58234-FLAG Newsletter - The Bahamas Maritime Authority

ISPS: Are you ready?So…have you appointed a CSO, decided on the SSO, carried out theSSA and submitted your SSP for approval by the RSO in order to getan ISSC for your ship? If all these acronyms* sound “foreign” to you,then the chances are that your ship will not be able to tradeinternationally when the ISPS Code comes into effect. So if Thursday1 July 2004 is not already in your diaries, it should be!On the 1 July 2004 – that’s lessthan three months away – theInternational Ship and Port FacilitySecurity (ISPS) Code enters intoforce. The Code forms part of the2002 amendments to SOLAS which aredesigned to enhance security in themaritime industry. The catalyst for thedevelopment of the Code was thetragic events of 11 September 2001.The resultant regulations have had avery short lead time, between adoptionand entry into force – a mere 18months compared to ISM which had alead time of eight years for some ships.Some shipowners, alreadyaccustomed to threats to the ship, itscrew or its cargo from piracy,smuggling, cargo theft, pilferage,passenger operations and so on, maywell wonder what will be different in* CSO is Company Security Officer and SSO isShip Security Officer.July 2004. Many owners may alreadyhave established company andshipboard security procedures due tothese existing threats. But the criticaldifference is that the ISPS Code is amandatory requirement for all affectedSOLAS ships. This means thatshipboard security measures have to beverified and certified for compliance.Failure to comply will not only affectthe registration of a Bahamian flaggedship but will result in control actionimposed on the ship by a Port State.Control action could range from adetention under the internationalconventions to a banning order, underany national or regional law, from thelocal region.The title of the ISPS Code highlightsanother important element of thepending security framework – the shipto port interface. There are obligationsfor Port States to implement securitymeasures for approved – that is,compliant with the ISPS Code – portfacilities. The IMO is compiling a listof these approved port facilities andonce completed it will be circulated tothe maritime industry.The BMA has documented itsspecific requirements in fourinformation bulletins on maritimesecurity which can be found on theBMA website,www.bahamasmaritime.com.These bulletins complement theguidance outlined in the IMO circularson the implementation of the ISPSCode which are available on the IMOwebsite: www.imo.org/circulars.Owners should be aware that thereare a substantial number of shipsworldwide which have yet to becertified. As the deadline approachesthere will be an increasing demand forthe services of the certifying bodies.Our advice to any shipowner of theaffected SOLAS ships – cargo shipsgreater than 500 GRT, passenger ships,high speed crafts and MODUs – is thatif you want your ship to tradeinternationally, then you should:• Complete your Ship SecurityAssessment (SSA),• Develop and submit the resultantShip Security Plan (SSP) to aBahamas Recognised SecurityOrganisation (RSO) forverification and issuance of anInternational Ship SecurityCertificate (ISSC).Pacific Notus certified by Class NKClass NK, acting on behalf of The Bahamas, issued its firstInternational Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) to the PacificNotus following the vessel’s first audit conducted in October2003. The LNG carrier, a new building from Nagasaki, is jointlyowned by Tokyo Electric Power Company, Mitsubishi Corporationand Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYKK). The 111,553 tonvessel which measures 279.19 metres in length will tradebetween Japan and the Middle East. Commenting on Class NK’sachievement, the Authority’s Director said, “We are delighted tohave such a vessel on our register. It reinforces our policy ofattracting high quality tonnage to The Bahamas flag.”Pacific Notus at the berth where InternationalShip Security (ISS) onboard verification wascarried out on 17 October 2003Class NK has put significant effort into the preparation ofShip Security System Audits through the development ofrelevant regulations, as well as the training of Maritime SecurityAuditors. NYKK, the ship’s managing company, also fulfilled itsobligations through training security personnel, conducting ShipSecurity Assessment (SSA) and preparing the Ship Security Plan(SSP) which were both subsequently approved.Mr Ogawa (left)Chairman & President ofClass NK, presenting the ISSCertificate to Mr Manji(right), Managing Director ofNYKK, on 29 October 20032www.bahamasmaritime.com

