We are pleased to announce the issuance of Wreck Removal Certificates by BMSR. Update on The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks and the important role of the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) in supporting global compliance.
We are pleased to announce the issuance of Wreck Removal Certificates by BMSR. Update on The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks and the important role of the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) in supporting global compliance.
On the early morning of October 1, the Barbados bulk carrier Blue Lagoon (IMO: 9481427) ran aground off Orchid Island, Taiwan. It’s reassuring to hear that there was no spill and all crew members were safely rescued.
It is with great sadness we note the passing of Kristian Eidesvik, on 7th August 2024. We offer our sincere condolences to Kristian’s family and friends.
It is with great sadness we note the passing of Kristian Eidesvik, on 7th August 2024. We offer our sincere condolences to Kristian’s family and friends.
1. References
a) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS).
b) International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA Code).
c) MSC.1/Circ.1662 Guidelines for anchor handling winches.
d) MSC.1/Circ.1663 Guidelines for lifting appliances.
e) Bulletin 008 – Permits Exemptions and Equivalences Rev.2.0.
2. Purpose
2.1 This Bulletin provides information on the application of SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-13 Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches on Barbadian vessels.
3. Definitions
3.1 Lifting appliance means any load-handling vessel’s equipment:
.1 Used for cargo loading, transfer, or discharge;
.2 Used for raising and lowering hold hatch covers or moveable bulkheads;
.3 Used as engine-room cranes;
.4 Used as store cranes;
.5 Used as hose handling cranes;
.6 Used for launch and recovery of tender boats and similar applications; and
.7 Used as personnel handling cranes.
3.2 Anchor handling winch means any winch for the purpose of deploying, recovering and repositioning anchors and mooring lines in subsea operations.
3.3 Loose gear means an article of vessel’s equipment by means of which a load can be attached to a lifting appliance or an anchor handling winch, but which does not form an integral part of the appliance or load.
3.4 The expression “installed on or after 1 January 2026”, as provided in SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-13, means:
.1 For a vessel the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2026, any installation date on the vessel; or
.2 For vessels other than that specified in 3.4.1 above, including those constructed before 1 January 2009, a contractual delivery date for lifting appliance or anchor handling winches, or in the absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery date of the lifting appliance or anchor handling winches to the ship on or after 1 January 2026.”
3.5 Certified means that the lifting appliance or loose gear and anchor handling winches or associated loose gear have been verified and documented as compliant to the satisfaction of the Barbadian Recognised Organisation (RO).
3.6 Competent person means a person possessing the knowledge and experience required for the performance of duties specified in these guidelines MSC.1/Circ.1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663, and for Barbadian vessels shall be a Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyor.
3.7 Thorough examination means a detailed assessment carried out by a competent person to determine whether or not the lifting appliance or loose gear and the anchor handling winches or associated loose gear are in compliance with the applicable requirements of the RO.
4. Application
4.1 SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-13, applicable from the 1st of January 2026, shall apply to lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, and loose gears utilised with the lifting appliances and the anchor handling winches.
4.2 SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-13 does not apply to:
.1 Lifting appliances on MODUs;
.2 Lifting appliances used on offshore construction vessels, such as pipe/cable laying/repair or offshore installation vessels, including vessels for decommissioning work, which comply with standards acceptable to the BMSR;
.3 Integrated mechanical equipment for opening and closing hold hatch covers; and
.4 Life-saving launching appliances complying with the LSA Code.
4.3 SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-13 paragraphs 2.1, and 2.4 do not apply to lifting appliances which have a safe working load (SWL) below 1,000 kg. However, lifting appliances shall be permanently marked and provided with documentary evidence for the SWL.
5. Design, Construction , Installation, Maintenance, Operation, Inspections and testing
5.1 Lifting appliances and loose gears installed on or after 1 January 2026 shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of the vessel’s RO, based on MSC.1/Circ.1663.
5.2 Lifting appliances installed on or after 1 January 2026 shall be permanently marked and provided with documentary evidence for the safe working load (SWL).
5.3 Anchor handling winches and loose gears installed on or after 1 January 2026 shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested to the requirements of the vessel’s RO, based on MSC.1/Circ.1662.
5.4 Lifting appliances installed before 1 January 2026 shall be load tested to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO after installation and before being taken into use for the first time and after repairs, modifications or alterations of a major character.
5.5 Lifting appliances shall be load tested to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO no later than the date of the first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026 or after repairs, modifications or alterations of a major character.
5.6 For load testing of lifting appliances intended for use while the vessel is in port or sheltered waters, the test load, as set out in table 1 of MSC.1/Circ.1663, shall be established using the SWL. For lifting appliances intended for open-sea operations, the test loads shall be to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO, taking into account the applicable dynamic loads.
