The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A NEW nearly $300,000 patrol vessel will be used to target illegal charters, unlicensed vessels and other maritime offences as the government moves to tighten enforcement in a sector that generates more than $544m in revenue.

The 36-foot Fluid Patrol Cabin 36 was dedicated yesterday at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s Harbour Patrol Unit for use by the Maritime Revenue Unit, which brings several government agencies together to enforce maritime laws, protect the country’s borders and collect revenue.

Minister of Finance Michael Halkitis said the unit is addressing longstanding problems including illegal foreign charter operations, unregistered and unlicensed vessels and unpaid dock and vessel registration fees.

Its operations have also led to seizures involving improperly imported vessel vehicles, contraband tobacco products and the illegal movement of heavy equipment.

Director of the Maritime Revenue Unit Captain Bertram Bowleg said previous enforcement exercises have uncovered vessels that failed to clear Customs and Immigration, as well as illegal charter and fishing operations.

Some vessels were also found with illegal firearms and drugs.

“Even some instances where we did land-based operations,” Captain Bowleg said, “drugs were found in homes, weapons were found in homes.”

The government is intensifying enforcement of the maritime industry amid concerns over revenue losses.

Mr Halkitis said the new vessel represents an investment in both border protection and revenue enforcement.

“This vessel represents a critical investment in the protection of our maritime borders,” he said, “and the strengthening of our national revenue systems.”

Mr Halkitis said it also demonstrates the government’s determination to protect the country’s resources and ensure maritime commerce complies with national regulations.

The vessel, valued at just under $300,000, can carry up to 20 people and has an operational load of 4,647lbs. It is powered by twin Mercury Marine 300 engines and has a 130-gallon fuel capacity.

Members of the RBDF, Customs Department, Port Department and Immigration Department attended yesterday’s dedication.

Captain Bowleg said the Maritime Revenue Unit was established in May 2023 and includes the Ministry of Finance, Royal Bahamas Police Force, RBDF, Immigration, Customs, Port Department, Department of Inland Revenue, Department of Marine Resources and National Insurance Board.

He said its first revenue fortification exercise was conducted in Bimini during United States Independence Day celebrations and resulted in more than $10m being collected over several days.

Captain Bowleg said subsequent exercises have generated millions of dollars in revenue.

During the 2025/2026 Budget debate, the government tabled legislation formally establishing the Ministry of Finance’s Maritime Revenue Unit, which Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said was already operating within the ministry.

The legislation was intended to strengthen oversight and enforcement of maritime activities, including the collection and management of revenue from areas such as mooring and licensing fees.

Mr Davis said at the time that the measure would create greater uniformity in maritime regulation and ensure revenue is directed to Family Island local governments.

Captain Bowleg said the Act has empowered the unit to coordinate during emergencies, conduct training, collect fines and penalties, enforce maritime laws and provide services including mooring management and base removal.

He said the unit’s most recent port operation was conducted around February or March last year.