Application: All ships above 500 GT and all commercially operated yachts above 500 GT operating internationally

Checklist No.02 for vessel registration (provisional and full registration) is available under the ‘REGISTRATION’ tab on our website.

Provisional registration conveys no entitlement to register a ship under The Shipping Act 1994.

There are different forms and information required depending on which type of registration is required.

Provisional registration is allowed by Barbados Flag to assist the shipowner and allow time to gather the documents that are necessary for full registration but in order to register a ship under the above Act, a full application must be made direct to the Registry.

The certificate of Provisional Registration is valid for six months from the date of issue which allows time for full registration to be achieved in normal circumstances. If registration under the above Act is not completed before the certificate expires, the ship in question is liable to cease to be recognized as Barbadian. Where separate arrangements have been made in advance of expiry, a fee of USD750 per month that the vessel remains on provisional registration will be charged to the shipowner. This charge is designed to ensure that the shipowner has made proper preparation, including any mortgage arrangements, for full registration in good time.

A ship once provisionally registered, cannot be provisionally registered again within one year of the issue date of the original certificate of provisional registration.

A Bareboat Part IV registration is not eligible for a provisional registration.

Covid-19

In accordance with guidance from IMO* certificates of provisional registration issued by Barbados Flag may be extended by up to three months during the Covid-19 pandemic.

* Circ. Letters no. 4204/Add.2 of 21 Feb. 2020 to Circ. Letter No. 4204/Add.4/Rev.1 of 28 May 2020

Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea

Application: All shipowners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised classification societies

Barbados Flag wishes to bring to the attention of all concerned the new publication for maritime security guidance for ships and seafarers operating off the coast of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, replacing the previous guidelines for the area.

This publication is aimed to help mariners detect, deter and delay external threats to their safety. Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security off the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP-WA) complements piracy guidance in the latest International Maritime Organisation Resolutions and Circulars (www.imo.org) in this region.

The maritime security situation off the West Coast of Africa is complex and dynamic. BMP (WA) has been developed to help ships and seafarers avoid becoming the victims of maritime security incidents in these waters. The publication aims to help ships plan their voyage and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks. BMP-WA also outlines risk assessment as an integral part of voyage planning in identifying measures for prevention, mitigation and recovery, combining statutory regulations with supplementary measures.

The consequences of not adopting effective security measures can be severe. The guidance contained in this publication mitigates the risk from piracy and armed robbery. To this effect, all concerned are strongly advised to apply the recommendations in this publication, which will make a significant difference to the safety of seafarers.

Barbados Flag also draws the attention of all concerned to the official website (https://www.gog-mdat.org)

of the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade-Gulf of Guinea (MDAT- GoG), the co-ordination centre tasked to safeguard merchant ships operating in the region. MDAT- GoG is a cooperation centre between the Royal Navy (UKMTO) and the French Navy (MICA-Center) in support of Yaounde Process. The primary output from the MDAT- GoG is to contribute by maintaining coherent maritime situational awareness in the central and western African Maritime areas, with the ability to inform and support industry. It contributes to the safety and security of the Mariner in the regional maritime domain.

To do this effectively, MDAT- GoG needs to know about merchant ships approaching, transiting or operating in the region. The MDAT- GoG website offers ship-owners, ship masters and agents the facility to register their details securely with MDAT- GoG, update positions of their vessels and receive information and guidance designed to reduce the risk of pirate attacks. To this effect, masters and operators of Barbadian ships that operate or that may operate in this area are strongly advised to register on the website.

The publication may be downloaded from www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org, which also includes links to other maritime security information useful to mariners.

06-05.2020

ADDENDUM TO BULLETIN 323

Application: All ship-owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised Classification Societies

COVID-19:  DISPENSATION REQUESTS

Application: All shipowner/operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised classification societies

Further to our earlier bulletin 323, and in response to a number of requests for extension  to seafarer service period, please note that requests for any such extension to be granted should be completed on a COVID-19 Dispensation Request form.

The form is designed only for dispensation requests arising as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis,   Please request copy of the form to: ops@barbadosmaritime.org,

30 March 2020

Application: All ship-owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised Classification Societies

COVID-19:  GUIDANCE

Application: All shipowner/operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised classification societies

SUMMARY

The outbreak and proliferation of COVID-19 has caused major disruption on a global scale.  Barbados Maritime is offering this guidance, which we plan to update as and when there are further developments.

