John wrote: Even so, I can't imagine any punishment worse than confiscation
and we're willing to take the risk.
As a long time resident of the Caribbean we've seen many different things
happen that have caused boaters to come to grief with Customs. We ourselves
have been searched in our home waters of the BVI.
We know of many folks who have had to pay fines, been made persona non
gratis for the "importation of illegal items".
This is not limited to anyone jurisdiction. To us having something on board
that you have just said you don't on the Customs clearance form is a bit of
a roll of the dice.
If you do have it and use it then it will be known that you falsely filled
out the clearance papers. If you have it and never use it then what's the
point?
We have been completely search several times with the dogs and the mirrors
in Bermuda. Never had anything so never had any issue. But we know of others
who have.
So whether you chose to carry illegal items and not declare them is up to
each person. Just be aware that the consequences may in fact be much larger
than you might think.
Nancy was fined $10K for a stupid item one time which certainly got our
attention in dealing with "dem Customs folks who don't never check". Yea
right!
As always YMMV.....
Dave & Nancy
Swan Song
Roughwater 58
Caribbean Cruise '07