5.7 Where the SWL of the lifting appliances is undocumented and design information is not available, e.g. for lifting appliances which are installed on board before 1 January 2026 and the manufacturer no longer exists, the test load shall be calculated using table 1 of MSC.1/Circ.1663, based on a SWL nominated by the company, to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO.
5.8 All loose gears in use with lifting appliances shall have documentary evidence of a proof test and be retested after repairs, modifications or alterations of a major character to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO. Where an item of loose gear is tested, minimum test loads shall be to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO, based on table 2 of MSC.1/Circ.1663.
5.9 Lifting appliances and loose gears shall be subject to thorough examination to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO:
.1 Upon completion of any load test; and
.2 Annually.
5.10 Where a thorough examination of lifting appliances and loose gear does not form part of the renewal survey or annual survey, verification that a thorough examination of lifting appliances has been conducted/completed to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO shall take place during the renewal survey under SOLAS Reg. I/7 or the annual survey under SOLAS Reg. I/10, as applicable.
5.11 If on completion of a thorough examination, the competent person considers the lifting appliance and/or the loose gear to be unsafe for operation or not in compliance with the applicable requirements of the vessel’s RO, based on MSC.1/Circ.1663, then that lifting appliance and/or loose gear shall be taken out of service until any deficiency is rectified to the satisfaction of a competent person. The lifting appliance shall be clearly marked “not to be used” and the status should be recorded in a register of lifting appliances and loose gear. While out of service, the relevant actions for inoperative lifting appliances and/or Loose gear as outlined under Sec. 6 below should be followed.
5.12 Load testing and thorough examination of lifting appliances and loose gears shall be documented in any convenient form, provided each entry contains the necessary information, is clearly legible and is authenticated by a competent person. The minimum information to be included in the Certificate of test and thorough examination, as set out in appendix 1 of MSC.1/Circ.1663.
5.13 For anchor handling winches loose gears a commissioning test should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the requirements of the vessel’s RO, based on MSC.1/Circ.1662, which provides an equivalent level of safety.
5.14 Anchor handling winches and associated equipment should be subject to a thorough examination to the satisfaction of the vessel’s RO, based on MSC.1/Circ.1662, before re-entering service after any structural repairs or modifications of a major character and after load testing.
5.15 If on completion of a thorough examination or of an inspection, the competent person considers an anchor handling winch and/or a loose gear to be unsafe for operation or not in compliance with the applicable requirements of the vessel’s RO, based on MSC.1/Circ.1662, then that anchor handling winch and/or loose gear should be taken out of service until any deficiency is rectified to the satisfaction of a competent person. The anchor handling winch should be clearly marked “not to be used” and the status should be recorded as outlined in 3.2.4 of MSC.1/Circ.1662. While out of service, the relevant actions for inoperative anchor handling winches as outlined under Sec. 6 below should be followed.
5.16 All loose gear in use with anchor handling winches and associated equipment shall have documentary evidence of a proof test and be retested after repairs, modifications or alterations of major character acceptable to the vessel’s RO.
5.17 For existing lifting appliances and anchor handling winches and existing loose gears utilised with valid certificates under another international instrument, the vessel’s RO shall seek acceptance from the BMSR for a permanent equivalence compliant with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4 and 2.5. Such request shall be sent to Ops@barbadosmaritime.com as per Bulletin 008.
5.18 Maintenance and inspection, operational testing and their respective intervals of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches and loose gears shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, industry standards and guidelines or the vessel’s RO considering factors such as the operational profile of the vessel and the lifting appliance and/or loose gear.
5.19 Damaged, broken, worn or corroded ropes, including their terminations connecting loose gear of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches should be inspected and discarded according to manufacturers’ recommendations, relevant industry standards, and international standards (e.g. ISO 4309:2017 on Cranes – Wire ropes – Care and maintenance, inspection and discard) or requirements of the vessel’s RO.
6. Inoperative lifting appliances and anchor handling winches
6.1 Whenever an accident occurs to a vessel or a defect is discovered, either of which affects the safety of the vessel or the efficiency or completeness of its lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, the master, shipowner or managers shall report at the earliest opportunity to the BMSR at Ops@barbadosmaritime.com for the request of appropriate permission as per Bulletin 008.
6.2 Except as provided in 6.1 above, while all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and loose gear to which SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-13 applies in working order, malfunctions of that equipment shall not be assumed as making the vessel unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the vessel in ports, provided that action has been taken by the master to take the inoperative lifting appliance or anchor handling winch into account in planning and executing a safe voyage.
