Fishermen yesterday condemned Customs for scuppering their chances of taking their families and friends out to see the tall ships race on Monday.

One denounced the strict enforcement of restrictions as "petty and unfriendly'', and called for an exemption for such an historical event.

Commercial fishermen are limited to using their boats for fishing or scientific research because many bring their vessels in duty free.

Customs revealed yesterday that meant they could have their boats confiscated even if they take family or friends out to watch the big spectacle.

One fisherman, who asked not to be named, said: "Here we are in the middle of a world class event to mark an exciting time in our history, an event that we may not be able to witness again, if ever, and it does not seem that an exception can be made for one day.

"I am totally aware of the tariff restrictions on commercial boats, but good heavens, what kind of people do we have making such petty and unfriendly decisions? "Commercial fishermen work hard for a living -- long hours in undependable weather.

"Is there not one day they are able to have the restrictions lifted so that they may take their families out for a pleasant afternoon to be part of such an international afternoon? "This is an event that our Government has supported on behalf of all of Bermuda.

"This decision is not benefiting anyone.

"It is, however, making us all aware of how inflexible the restrictions are -- and the people who make them.

"I cannot think of any place in the world where the decision-makers would not want every person to be part of such an historic event.

"Why not concentrate on the really important matters that affect us all, like spending the tax-payers' money where it benefits us all?'' The backlash from fishermen began earlier this week when the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries warned that fishing boats brought in duty free were not allowed to take out sightseers and could be seized if caught.

Collector of Customs Designate Winnifred Fostine-DeSilva said yesterday that Customs will be sticking to their guns and rigidly enforcing the rules.

She said neither Customs nor Finance Minister Eugene Cox had any discretion to make exceptions.

Fishermen who wanted to take out pleasure cruisers paid an extra ten percent in duty, whereas people using their boats purely for pleasure paid 33.5 percent duty.

"People who pay 33.5 percent get to use their boat any way they wish.

"We can't waive it for fishermen because they want to take the family out.

What can we say to the people who pay 33.5 percent?'' she said.

"We have no authority to waive the regulations.

"The law specifically states that a vessel that is brought in duty free is brought in as a commercial fishing vessel and any other purpose is a diversion of duty and it can be seized.'' She suggested fishermen who have paid duty should carry their certificate of payment in case they are boarded by Police or Customs officers.