Licenses, Permits & Compliance
Licenses, permits, and compliance (US/Canada/Bahamas)
- VHF / Radio: For Canada, review operator certificate requirements (ROC-M) and ship station licensing where applicable. Canadian training/exam info: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. US resources: FCC maritime radio guidance.
- Pets to Canada: Dog/cat entry rules (rabies certificates, paperwork timing) can change. Check: CFIA pet import rules.
- Boat registration / documentation: Keep vessel registration/documentation current; validate any helm/operator requirements in each jurisdiction.
- Drones: US commercial ops generally require FAA Part 107; recreational users need TRUST certificate. See: FAA UAS. Canada drone rules: Transport Canada. Bahamas rules: verify latest CAA Bahamas requirements before flying.
- Boater safety card: Requirements vary by state/age and change over time. Check state-by-state maps at BoatUS Foundation and relevant state agencies.
- Fishing licenses: Required in most jurisdictions; permits differ by state/province/waters. Always buy for current waters and species before fishing.
- Bahamas entry fees/customs: Verify cruising permit, fishing permit, and entry fee schedule with official Bahamas customs/immigration sources before departure.
- Alcohol & border rules: Allowances and duty-free limits for alcohol/tobacco vary by country and can change. Confirm with CBSA (Canada) and Bahamas customs before crossing.
Important: Please verify all information directly with official agencies/manufacturers before relying on it. Rules, fees, and limits change, and mistakes can occur during research.
Important verification notice
Please verify all boat data, routes, bridge clearances, lock details, and waypoints before use. Mistakes can happen and information can become outdated. Always use current official charts, Notices to Mariners, and up-to-date navigation sources. If you find broken, outdated, or incorrect links/data, please report them so we can fix them.