First Bahamas Trip Questions

[UGAflyer]

I am going to the Bahamas for the first time next month. We will be hopping across from Ft. Pierce(FPR) going to Freeport...long trip. I know we need like 3 copies of a C7A form(i think that's it). Do we need to have those filled out or anything for that matter filled out before we get there? Also, since we will stop in FPR, will they help us get things together for going into Bahamas or are they too busy? I know we need life jackets as well. Any help or advice from someone more experienced than I would be appreciated.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

Going to the bahamas is the easy part. Getting back home without problems is the trick!!!

Go to flying.bahamas.com They have some good info and a checklist for both inbound and outbound. Also don't forget to get, or at least have applied for your customs sticker. Customs will take the printed receipt for payment as proof that the sticker has been purchased. It normally takes a few weeks for the sticker to arrive, just make sure you have the documentation that you applied and paid.

Life jackets can be rented for trips from several sources, we are equipped with them already so I do not have a source handy, an internet search will probably find what you need.

The Bahamas custom folks are pretty good, C-7 and C7-a can be obtained from them if you cannot find it prior to the trip, but they are avaliable on the web. If you are going to island hop you will need a "cruising permit" I think they call it, info on this is also avaliable on the web site I listed.

Be sure to have your bases covered for the US customs coming back in, most of the snags I see people hit involve US customs and not the Bahamas.


EDIT: Customs sticker is avaliable online at the US customs website.

 

[cvsfly]

Do you need to go to Freeport? The Abacos are a better Bahamas experience IMHO. We were in Freeport in early Dec. The hurricanes this season did a number on FPO. The General Aviation facility was closed down for damage. If they arn't back in operation you have to park in front of the commercial terminal customs facility. (no marshalers and grnd won't volunteer parking instructions) Then we had to reposition over to general aviation parking and flag down a fuel truck - thats their office. I think they will take credit cards. It helps having the forms filled out ahead of time. You will need the 3 copies of the inbound Gen Dec (C7), an arrival report (get the form there) and fill out Bahama immigration cards (also available there). Pay landing fees and customs fees if it is overtime (holidays and weekends or after 1630 lcl) If you island hop you will need a Cruise Permit (C7A). Outbound submit 2 or 3 Gen Decs (3rd one if you want a copy for your self), surrender immigration cards and pay departure tax ($15/pp)(customs overtime if applicable). You will also need to submit a flight plan form to tower (there is desk in the back of the immigration/baggage hall), but you should also have a flight plan on file with MIA IFSS. KFPR for AOE on return should be fine (they had damage, too, but should be back on normal hours). They were not taking any non-US passengers. Be sure to ADCUS - preferrably by phone to FPR. Go IFR if at all possible. On US arrival you will submit US arrival report and individual customs declarations. They prefer that you have your yearly ($25) customs user fee decal already, but may allow you to purchase it their...................

 

[UGAflyer]

Thanks a lot guys.

 

[surfnole]

I haven't flown to Bahamas since 9/11, mainly because I don't fly anymore. It sounds like a real pain in the a** now.

The Fort Pierce FBOs should be able to rent you life jackets. Get a raft too. It will make you much easier to see and keep you out of the cool water. If you plan on making the trip often, you might even consider a portable marine Epirb (sp?). It will quickly help the Coast Guard find you.

What an awesome trip though! Less than 30 minutes offshore and an entire world away. Freeport is probably one of the worst places to visit in the Bahamas, unless you like gambling etc. Out islands are so much nicer. Abaco, Eleuthra, Walkers Key. I've heard even better things about the way out islands such as the Exumas.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[sky37d]

Going to the bahamas is the easy part. Getting back home without problems is the trick!!!

Be sure to have your bases covered for the US customs coming back in, most of the snags I see people hit involve US customs and not the Bahamas.


EDIT: Customs sticker is avaliable online at the US customs website.