Clipper bulkers to come out of CochinBahamian owner Clipper recently placed the first series construction order for large ships at the CochinShipyard in Cochin, India. This significant order is for four high specification, double-hull, handysize bulkcarriers. The deal between Clipper and the Cochin Shipyard also includes an option agreement for anadditional four sister vessels of 30,000 dwt. If the option is exercised, the deal could be worth in excessof US$140 million.As well as the commercial and financial gain, this neworder from Clipper will boost Cochin’s global reputation.Before getting the Clipper order, this Indian yard, whichprimarily caters to the national market, won orders from Dubaiin 2002 and Saudi Arabia in 2003. With its modern facilities,Clipper Horizon, 19,730 gt bulk carrier recently delivered from Japanhighly educated management and skilled staff, the CochinShipyard beat the competition with its aim of delivering thefirst bulk carrier by the last quarter of 2005 followed by theremaining vessels at regular intervals.The handysize bulkcarriers were designed by Algoship,under the leadership of Mr Anthony Price. The company hasdesigned the majority of Clipper’s bulk carrier newbuildings.Mr Price, a Canadian of Indian origin, was instrumental insetting up both the Indian contract as well as new buildingsin China. Six months prior to the Cochin deal, Clippercontracted a Chinese shipyard to build six sister ships. Bothcontracts will be supervised by GTR Campbell MarineConsultants.The Clipper Group is a Nassau based company withcommercial headquarters in Copenhagen. Clipper owns,operates and manages approximately 240 vessels – primarilyhandysize, handymax and panamax bulk carriers, as well asproduct and chemical tankers. A considerable amount of thistonnage is flagged with The Bahamas. These Asian orderscontinue Clipper’s international shipbuilding trend which,over the past decade, has seen the group place orders for 100new builds at shipyards worldwide.CSR in a nutshellA new document – the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) – has been rollingoff BMA’s presses since February this year. The document is a mandatoryprovision incorporated in the 2002 amendments to SOLAS 1974.All SOLAS ships – cargo ships of over500 GRT and all passenger ships that makeinternational voyages – are required tohave a CSR no later than 1 July 2004.There are approximately 1200 Bahamianregistered ships requiring this documentand the Authority is currently in overdriveto ensure that all affected ships are incompliance with the internationalregulation by the rapidly approachingdeadline.The CSR document contains the ship’sinformation including details of ownershipand the issuing body of statutorycertificates. The days of taking alldocuments off the ship at the time of saleare now over. Unlike other statutorydocuments, the CSR remains onboard theship at all times, so that eachship will have its own historicalrecord. The issuance of andchanges/amendments to theCSR document can only becarried out by the Flag State.The Authority has issuedBMA information bulletin no.57 – available on ourwebsitewww.bahamasmaritime.com– which explains how toget a CSR. The clock isticking and with less thanthree months to go, theBMA is all prepared. Make sureyou are too!www.bahamasmaritime.com3

DIRECTORSONES DIRECTOR20 7264 2552Inspections &SurveysDWAIN HUTCHISONDEPUTY DIRECTORTel +(44) 20 7264 2561Nassau OfficeERMA RAHMING MACKEYASSISTANT DIRECTORTel +(1) 242 394 3024New York OfficeCHRISTINE SCAVELLADEPUTY DIRECTORTel +(1) 212 829 0221• Liaison with classification societies• Appointment and audit of nauticalinspectors• Management of programme of Bahamasinspections• Advice on ISM/ISPS Code• Port State Control• Representation of The Bahamasat IMO• Advice on application and interpretationof conventionsRobin PhillipsAssistant DirectorTel +(44) 20 7264 2564Nigel JamesAssistant DirectorTel +(44) 20 7264 2565Tio DevaneyTechnical OfficerTel +(44) 20 7264 2566Catherine BethellTechnical AssistantTel +(44) 20 7262 2562• Ship registration in Nassau andassociated functions• Technical advice for local vessels• Certification of home trade officers• Port State Control in The Bahamas• Liaison with The Bahamas GovernmentRicardo DelaneySenior Nautical InspectorKatie ClarkeRegistration OfficerPatricia PinderRegistration Assistant• Ship registration in New York• Technical queries, exemptions etc• Issue of Safe Manning Documents• Liaison with the US Coast GuardJuanita ButlerRegistration AssistantDawn BethelAdministrative AssistantNUMBERSNew YorkTelephone +(1) 212 829 0221Fax +(1) 212 829 0356E-mailnewyork@bahamasmaritime.comEmergency +(1) 917 640 0291Out Of Hours EmergencyIf you need to contact us in an emergency outside the normaloffice hours of 0900 and 1730 London time, please telephonethe Emergency Duty Officer on +(44) 7977 471220 if you areoutside the UK and 07977 471220 if you are calling frominside the UK.www.bahamasmaritime.com5

StarReefersThe Star Reefers Group, one of theleading global reefer operators andowners, transferred a further nineships to The Bahamas flag inNovember 2003. The Group directlycontrols 39 vessels, of which 11 arecurrently registered with theAuthority. In his praise of theAuthority, Mr Aage Thoen, ChiefExecutive Officer of Star Reefersstated, “We know the BahamasMaritime Authority as a first class,highly competent and efficient registeralways excelling in quick documenthandling and response times.”Star Reefers’ 10614 gt Durban StarReefer vessels are specialist ships designed to carryrefrigerated cargoes, usually at relatively high speeds so thatfood stuffs can get to their waiting markets as quickly aspossible. These vessels must guarantee high reliability and theconsistent maintenance of low and accurate temperatures toensure that produce is delivered in its best condition.The Director of the BMA stated “The Bahamas register alreadyhas a large number of reefer vessels. In my earlier career, I sailedon many ships of this type and therefore appreciate the rigorousstandards maintained on