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Small Yachts

The Bahamas Maritime Authority is pleased to introduce The Bahamas Small Yacht Code (BSYC), to advise and aid the registration of small yachts under The Bahamas flag.

Small Charter Yachts (SCY)

For guidance on the technical standards, statutory, classification requirements and registration process for charter (commercial) yachts of 12 metres (approximately 39 feet 4 inches) but less than 24 metres (approximately 78 feet 8 inches) in load line length (‘Small Charter Yachts’ or ‘SCY’) , the yacht owner, agents, or managers shall always refer to:

And when yachting in The Bahamas:

Small Private Yachts (SPY)

For guidance on the technical standards, statutory, classification requirements and registration process for private (non-commercial) yachts of 12 metres (approximately 39 feet 4 inches) but less than 24 metres (approximately 78 feet 8 inches) in load line length (‘Small Private Yachts’ or ‘SPY’) , the yacht owner, agents, or managers shall always refer to:

And when yachting in The Bahamas:

Small Private Yachts Restricted Charter (SPYRC)

SPY’s are also permitted to engage in restricted chartering for a maximum of 84 days per calendar year provided that they:

i. carry no more than 12 passengers or social guests; and

ii. are restricted to operating in forecast or actual wind of a maximum Beaufort Force 4, for a motor yacht, and Beaufort Force 6 for a sailing yacht; and

iii. remain within 60 nautical miles of a safe haven*.

*The BMA may permit operation on specific routes up to 90 nautical miles from a safe haven as appropriate.

For more information the yacht owner, agents, or managers shall refer to:

SPY’s must meet the minimum requirements of YN003, unless otherwise required by Bahamas Small Yacht Code (BSYC) or YN007.