Our Seafarers and Manning team is committed to looking after the welfare of crew who serve onboard Bahamas flagged ships in terms of both professional training and certification and also personal wellbeing. Here are some of the recent developments.
Encouraging the use of technology in training
The BMA is very proud that The Bahamas has been recognised by a number of major training providers as the leading flag in terms of approving the use of technology in training. We are supportive of the use of remote training as it helps mariners keep up to date with their certification while at sea or home without the need to take time off work and spend money staying near to a training centre. The BMA hopes that the ability to learn remotely will help to ease the difficulties companies are currently experiencing in finding seafarers with appropriate training.
In terms of simulators, while the use of these can never replace the need to prove competency at sea, they can be useful in preparing mariners for theoretical challenges that may arise and therefore accelerating their attainment of competencies. They also provide background knowledge that the seafarer can reflect upon and leverage when faced with a future scenario onboard on ship. The psychological effects of a real-life situation on a seafarer can only ever be assessed in the moment and, at this time, The BMA doesn’t anticipate that simulated training will be a deemed a complete substitute for time at sea.
Mental health training
Although still only optional, The BMA sees mental health training as a valuable tool for today’s mariner pertaining to the multicultural crews on ships that are seen in today’s shipping. The industry has learnt over recent years how important crew mental health and wellbeing is, not only to the individuals working onboard but also to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. We have now approved three training providers for these courses.
New medical directories
The BMA is pleased to accept new medical directories from the International Chamber of Shipping and also insurance company Gard for use onboard Bahamas flagged vessels. Both directories use advanced and modern methods for the guidance of medical treatment onboard and are, therefore, are considered to be equivalent to the World Health Organisation system currently in use