these vessels. The Authority is verypleased that Star Reefers have added further tonnage toour fleet.”Flying The Bahamas flagRoyal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ (RCCL)latest ship in their newest vessel class– the Ultra Voyager – will fly TheBahamas flag when she sails. Currentlyunder construction at Aker KvaernerMasa Yards’ Turku site in Finland, thegiant cruise ship will dwarf even thenewly built Queen Mary 2.A representative of the BMArecently attended a meeting at Turkuto discuss the new building. Whencompleted, the vessel will be 18storeys high with a passenger capacityof around 3,600 and a crew of 1,400.The hull will be 339 metres long and38.6 metres wide. Once in service, theship will have a speed of 22.00 knots.RCCL’s Voyager class nearing completion at TurkuWith a gross tonnage of 160,000,the Ultra-Voyager class will be 15%larger in space and passenger capacitythan RCCL’s other five Voyager classcruise ships, all of which are registeredwith The Bahamas. Due for delivery inMay 2006, Royal Caribbean CruiseLines have an option for a sister shipin 2007.6www.bahamasmaritime.com

BSA Cadet excels at CalMaritimeDenardo Bain, the second BSAscholarship recipient, has surpassed allexpectations. After appearing on boththe President’s and Dean’s lists severaltimes, he will now graduate fromCalifornia Maritime Academy’s 4-yearprogramme after only 3 years. Hismost notable achievement has been his recentqualification as third mate after passing all seven of theUSCG examinations on his first attempt. Here is whatDenardo had to say about his experience at CalMaritime.Before embarking on my studies at CalMaritime, I thoughtthat the maritime industry did not extend beyond fisheries andinter-island transport. My horizons and perspective of not onlythe industry, but also a future career have expandedexponentially throughout my undergraduate experience. I mustconfess that I entered CalMaritime somewhat naive andcompletely lacking in professional experience. Reflecting on myrecent accomplishments, I am amazed at where I stand today.My three-year journey of rigorous academics coupled with seatimetraining has certainly prepared me for my entry into thecommercial maritime field.Through the combination of training cruises and a commercialcruise with ChevronTexaco I have attained a true sense ofshipboard duties. My 2003 summer berth, which gave me theopportunity to actively participate in watch duties and sessionsonboard the Charles B. Renfrew, was truly an unforgettableexperience. There was a great deal to grasp within three intensemonths. The onboard officers instilled in me a strong sense ofduty to maintain safe working conditions and protect the marineenvironment. Under their tutelage, I took part in the day-to-daycargo operations, safety, maintenance, and bridge duties. Eachday presented new experiences and as a result my practicalknowledge increased significantly and I gained confidence inmany shipboard operations. This confidence has been beneficialto my academic career and will be essential to my futuresuccess.My courses have encompassed theory, practical applicationsand managerial skills that have instilled in me a sense ofleadership and responsibility. Nonetheless, I am aware that therigor of the academic programme at CalMaritime has only beena glimpse of what to truly expect as a seafarer. Throughpersistence and hard work I have achieved a cumulative campusGPA of 3.84 – out of a possible 4.0 – and I have completed myundergraduate course a year earlier than expected.At the start of 2004, I felt a great sense of accomplishmentwhen I learned I had passed all seven of the USCG Licensingexaminations. This achievement has brought me one step closerto entering the maritime industry as a tankerman.My time at the California Maritime Academy has been asignificant educational and personal experience. My summerberths have afforded me the extraordinary experience oftravelling around the world and being exposed to differentcultures. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to theBahamas Maritime Authority and the Bahamas ShipownersAssociation for this incredible opportunity made possible throughyour generous financial commitment.Back row (from left to right) BMA cadets, Ivon Cleare & Howard Bastian.Front row (from left to right) BSA cadets, Misty Bain, Denardo Bain & Kenneth CareyBMA 24/7Clients who currently use BMA’swebsite will witness its completemetamorphosis over the next twelvemonths. The website was originallydesigned to provide information andaccess to statutory forms for clientsand potential clients. By necessity,information flowed in one directiononly, from the Authority to its clients.Changes on the horizon will soon allowa two-way exchange of information.The website is now scheduled to become more interactive, providing scope forsome e-commerce. Not all activities can be conducted online because of the nature ofthe industry. And many transactions will continue to be conducted in the traditionalmanner. But the planned changes will make these easier and so everyone will benefit.Some of the proposed upgrades include the creation of a secure member’s areawhere BMA inspectors, shipowners and Classification Societies can access informationrelated to ship inspections. Forms on the website that are now locked will beunlocked so that clients will be able to complete them electronically. Completedforms can then be returned electronically or printed for signature and/or notarisationwhere necessary. In addition, the sale of publications will be made available onlineand items will be dispatched worldwide within 24 hours after an order has beenreceived.The Authority is responsive to the requests and needs of its clients. The BMAbelieves that these planned improvements to its electronic capabilities will enhancethe overall experience of its clients.www.bahamasmaritime.com7