GENERAL GUIDANCE

 Sources of information are available to the maritime industry, on the websites shown below:

• International Maritime Organisation
• International Maritime Health Association.
• World Health Organisation
• International Chamber of Shipplng

IMO Circular letter No. 4204(Add.4) offers specific guidance for ship operators for the protection of the health of seafarers.  This is regularly updated and the latest version can be accessed on the

IMO website.(http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx)

SEAFARER CERTIFICATES

In the case of the documents below expiring or already expired and renewal is not possible as a consequence of COVID-19 related issues, the following action should be taken:

(1)        STCW Certificate of Competency (CoC):   seafarers should contact their CoC issuing authority and request an extension to their existing CoC.

(2)        Barbados Maritime Endorsement: the STCW Compliance Officer will issue a Flag State Endorsement to CoCs that have been extended by their issuing authority, and use the new expiry date on the CoC.  The Endorsement application should be made in the usual way.  If evidence is submitted that the Endorsement is required to be extended due to COVID-19 related issues, there will be no fee for issue of the Endorsement.

(3)        Medical Certificates:  A medical certificate that expires while the seafarer is at sea, shall remain valid until the next port of call where a medical practitioner may be available to issue a new medical certificate, but should not usually exceed three months.  Any request for a seafarer without a valid medical certificate to join a ship as a matter of urgency must be cleared first with the Barbados Maritime administration by emailing ‘ops@barbadosmaritime.com’.

MINIMUM SAFE MANNING DOCUMENT

 Where COVID-19 is responsible for a seafarer being unable to join or leave a ship, and this impacts on the MSMD, operators should contact BMSR for permission to sail with less than the minimum number of seafarers stated on the MSMD.  Contact ops@barbadosmaritime.com if this is the case to request a temporary dispensation.

MLC:  Ship-owners should check urgently with their insurance providers that the insurance or other financial security covers seafarers for COVID-19 related issues.  Coverage should be extended if necessary.  This applies to both MLC Standard A2.5.2 and Standard A. 4.2.1.

SEA Extension

 BMSR is aware that travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19 are having profoundly disruptive effects on previously arranged crew changes.  BMSR does not need to be contacted where the SEA is extended and

(a)        the extension is agreed between the seafarer and shipowner

(b)        a new SEA is made, or an addendum to the present SEA is signed by both parties

(c)        the period of service does not exceed 12 months (or, if there is a CBA in place,

the alternative limit agreed therein)

Should the service period exceed 12 months or whatever limit has been agreed in a CBA, operators should contact ops@barbadosmaritime.com for further advice.

QUARANTINE & SELF-ISOLATION

All seafarers are to follow the guidance from relevant health authorities concerning quarantine and self-isolation.  Any such isolation/quarantine counts towards the seafarer’s service period.

SURVEY & CERTIFICATION

 BMSR accepts that ROs may not be able to undertake statutory surveys or audits during the current COVID-19 crisis period.  ROs should submit recommendations to BMSR for an extension to the validity of survey certificates and this will be reviewed and authorised on a case by case basis.

DELAYS TO DRY DOCKING

 We recommend that owners/operators should submit applications to the RO if an extension is required for a vessel’s dry docking, or servicing of critical equipment as required under IMO applicable Convention.  Such applications should be submitted before the due date or expiry date of the statutory certificate, to avoid PSC issues.

INTERNAL ISM AUDITS

Please note that Reg. 12.1 of the ISM Code allows up to 15 months between audits, where there are exceptional circumstances.  If a Company cannot undertake ISM Audit within the allowable time scale, BMSR will consider extending this period on a case by case basis.  Contact ops@barbadosmaritime.com for further advice.

19 March 2020

Application: All ship-owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised Classification Societies

SUMMARY

New amendments to SOLAS Chapter III included in Res. MSC. 404(96) came into force.on

1^st January 2020.

In the amended Regulations III/3, the requirements for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear contained in the Guidelines MSC.1/Circ.1206, “Measurer to prevent accidents with lifeboats”, were replaced by Res. MSC.402(96), “Requirements for maintenance, through examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboat and rescue boats, launching appliance and release gear” (The Requirements), setting it as mandatory (see new Reg. III/20.11.5).