I can comment with validity for sure.
1. CALL CUSTOMS. Personally, get the name of the person you talked to. Just filing IFR with notify customs doesn't work, not guaranteed.
2. IF YOU DON'T CALL CUSTOMS, and they say, hey we got no notice, be prepared for up to $10,000, forfeiture of the airplane. They don't mess around.

Personal note. I filed IFR, from MYAT to FLL, notify customs. Landed just fine, got a written warning. No fine. I was lucky. AOPA attorney I know says I was lucky. FINE is not appealable.

 

[UGAflyer]

Yeah I would rather go to the out islands and probably will this summer, this is just a trip with about 8 of us and they wanted it to be close since it is just for the weekend, and I like gambling so it's not all bad. Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate the tips.

 

[avpro91]

UGA- Was just down in Freeport between xmas and new years. some advice......DONT GO THERE!! if you don't have to...but since you are, heres what i experienced. The FBO is pretty much non existant....there are some mobile trailers (gray) that house flight service and customs....however, you can only file a local flight plan with them....international flight plans will need to go to MIA FSS. One problem...currently there is no phone on the field to do this...so..call MIA on the RCO at Freeport there...it is listed on the low enroute chart. Also, bring lots of cash..customs doesnt take credit cards..and the overtime fees are stiff. Get there and leave during the day...the only way to fly at night down there is to be on a ifr flight plan..and you can only land and depart form freeport, nassau, and one of the exhumas i think..and you need atleast a vfr flight plan to depart FPO anyway day or night...this needs to be filed atleast one hour prior to departure or you will have some major delays. Have 3 copies of the gen dec filled out when you get there if you can and dont forget to ask for a cruising permit..just tell the customs guy what you are going to be doing and he will let you know what you need. If you can go to Nassau, it is much better, Millionair is there and is sooooo much easier to deal with. As stated above, the hurricanes wioed out a good but of the island along with the FBO...you have to flag down the fuel truck or the van for service. Also..you want to stay at the Sheraton or westin resorts...they are by the beach, and is the only casino in operation right now I believe....all others were closed due to the hurrucanes. Food is expensive and nothing any better that you can get in the states. We stayed at the best western close to down town and international bazaar...wasnt the best..not on the beach...a taxi will run you about 5- 20 dollars dependin on wher eyou are going. The good news though, the public buses are great and tourist friendly. Just find a bus stop..not hard...and its a dollar each time you ride...best way to get around the island in my opinion. Coming back to the us, make sure you call customs and give them atleast a 1 hour notice prior to arrival. If not they will fine you $5000...i think you can put this in the remarks section of your flight plan and that will surfice. If you are part 135 inbound, make sure you file APIS (advance passenger information system) faa.gov! that is also a $5000 fine if you dont. if part 91 dont forget to get your decal. Other than that inbound is easy, just dont bring anything illegal back with you. Also faa.gov has some good links to the international far/aim and customs for some more info.

 

[sky37d]

Coming back to the us, make sure you call customs and give them atleast a 1 hour notice prior to arrival. If not they will fine you $5000...i think you can put this in the remarks section of your flight plan and that will surfice. If you are part 135 inbound, make sure you file APIS (advance passenger information system) faa.gov! that is also a $5000 fine if you dont. if part 91 dont forget to get your decal. Other than that inbound is easy, just dont bring anything illegal back with you. Also faa.gov has some good links to the international far/aim and customs for some more info.

WRONG!! Putting it in the remarks section does not relieve you of the responsibility of PERSONALLY notifying customs. Give them your arrival time, +-15 minutes, with at least 1 hour advance notice. Oh, and make your arrival time. Also, the fine is $10,000 for the pilot. They take cash, only.

One other thing, most cell phones, US, do not work in the Bahamas.

 

[surfnole]

If you don't want to go far, try Walker's Key. Nothing there though but an airstrip, hotel and marina. It would be a good place if you like fishing and diving. They also have the shark rodeo where you dive and they throw a frozen ball of chum in the water. You get to watch the feeding frenzy...not sure I would want to do it.