Revision History:
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First issue. |
a) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS).
b) ISM Code, International Safety Management Code, as amended.
c) Form 34 – International Safety Management (ISM) Code Declaration.
d) IMO Circular MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6 Guidance on the qualifications, training, and experience necessary for undertaking the role of the Designated Person under the provisions of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
e) IMO Circular MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.8 Revised guidelines for the operational implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Companies.
f) Bulletin 008 – Permits Exemptions and Equivalences Rev.2.0.
g) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
h) The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
i) IMO Resolution A.1188(33) 2023 Guidelines on the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Administrations.
j) IACS PR 9 Procedural Requirements for ISM Code Certification.
k) IMO Circular MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management.
2. Purpose
a) This Bulletin provides information on the application of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code to Barbadian vessels.
3. Application
3.1 The ISM Code, under the provisions of Chapter IX of SOLAS, is mandatory for the following vessels engaged in international voyages:
.1 Passenger ships including Passenger Yachts, and passenger high-speed craft, regardless of tonnage;
.2 Oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers, cargo high-speed craft, special purpose ships, commercial yachts of 500 gross tonnage and upwards; and
.3 Other cargo ships, Self-propelled Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs) and Dynamically Positioned (DP) vessels of 500 gross tonnage and upwards.
3.2 A Floating Production Storage and Operations Unit (FPSO), Floating Storage and Offloading Unit (FSO), Floating Production Unit (FPU), Floating Storage Unit (FSU), Mobile Offshore Storage Unit (MOSU), Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), and similar units are exempt from ISM Code compliance:
.1 if the propulsion system is removed or disabled; or
.2 if the propulsion system functions, the unit is on a fixed station for an extended period and the propulsion equipment will only be used in an emergency or to reposition or
.3 service the unit under a “single voyage exemption” with no cargo on board.
4. Definitions
4.1 Company is the owner of the vessel or any other organisation or person such as the manager, or the bareboat charterer who has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the vessel from the Shipowner and who, on assuming such responsibility, has agreed in writing to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by the ISM Code.
4.2 Designated Person or Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is the person ashore appointed by the Company under its Safety Management System, having direct access to the highest level of management with whom direct communications may be had at any time. The responsibility and authority of the DPA must include but is not limited to, monitoring the safety, security, and pollution prevention aspects of each vessel’s operation under the Company’s control and ensuring that adequate resources and shore-based support are provided. See IMO Circular MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6 for the qualifications, training and experience necessary for undertaking the DPA role.
4.3 Safety Management System (SMS) is a structured and documented system enabling Company personnel to effectively implement the Company safety and environmental protection policy.
5. Communication to the BMSR (ISM Code Sec. 3)
5.1 When the Company, as defined in Sec. 4.2, is other than the Owner, at registration the Owner shall notify the BMSR of the appointment of the Company and DPA by sending Form 34 by email to registry@barbadosmaritime.com. Thereafter, Form 34 is to be issued anytime a new Company is appointed.
5.2 For changes of the DPA the notification can be made simply by email to registry@barbadosmaritime.com.
5.3 Owners of vessels to which the ISM Code applies shall still appoint a shore-based point of contact for the BMSR using the same procedures outlined in Sec. 5.1 above.
6. Development of plans for shipboard operations (ISM Code Sec. 3)
6.1 Companies shall establish safety objectives and accordingly develop, implement and maintain an SMS which includes functional requirements as listed in section 1.4 of the ISM Code and in accordance with MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.8.
6.2 The Company should establish procedures, plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the personnel, vessel and protection of the environment. The various tasks should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel.
6.3 Companies shall ensure full implementation and compliance as part of their SMS where MLC and STCW requirements overlap with those of the ISM Code. These provisions include medical certification, training, qualifications, BMSR endorsements, hours of work and rest, manning levels and medical care on board and ashore.
6.4 The SMS shall define and document the Master’s responsibility with regard to reviewing the SMS and reporting its deficiencies to the shore based management and include a statement that its contents do not remove the Master’s authority and responsibility to take such steps and issue any orders, whether or not they are in accordance with the contents of the documentation, which the Master considers to be necessary for the preservation of life; the safety and security of the vessel, crew and cargo, and the protection of the marine environment.
6.5 The SMS shall ensure implementation of the measures of the Ship Security Plan (SSP), the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (SOPEPs) and Marine Pollution Emergency Plans (SMPEPs) and address Cyber risks in compliance with MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3. The SMS might also include the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).
6.6 The SMS shall include systematic maintenance plans to ensure that items and systems are covered by class and statutory surveys and to ensure that the vessel’s condition is always satisfactorily maintained and procedures to inform the BMSR at Ops@barbadosmaritime.com with immediate effect in case of any defect found on board for the request of appropriate permission as per Bulletin 008.
6.7 The Company SMS shall include a means for documenting corrective actions taken to rectify deficiencies and nonconformities identified during internal audits, external audits, surveys and PSC and flag State inspections. Notification given to the designated RO on the corrective actions taken and measures to prevent their recurrence must also be documented.
