BoatUS Urges Bahamas-Bound Boaters to Protest
200% Crusiing Fee Increase
The Boat Owners Association of The United States is urging all Bahamas
bound cruisers to join an E-mail campaign to protest the country’s
sharp increase in its cruising permit fees. As of July 1, 2003, recreational
vessels 35-feet and larger will now pay $300 per entry, a 200% increase
over the previous $100 fee. Vessels less than 35-feet – which
previously paid $100 – will now have to pay $150. The fee was
originally scheduled to increase on January 1, 2004, but the Bahamian
government abruptly moved the date forward six months.
All emails
should be directed to the Bahamian Comptroller of Customs, Mr. John
Rolle at cofrolle@batelnet.bs.
BoatUS is asking boaters to send a copy to GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com.
BoatUS
President Jim Ellis, who recently returned from a Bahama cruise aboard
his 42-foot motor vessel said, “A reasonable increase might be
warranted if the Bahamian government could show some tangible benefits.
But the steep increase, as well as the way it was implemented raises
a great deal of concern.”
The Bahamian
government claims that increased port security costs, as well as anti-poaching
and environmental measures targeted to the boating community warrant
the increase.
BoatUS –
Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s
leading advocate for recreational boaters and provides its 540,000 members
with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine
insurance program that provides over $7 billion in hull coverage; the
largest fleet of more than 400 towing assistance vessels; discounts
on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 700 marinas; boat financing; and
a subscription to BoatUS Magazine, the most widely read boating
publication in the U.S. For membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com
or call 800-395-2628.
