Page 272 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

MARKET NEWS / BAHAMAS MARITIME AUTHORITY

Dimitri Tsiftsis discusses the Bahamas Maritime Authority’s PSC performance, the impact
of geopolitical disruptions on Bahamian-flagged ships, and the registry’s future plans
regarding innovation and sustainability.

THE BMA IS COMMITTED TO

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

PSC performance Diversity and inclusion as vital factors
The BMA is committed to ensuring of sustainable development
that all Bahamian ships are always fully The BMA believes that diversity and inclu-
compliant with International Convention sion remain vital factors for sustainable
requirements and national regulations development and is committed to ensur-
and fully supports the objectives of the ing that the organisation is open to all.
PSC process in eliminating sub-stand- The UN Sustainable Development Goal 5
ard shipping when applied in a fair and – Gender Equality – is of vital importance
equitable manner. The Bahamas has for the future of our industry, and the BMA
improved its PSC detention rate signif- believes that if more women are encour-
icantly and remains on the whitelists of aged to take on positions of responsibility,
the major PSC MoU regions, except for it will lead to a stronger maritime sector.
the USA, where, due to an unusually high
number of detentions in 2022, the 3-year Future plans
detention average is just above the 1.0% The BMA is committed to innovation and
criterion for QUALSHIP 21, at 1.016%. sustainability in the shipping industry and
The BMA remains focused on ensuring is dedicated to consistently high stand-
The Bahamas remains on all whitelists ards and excellent service. To that end, it is
and regaining QUALSHIP 21 status at the continuously developing new technology
earliest opportunity. and tools to support its fleet and actively
exploring opportunities to enter new ship-
The impact of geopolitical disruptions ping sectors that align with our strategic
on seaborne trade goals.
The escalation of hijackings and attacks
in the Red Sea is a matter of concern The BMA has recently launched a com-
for us all, and we have put our full sup- prehensive reporting portal for the use of
port behind the IMO as it tackles these managers and owners. The system digital-
threats to safe and secure navigation ises the entire reporting process, eliminat-
and the right of innocent passage, avoid- ing the need for duplicate information and
ing the compromise to the marine envi- guiding the user through each reporting
ronment. In terms of The Bahamas fleet, stage. Not only does this system assist
we are doing our utmost to support our shipowners and managers, but it will also
seafarers, liaising closely with relevant provide information on accident trends so
authorities to bring any detained crew that, when necessary, the BMA may alert
home safely, proactively engaging in the its owners.
regulatory process, and disseminating We believe that through collaborative
any new information and guidance to our efforts and embracing technological
shipowners so that they can take appro- advancements, we can contribute to a
by Dimitri Tsiftsis, Regional Director- priate actions, where needed. more efficient and responsible maritime
Greece at The Bahamas Maritime Authority future.

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