As everyone knows, this past one and a half years has not been the easiest and our businesses have faced challenges at a scale which were previously unheard of and the full extent of the consequences of COVID-19 are only now beginning to be understood.
From an operational perspective, you as well as I know how our businesses are affected, and how the flow of goods initially slowed down to a minimum. For some sectors, operations even came to a complete standstill, with ships being laid up all around the globe, presenting our industry with many fast moving and escalating challenges on both a humanitarian and business level.
On the humanitarian side we have seen the effects on all the men and women, and their families, who are our crews. The situation has been as far from normal as we could ever think, and clearly the MLC 2006 was not designed for the circumstances in which we have found ourselves. Still, we must not forget that our crews are our very frontline in this situation. They are also the ones who ensure our and The Bahamas Flag’s quality mark. I know you are doing your utmost to find solutions to the countless situations our crews are facing, as do I in my operation, and I urge you all to do everything in your power to ensure their good health, safety and security. Crew being stranded on board or in different parts of the world is simply not sustainable.
The pandemic has also affected regulatory work, which at first came to a halt for a period of time. But through innovation, and the adoption of existing and new technology, many of the processes have now recommenced. The IMO has held its meetings remotely via internet meetings, but unfortunately the process has its limits and does not allow for participation by the BSA and as a result we have actively worked with The BMA as well as the ICS to promote the interests of BSA Members. An example of this is the matter of Long-term Measures as part of the IMO GHG Strategy. Having personally chaired the joint working group between the ICS, Intertanko, Bimco, Intercargo, and the World Shipping Council on Long-term Measures, we cooperated with the Japanese government with a submission to the IMO proposing to set up a fund specifically aimed at Research and Development geared at making shipping carbon neutral.
As Chair of the BSA I recognise that The BMA has confirmed the Bahamas will support the proposal during discussions at the MEPC 76.
Returning to the issue of quality, I was reflecting on the great achievements over the past year – The Bahamas Flag has yet again retained its Qualship-21 status as well as again being one of the highest ratings in the Paris MoU inspections. This is first and foremost the result of all the hard work and attention to detail by the shipowners and their crews. It is also proof of the hard work of the Bahamas Maritime Authority and most notable that The BMA has continued to run its operation as a Flag authority with a “business as usual” policy. Although not being able to keep its offices open to the same degree as normal, it is clear that work has remained ongoing throughout the year and that The BMA is very much on its toes providing us as shipowners, The BMA clients, with an almost unhampered service. This year has seen developments in how inspections and surveys are undertaken through the imaginative use of cameras, phones, tablets and most lately e-certification. I would specifically like to thank Capt. Dwain Hutchinson, Managing Director and CEO of The BMA, for his leadership on this. Quality is a trademark of the Bahamas Flag – let us keep it that way!
The latter is of course also a trademark of the exceptional and outstanding relationship between The BMA and the BSA. The cooperation we see at all levels of The BMA, the pragmatism we see in The BMA supporting us as owners, managers and operators, whilst staying within the regulatory framework as well as upholding the very quality of the Bahamas Flag. The possibility for the BSA to bring any question to the table and to be able to discuss matters of highest importance with The BMA management team, The BMA Board and with the Bahamas Government is truly a sign of mutual respect.
Last but not least, I would like to remind BSA members the Secretariat is always ready to support you. During the past year, the BSA Manager has supported numerous members through our contacts with other national associations and maritime authorities around the world.
John Adams
Chairman