Questions we’reoften askedQDoes the BMA’s Technical Department grantexemptions and/or extensions on surveys,inspections and other technical requirements?AYes we do. However, in order to processexemptions and/or extensions quickly, our clientsmust ensure that the correct lines ofcommunication are followed and all responsibleparties are properly advised. Any requests relatingto classification or statutory matters should, in thefirst instance, be addressed to the appropriateClassification Society for the vessel concerned.Exemptions and/or extensions can, in most cases,be processed extremely quickly when the BMAreceives the request via the Classification Societyalong with the relevant SOLAS or regulatoryreferences and their recommendations. Followingthis procedure will be of benefit to all partiesconcerned: the ship owner, manager, crew,Classification Society and the Authority. Visit BMABulletin 8 on the website for more information.QCan the International Ship Security Certificate(ISSC) body be inserted in the CSR applicationeven if the appointment has not been finalised?ABMA’s advice is to insert the name of the ISSCbody if it is known to the owner. This means thatthe CSR will not have to be reissued immediatelyafter 1 July 2004.QIs there a charge for issuing the ContinuousSynopsis Record (CSR)?ANo. The first CSR will be issued free of charge.There will be an annual charge of US$150.00 forthe maintenance of the CSR and this will beincluded on the annual tonnage fees invoice. Therewill also be a charge of US$150.00 for anyamended or reissued CSRs.Your commentsIf you have any comments or suggestions about“The Bahamas Flag” please send them to:Melanie Knowles(mknowles@bahamasmaritime.com)The Bahamas Maritime Authority16 Minories, London EC3 1EH, UKNewsinBriefFirst Bahamian TechnicalDeputy Director AppointedDwain HutchinsonCaptain Dwain Hutchinson, known tohis friends in the Authority as ‘Hutch’,was promoted to Deputy Director on 1January 2004. This is the first time that aBahamian has filled this particularposition in the Authority. Three of the fourDeputy Director posts are now held byBahamians.On 9 February 2004, the Authority and the Licensing Department celebrated theissuance of 50,000 STCW endorsements. The licences now comply with all of theamendments of the Standard of Training andWatchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978.The licensing process, which began at the end of2001, has seen the Department produce, onaverage, an impressive 2000 licences per month.Having reached the goal of 50,000 licences,the Department is now aiming for the 100,000mark. The Licensing Department can nowguarantee that if an application is completedproperly and is accompanied by the supportingcertificates and a photograph, the endorsementwill be issued in two weeks or less – asignificant achievement!Capt Hutchinson joined the Authorityin 1997 after serving at sea withDenholm’s of Glasgow. In his early dayswith the Authority, he was seconded forbrief periods to the UK Maritime SafetyAgency and the US Coast Guard. He waspromoted to Assistant Director in 1999,and since then has been responsible formonitoring Port State Control detentions,and has worked closely with ClassificationSocieties. He also represents TheBahamas at the Caribbean MOU, andfrequently attends IMO meetings as anactive member of The Bahamasdelegation.Commenting on Capt Hutchinson’spromotion the Director said, “He hasobtained his promotion purely on merit –no one in the Authority knows shippingconventions and regulations better thanCapt Hutchinson. He is a highly respectedmember of the BMA and I look forward tohaving his input as part of the Registry’smanagement team.”BMA celebrates 50,000STCW endorsements!BSA NewsFrom left to right: BMA Director, JohnMervyn Jones, Licensing Officer, DeniseFarrington, Licensing Assistants,Kendanique Ferguson & Natercia RinglerIn the past six months delegations from the BSA and the BMA met with the UnitedStates Coast Guard (October 2003), the European Commission’s Maritime Safety Unit(March 2004) and the newly created European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (March2004). Security issues dominated all three meetings. Discussions centred around theimplementation of the ISPS Code which comes into force on 1 July 2004. Other topicsincluded the standardisation of seaman’s shore access and consistency in Port StateControl inspections. The timing of the meetings was important as there had been recentchanges in leadership in both the Coast Guard and the EC Maritime Safety Unit. At theUSCG, Admiral Thomas Gilmour has taken over from Rear Admiral Pluta as AssistantCommandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection. And at the EC,Willem de Ruiter, who is now Executive Director of EMSA, has been replaced by PhilippeBurghelle-Vernet as the Head of Unit.