Boats and moorings required to be registered now

THURSDAY, JULY 26: The Department of Marine and Ports today reminded the public that all boats and moorings are now required to be registered for the 2012/2013 period and that the registration decals provided should be affixed to vessels and mooring buoys.   Mariners are further reminded that boats need to have their official registration numbers displayed on the port and starboard bow. 

While public feedback was overwhelmingly positive in relation to the change in law delaying the re-registration date from March 31st to May 31st both Police and Marine & Ports technical officers have seen a high percentage of moorings and boats still without their decals – an offence punishable by ticketing or an appearance before the courts.  The Department will also, in the next few weeks, begin to remove and dispose of moorings not properly registered or having a current decal attached to the mooring buoy. 

Specific to port security, local boaters are also being cautioned not to approach ships berthed in port too closely.  Boats underway in the vicinity of the Hamilton Cargo Docks are required by law to keep a minimum of 20 meters clear of that dock face at all times, while boats transiting past ships berthed alongside are required under local and international security rules to keep a minimum of 50 meters distant.  Boat operators may similarly find themselves brought before the courts when the distances associated with seaport security restricted areas are violated. 

Tour boats needing to enter the 50 meter exclusion zone around a cruise ship that may be berthed in port should apply to the Director of Marine & Ports for an exemption.  See the web site www.marineandports.bm for further information.