It is a requirement of The Government of The Bahamas that any project/activity which will alter the coast line must be approved by the Port Department.  The Port must also be advised of

• Any changes to a project once approval has been granted.
• Project that are halted or abandoned
• Alter/damaged navigation aids
• Any other activity that affects the coast line

Failure to inform the port of changes to the project including stopping the project will result a Fine.  

Anyone involved in the following activities along the coast line:

• Dredging,
• Docking,  
• Hydrographic surveys,
• Adding or altering navigational aids

1. Persons involved in coastline activities must send a letter to of the Port Department informing them of the activity and requesting permission where applicable.
2. The Port Authority Board will review and determine is the activity is appropriate
3. Once the request in placed on the Agency the applicant is informed
4. If the activity is approved the applicant must pay the application fee and other associate fees as determined by the Port Department (if applicable).
5. Once payment may process with the project.  
6. If the activity is not approved the applicant cannot proceed with the project/activity.  Failure to comply with the ruling of the Port Authority Board will result in a Fine.

There are no forms associated with this service.

It is advised that requestors have all necessary documents in support of the request.  The following is are some examples of the documents that may be required to support a request:

• Letter of request
• Maps of Dredging/Docking
• Seismic information
• Project Schedule
• Engineers on the Project

Fees vary depending on the nature of the project to be undertaken.  

New Providence Offices

East Bay Street Shopping Plaza
P.O. Box N-8175
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel.  (242) 302-0200
Fax. (242) 322-5545
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Dock Master’s Office
Potter’s Cay
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel.  (242) 393-1064
Fax. (242) 394-1240
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Grand Bahama Office

P.O. Box F 2044
Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 352-9163
Fax: (242) 351-4538
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Abaco Office

P.O. Box Ab 20922
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 367-0038
Fax: (242) 367-0041
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public hoilidays