Bermuda
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===Local Radio Nets=== | ===Local Radio Nets=== | ||
- | + | All vessels approaching or departing Bermuda should contact Bermuda Radio. Besides the processing of vessels through customs and immigration, detailed information on all private vessels calling at Bermuda are kept on file in the interest of safety and such detailed information is used to good effect in the event that the vessel gets into difficulty or is reported overdue. | |
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+ | The Maritime Operations Centre maintains a 24 hour distress watch on the international distress frequencies of 2182 kHz, 4125kHz and VHF Channel 16 as well as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Digital Selective Call (DSC) distress frequencies of 2187.5 kHz and VHF Channel 70. NAVTEX broadcasts are also undertaken on frequency 518 kHz with NAVTEX messages typically being received out to at least 300 miles of Bermuda. Notices to Mariners, Local Navigational Warnings, Atlantic and Bermuda marine weather forecasts are all broadcast around the clock. | ||
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+ | '''Cruisers' Nets''' | ||
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===Arrival/Departure procedures=== | ===Arrival/Departure procedures=== |
Revision as of 09:07, 17 February 2008
BERMUDA
Bermuda | |
Bermuda | |
Flag | |
Capital: | Hamilton |
---|---|
Language: | English |
Currency: | Bermudian Dollar |
More notes about the country |
Background
The background and history of Bermuda is best observed on Wikipedia
Bermuda is a favorite, if challenging destination for off-shore yachts - a number of races start/finish here. However, Bermuda is not that popular with cruisers but makes a good rest-stop for cruisers on passage from the Azores or those heading N.E across the Atlantic to Europe, etc. Crossing from the US mainland or the Azores can take up to 3 weeks in the notorious calm of summer. The rest of the year there might be too much wind: nor'easters to hurricanes. Another hazard: lots of floating debris from sunken ships and the hurricanes of the the last few years. Within a 200 nm radius from Bermuda collisions with solid objects are frequent and often deadly.
Climate & Weather
The best time to visit Bermuda is from Spring through to Autumn. Although the island is an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), it is not actually in the Caribbean Sea and has a different climate. It is much farther north, but the warm waters of the Gulf Stream help give it a quasi-tropical atmosphere.
The islands have ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes. As a result drinking water is collected on the roofs of all buildings (by law) and in special catchment areas, and stored in tanks under the ground for each home or property. Bermuda has a mild, humid subtropical maritime climate though gales and strong winds are common in winter. The hurricane season is from June to November.
Sources of weather forecasting here.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
All vessels approaching or departing Bermuda should contact Bermuda Radio. Besides the processing of vessels through customs and immigration, detailed information on all private vessels calling at Bermuda are kept on file in the interest of safety and such detailed information is used to good effect in the event that the vessel gets into difficulty or is reported overdue.
The Maritime Operations Centre maintains a 24 hour distress watch on the international distress frequencies of 2182 kHz, 4125kHz and VHF Channel 16 as well as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Digital Selective Call (DSC) distress frequencies of 2187.5 kHz and VHF Channel 70. NAVTEX broadcasts are also undertaken on frequency 518 kHz with NAVTEX messages typically being received out to at least 300 miles of Bermuda. Notices to Mariners, Local Navigational Warnings, Atlantic and Bermuda marine weather forecasts are all broadcast around the clock.
Cruisers' Nets
Arrival/Departure procedures
All yachts MUST check in at St. George.
A pre-arrival questionaire must be faxed to Bermuda Maritime Operations on Fax number 4412971530. These can be obtained from:
Rescue Co-ordination Centre/Bermuda Maritime Operations
19 Forge George Hill, St George GE 02, Bermuda.
Ph:441 297 1010, Fax:441 297 1530, VHF 16 or 27
Email
Clearance formalities must be completed at the Yacht Reporting Centre, Ordnance Island.
After clearance, the Dockmaster can be contacted on VHF 14 to arrange berthing at one of the harbour wharfs - Market Wharf West (limited to 48 hours), Market Wharf East (1/2 hour only), Somers Wharf (All day) and Hunters Wharf (All day).
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here.
Immigration:
Details?
Customs
Details?
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Islands in the Group & Ports
- Main Island
- St. George's Island (Port of entry)
- St. George Harbour (Port of entry)
- Ireland Island (Sandy's Parish)
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Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.