Res. MSC. 402(96) set down as mandatory that personnel carrying out maintenance, through examination, operational testing, overhaul and testing and repair of the following items should be certified by an authorised service provider:

• Lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats.
• Launching appliances as well as on load and off load release gear for lifeboats, rescue boats, fast rescue boat, and davit-launched life rafts.

The following inspection intervals are described:

Weekly and monthly inspections are to be conducted by authorised service providers, or by shipboard personnel under the direction of a senior ship’s officer in accordance with the maintenance manual(s).

Annual thorough examinations and operational tests are to be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorised provider. The service provider may be the ship operator, provided they are authorised.

Five-year thorough examination, any overhaul, overload operational tests and repairs are to be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorised service provider. This shall be done in the presence of vessel’s Classification surveyor.

The scope for each inspection, maintenance, through examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair interval is detailed in the Res. MSC.402(96), Section 6.

In

general, an authorised service provider is an entity authorised by flag administrations in accordance with the requirements given in the Res. MSC.402(96). The certification programme requires authorisation for each make and type of equipment to be provided. It is important to note that the authorisation as service provider equally applies to manufacturer needs to obtain authorisation. The authorised service provider will certify their personnel for each make and type of equipment.

Barbados Maritime Ship Registry will accept only service providers authorised by other administrations or by their Recognised Organisation, specifically for each make and type of equipment on board of the vessel. Evidence of such authorisations shall be made available on board to FSI surveyors, attached to service reports.

In cases where a manufacturer is no longer in business or no longer provides technical support, Barbados Maritime Ship Registry may authorize other service providers for the equipment based on prior authorisation for the equipment and/or long-term experience and demonstrated expertise as an authorised service provider. Documented evidence is to be provided to the Technical Department in order to get such authorisation.

18/3/2020

18 March 2020

GUIDANCE IN THE EVENT OF UNSEAWORTHINESS

Application: all ship-owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised classification societies and approved inspectors

When undertaking inspection of ships and yachts on behalf of Barbados Maritime, an inspector may find deficiencies that pose a grave risk to the safety, security and environmental operation of the ship and seafarers.

In these circumstances and when it is seen that the Master and/or Owners are not taking any steps

to deal with the deficiencies, the ship should not be allowed to put to sea.

The matter should be brought to the attention of BMSR immediately on the Emergency 24hr phone: +44 (0)7939 312822 or landline to +44 (0) 207636 5739. BMSR will then take further action to protect the ship, seafarers and environment.

2020-02-07

Flag inspections

Application: All shipowners, operators, masters and flag inspectors

The Barbados Maritime Ship Registry is committed to support ship operators and to avoid disruption to their business. Therefore it is be ensured that ships are properly prepared for a flag state inspection to avoid delays in carrying out the survey.

In 2019 some common factors have been noted at flag state inspections and port state detentions. Therefore our inspectors are hereby advised of the frequently noted deficiencies as mentioned below:

Fire doors –closing mechanisms found ineffective
Fire drills – lack of familiarity
Fire pumps – failure to establish pressure
Emergency generator – failure to start
IMO symbols – found to be missing
Publications – old editions found onboard or publications not found onboard
Gangway ladders – steps to be replaced

14 January 2020

Application: All ship-owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised Classification Societies

1. The Administration may grant general exemptions from the requirements of regulations 15, 17, 18, 19 (except 19.2.1.7), 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 to ships without mechanical means of propulsion.
   

2. The Administration may grant to individual ships exemptions or equivalents of a partial or conditional nature, when any such ship is engaged on a voyage where the maximum distance of the ship from the shore, the length and nature of the voyage, the absence of general navigational hazards, and other conditions affecting safety are such as to render the full application of this chapter unreasonable or unnecessary, provided that the Administration has taken into account the effect such exemptions and equivalents may have upon the safety of all other ships.

3. Each Administration shall submit to the Organization, as soon as possible after 1 January in each year, a report summarising all new exemptions and equivalents granted under paragraph 2 of this regulation during the previous calendar year and giving the reasons for granting such exemptions and equivalents. The Organization shall circulate such particulars to other Contracting Governments for information.