6.8 The SMS shall contain procedures to ensure that non-conformities, observations and hazardous occurrences are reported to the responsible person of the management. The Company should have a system in place for recording, investigating, evaluating, reviewing and analysing such reports, and to take action as appropriate.
7. Internal Audit
7.1 As per Sec. 12 of the ISM Code, the Company shall carry out internal safety audits on board and ashore at intervals not exceeding twelve (12) months to verify whether safety and pollution-prevention activities comply with the SMS.
7.2 The internal audits are in addition to external audits carried out by the Recognised Organisation issuing the DOC and SMC.
7.3 In exceptional circumstances, this interval may be exceeded by not more than three (3) months. Request for extension shall be submitted to the BMSR at Ops@barbadosmaritime.com as per Bulletin 008.
8. Certification and verification
8.1 All Barbadian vessels shall be operated by a Company which has been issued with a Document of Compliance (DOC) on behalf of Barbados and which shall not exceed five (5) years. A copy of the DOC shall be placed on board of each Barbadian vessel managed by the Company.
8.2 The DOC shall be issued by a Barbadian Recognised Organisation (RO) only to Companies that manage or have already expressed interest in registering and managing a vessel, hence in possession of the BMSR “Statement to intent to register” letter.
8.3 All Barbadian vessels shall be issued with a Safety Management Certificate (SMC) by an RO and such SMC shall not exceed five (5) years.
8.4 DOC and SMC are to be issued by a Barbadian RO in compliance with Res. A.1188(33) and IACS PR 9, and the certification process normally involves the following steps: interim verification; initial verification; annual (DOC) or intermediate verification (SMC); renewal verification; and additional verification.
8.5 An Interim DOC is issued for a period not exceeding 12 months and when:
.1 The Company is newly established; or
.2 New ship types are to be added to an existing DOC.
8.6 An Interim SMC is issued for a period not exceeding 6 months and when:
.1 It is a new vessel on delivery;
.2 A Company takes on responsibility for the operation of a vessel which is new to the Company; or
.3 When a vessel changes flag.
8.7 The BMSR, in special cases, might extend the validity of an Interim SMC only for a further period which shall not exceed 6 months from the date of expiry.
8.8 Renewal verification audits must be performed before the validity of the DOC and the SMC expires. They may be carried out within three months before the expiry date of the DOC or the SMC.
8.9 If a vessel at the time when an SMC expires is not in a port in which it is to be verified, the BMSR may extend the period of validity of the SMC, but this extension should be granted only for the purpose of allowing the vessel to complete its voyage to the port in which it is to be verified, and then only in cases where it appears proper and reasonable to do so.
8.10 No SMC should be extended for a period of longer than three (3) months, and the vessel to which an extension is granted should not, on its arrival in the port in which it is to be verified, be entitled by virtue of such extension to leave that port without having a new SMC. When the renewal verification is completed, the new SMC shall be valid to a date not exceeding five (5) years from the expiry date of the existing SMC before the extension was granted.
8.11 Request for extension of the SMC shall be submitted to the BMSR at Ops@barbadosmaritime.com as per Bulletin 008.
9. Flagging in with BMSR
9.1 The scope and type of audit for change of flag shall be done on site/on board as per Annex 5 of IACS PR 9 for a Company and those as per Annex 5 of IACS PR 9 for a vessel.
9.2 When due the location of the vessel the audit cannot be carried out on board the RO shall contact the BMSR for permission to carry the audit in remote, where such request shall be submitted to the BMSR at Ops@barbadosmaritime.com as per Bulletin 008.
9.3 When a Company is to be issued with a Barbadian DOC, at the change of flag, the RO shall carry out an additional audit on site, to verify the availability of BMSR instructions and their incorporation into the SMS. The Barbadian DOC shall have the same expiry date as the DOC issued on behalf of the other flag State(s).
9.4 When the Company audit cannot be carried out on site for any unforeseen reasons RO shall contact the BMSR for permission to carry the audit in remote, where such request shall be submitted to the BMSR at Ops@barbadosmaritime.com as per Bulletin 008.
9.5 When a vessel is to be issued with a Barbadian SMC, at the change of flag, the RO shall carry out an Interim audit on board as required by Sec. 14.4 of the ISM Code and issue an interim SMC. The BMSR, in special cases, might allow Interim audit to be carried out remotely.
Revision History:
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Revision No |
Description Of Revision |
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1.0 |
First issue. Supersedes Bulletin 340: Cyber Security Rev.1.0 |
Congratulations, Giovanni, on the third anniversary of your appointment as CEO/Principal Registrar at BMSR!
Paris MoU WGB Flag performance list 2021–2023 has now been published and we are delighted to inform you that Barbados has maintained the white flag status.
Paris MoU WGB Flag performance list 2021–2023 has now been published and we are delighted to inform you that Barbados has maintained the white flag status.