IMO Update

The BMA’s Maritime Affairs Department has been actively engaged both at the IMO as well as Industry based meetings. These were a mixture of physical and virtual meetings. 

In particular, The Bahamas has chaired nine rounds of the Correspondence Group on the Revision of the Code of Safety for Diving Systems (Resolution A. 831 (19)) and the guidelines and specifications for Hyperbaric Evacuation Systems (Resolution A.692(17)) and also chaired the Experts Group to carry this forward. Going ahead, we have been entrusted to continue with a second round of correspondence and it is expected that the revisions will take place after almost 20 years since its last revision. This proves our engagement on safety aspects for divers and vessels engaged in diving operations. 

We have also submitted a paper for a revision to the IMSBC Code related to safe transport of fumigated cargo with emphasis on adoption of an international standard of occupational exposure limit values for safe use of pesticides in ships, following a very serious marine casualty where a crew member died.

The Bahamas has very actively engaged on matters related to pollution and greenhouse gas reduction, in line with the Flag’s commitment to cleaner seas and mitigation to climate change. This is an ongoing process, and our commitment is to ensure there are fair and equitable steps forward which would be inclusive to all sectors and areas of shipping, with due recognition also being given to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). We remain aware that some specific genres of ships may fear being penalised for not meeting reduction targets, due to the nature of their operations. Mitigation efforts, by suggestion of correction factors, is supported by us and we will continue to bring this to the forefront.  

The overall IMO strategy for greenhouse gas reduction is supported, and we are ready to face the challenges ahead with respect to the proposed reduction targets as well as offering technical advice and support to our shipowners, who are considering alternative fuels to achieve the targets. 

The Bahamas remains concerned with the challenges related to crew repatriation matters. Seafarers continue to face innumerable challenges in their work patterns, repatriation, mental health, fatigue, and well-being on board vessels. The Bahamas is proud to have declared seafarers as essential workers, in line with the recommendations from IMO and continues to work closely with the Seafarer Crisis Action Team (SCAT) established by IMO to help resolve individual cases. We also remain concerned for safety of the crew in piracy zones as well as the immense danger being faced by those who happen to be on vessels in areas of conflict and war.  

2022 is expected to bring in further challenges within the changing geo-political landscape. Substantial agenda items will be discussed at the IMO, with the thrust being on greenhouse gas reduction and the pathway and timeline to achieve Net Zero. Closer to home, we will continue to contribute towards further development of maritime safety within the Caribbean. 

The Bahamas will continue to represent its stake holders and engage effectively and strongly in contributing towards maritime progress. We expect to contribute effectively towards “New Technologies for Greener Shipping”, which is the World Maritime Theme for 2022.