Bimini's Permanent Moorings
Most of the Permanent Moorings in the Bimini / Cat Cay area are owned and maintained by BIMINI UNDERSEA, Blackbeards Cruises, and Nekton Dive Cruises.
They were first installed by Bill and Nowdla Keefe in January of 1992 with the financial assistance of Blackbeard's Cruises and Sea Fever Dive Cruises. No government funding was or is involved.
When not being used by one of the above mentioned companies, the general public is both welcome and encouraged to use them for SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling only.
Please do not use these Permanent Moorings while fishing or spearfishing!
Mooring Use
BIMINI UNDERSEA reserves first rights to use any and all of it's Permanent Moorings. However there are over 16 moorings out there and we can only use one or two at any given time. You are welcome to use any of the moorings that we are not.
To find out which moorings will be available all you have to do is call BIMINI UNDERSEA on VHF Channel 06. We will be happy to inform you which of our schedule, which moorings we are planning to use, and the approximate time we are planning to use them.
All the others are available on a "first come first serve" basis to the general public. If you choose to use a mooring without first checking with BU you run the risk of being asked to move should your use of the mooring interfere with BU's dive schedule. Please be aware that the fact that you may have divers in the water will not exempt you from being asked to move. To avoid this unpleasant scenario please remember to check with BU before using a mooring.
Only dive vessels from BIMINI UNDERSEA, Nekton Dive Cruises, & Blackbeard's Cruises have the right to ask you to move off of a Permanent Mooring.
No other Commercial Dive Operator may ask you to move (although they may try).
If you have any doubts about someone asking you to move off of a mooring, just contact BU on VHF CH# 06 for verification.
Please understand that we are not attempting to tell anyone where they can and cannot dive. We are only reserving the right to use the permanent moorings that we installed, paid for, and maintain.
When hooking up ........
.........to the moorings, attach a line from your boat to the loop on the end of the mooring line and let out plenty of scope. Do not try to attach your boat directly to the mooring line. That is not how they are designed.
When coming off of the mooring, let your line go and let your boat drift back. Then back away from the mooring. Do not engage your engines until you see the mooring float and line in front of you.
Also, do not go straight over the mooring when departing a dive site. If you should run over the mooring line you will not only damage the mooring, you run the risk of doing serious damage to your own propeller, shaft, and/or transmission.
As a courtesy to others please move off of the mooring once you are done with your dive so that others may use them. This is especially true for busy weekend periods.
Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation
