A Sport Fishing Permit is a licence granted to authorize foreign-owned vessels to be engaged in sport fishing exercises while in Bahamian waters. Current regulations state that both Customs and Immigration formalities must be completed before the licence can be issued. Permits can be obtained from the Bahamian Customs Officer at the time of entry or from the Department of Marine Resources after entry.

Eligibility

There are no eligibility criteria for this service.

Process

At the time of entry into the Bahamas.

1. Complete the elevant application form.
2. Submit completed application form, along with the required supporting documents, to the Bahamian Customs Officer.
3. Pay the required fee.
4. Permit will then be issued to applicant.

From the Department of Marine Resources

1. Complete the relevant application form.
2. Submit completed application form, along with the required supporting documents, to the Department of Marine Resources.
3. Pay the required fee.
4. Permit will then be issued to the applicant.

Note: The duration of the permit is determined by the applicant. A permit can either be issued on a “per trip basis” or an “annual basis”

This service can be accessed at the following locations:

Ports of Entry throughout The Bahamas
Or
Department of Marine Resources
East Bay Street, P.O. Box N-3028, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 393-1777
Fax. (242) 393-0238
E-mail: fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
And

Application Form(s)

Application for A Permit to Engage in Foreign Fishing for Sporting Purposes

Supporting Documents

1. Completed application form.
2. Customs Clearance documents.

Turn-around time

One hour

Deadline

The duration of the permit is determined by the applicant. A Permit can either be issued on a “per trip basis” or an “annual basis”

Related Fee(s)

• BS$20.00 per trip or BS$150.00 annually 
• BS$0.20 per foot for foreign owned vessels registered within The Bahamas.
• BS$10,000 annual fee for vessels that will use more than 6 reels ( party or foreign owned charter fishing vessels)