we've ever needed to show it again is if there is actually customs at the out island airport we're visiting. If no customs, then we walk in and out without question. I would only assume that if i landed the plane to refuel where there was no customs and went on my way, no one would stop me. (I'm not tempted)

By the way, the fees for a private aircraft are only 10 or 15 dollars per person anyway. Don't ask me why the difference to boating.

I've never fueled the boat there. And, as I think about it, most places that I've taken on fuel for the aircraft have had customs on the field. Maybe that's intentional. Even if you did get in and out, there would most likely be a record of you being there. For the aircraft, you have a unique registration number on the side and its always on the receipt. Though it's a bit tougher to uniquely identify and track down the owner of a boat without the hull number, which can't be seen. I've never given the Bahamian government much credit for being organized, but would hate the get a letter with a fine that effectively prevented me from returning without paying up.

[svzephyr44]

You have, as I see it, several issues:
What you want to do is controlled by the "Law of the Sea" treaty which defines the right to innocent passage. It, among other things, defines what you can do in the territorial sea(s) of other nations.
Problems:
1. Not all nations have signed the Law of the Sea treaty, for example the US. That means that you are subject to the local laws which have not been "regularized" by the treaty.
2. Although the US, for example, says it "follows" the Law of the Sea Treaty that actually means it picks and chooses what parts it wants to follow.
3. You could take on fuel as part of the "safe operation of the vessel" criteria but that is open to interpretation.
4. You could take on fuel and hope you are not noticed.

Notes:
1. Your "right to innocent passage" is just that - passage. Passage does not include island hopping and anchoring out each night. You could argue that you were at anchor for the safety and security of the vessel but doing that on a sunny day while taking a swim is unlikely to impress.
2. You may not be as "invisible" as you think. For example, the Belize Coast Guard monitors AIS transmissions. They may also monitor VHF transmissions. I know that when I checked in they knew I was coming and were looking for me.

Ultimately unless you want to risk time in jail and time in court you need to remember that it comes down to the local law enforcement person who discovers you are there. Some might say - get fuel - have a nice day - and some might impound your boat and put you in jail. Only you can decide if you want to roll the dice.

[JonEisberg]

Originally Posted by chuckg5

would someone know - if we were to head down to the virgin islands an pass thru the bahamas bank from florida and needed some more diesel fuel - could we possibly stop in lets say Great anagua (southern most island) to get fuel without paying the 300 dollar entrance fee?

If I were gonna try that, I'd plan the stop for Rum Cay... It's not an official port of entry, but is often the first landfall in the Bahamas for boats heading back from the islands. There's very little likelihood they're gonna ask to see your cruising permit before selling you some fuel...

If you're not planning to cruise/explore the Bahamas, however, a straight shot offshore out the NE Providence Channel on the heels of a cold front is the better approach than The Thorny Path down island, IMHO...