BMSR Guidance

1. Paragraph 1 allows Administrations to grant general exemptions to vessels with no means of propulsion (e.g. certain types of vessel used in the offshore industry such as jack-up rigs, storage or offloading units etc.) from the specified Regulations. BMSR will grant exemptions to such Barbados-flagged ships.
2. Paragraph 2 allows Administrations to grant exemptions or equivalences of a partial or conditional nature to other vessels where it can be shown that full application of the Regulations is unnecessary or unreasonable. In such cases, safety must not be compromised.
3. Paragraph 3 requires Administrations to provide IMO with annual summaries of all exemptions or equivalences so granted.
4. Owners of Barbados-registered vessels wishing to apply for an exemption or an equivalence should apply to BMSR. This will only be granted where compliance with the regulations is shown to be unreasonable and BMSR is satisfied that alternative steps are taken to achieve an equivalent level of safety.
5. Equivalences may be granted where BMSR deems that the substitution of a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or operational procedure is at least as effective as that required by the regulation.
6. Exemptions and equivalences are granted for a specified period. They will not be granted indefinitely.
7. Owners seeking an exemption or equivalency for navigational equipment should contact BMSR at:

Barbados Ships’ Registry

Barbados High Commission
1 Great Russell St,
London WC1B 3ND
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7636 5739
Email: ops@barbadosmaritime.com

Application: All ship-owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised Classification Societies

1.0 Definitions:

1.1 Casualties

These are occurrences where there is:

• the death of a person, or major injury to a person; or
• serious harm to the environment; or
• loss of a ship or the abandonment of a ship; or
• material damage to a ship; or
• the grounding of a ship or any collision, or a ship is disabled; or
• material damage caused by, or in connection with the operation of a ship.

An occurrence classified as a casualty is the most serious type of event. Any major injury occurring to any person automatically classifies the event as a casualty and a major injury is defined as –

• any fracture (other than to fingers or toes); or
• any loss of a limb or part of a limb; or
• dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine; or
• loss of sight (temporary or permanent); or
• penetrating eye injuries; or
• other injuries leading to hypothermia or unconsciousness, requiring resuscitation, or admission to hospital or an offshore sick bay for more than 72 hours.

Reports of casualties are required to be sent to the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry as soon as possible by the quickest means available. In general the quickest means available will be in the form of an e-mail to ops@barbadosmaritime.com with any attachments giving the basic facts and sent as soon as possible, followed up by the sending in of the accident report form by the quickest means available as soon as it is completed.

“Material Damage”, like a major injury, automatically classifies the event as a casualty and material damage is defined as damage to the structure, equipment or fittings of the ship which;

• requires immediate repair before the ship is able to continue in service, or
• which involves a breach of the hull or cracking etc. which affects the ship’s structural integrity, or
• which involves damage to machinery or other equipment which is safety equipment or which is essential to the operation of the ship and thus prevents the ship from operating as designed.

1.2 Accidents

These are defined as an event of less seriousness than a casualty and include;

• falls overboard;
• fires and explosions;
• the collapsing or bursting of any pressure vessel, pipeline or valve or the accidental ignition of anything in a pipeline;
• the collapse or failure of any lifting equipment, access equipment, hatchcover, staging or bosun’s chair or any associated load-bearing parts;
• the uncontrolled release of any harmful substance or agent;
• any collapse of cargo, unintentional movement of cargo sufficient to cause a list, or loss of cargo overboard;
• snagging of fishing gear resulting in the vessel heeling to a dangerous angle.
• any contact by a person with loose asbestos fibre without wearing the appropriate protective clothing.

Any of the above are classified as accidents, however if any of these actually result in a major injury then the classification is upgraded to casualty. Similarly, while a fire is classed as an accident, if it causes material damage to the ship, then (because material damage classifies the event as a casualty) the event is upgraded to a casualty.

Accidents are required to be reported to Barbados Maritime Ship Registry as soon a possible and by the quickest means available.

1.3 Incidents

These are the least serious types of event and include all other events which do not classify as casualties or accidents and “incident” also includes “near misses” or events which could have led to accidents or casualties. Incidents are required to be reported to Barbados Maritime Ship Registry on the accident report form as soon as practicable.

2.0 Actions required

2.1 Owners and managers are asked to ensure that a copy of this information bulletin is readily available on board all registered vessels and that masters are aware of its contents and their responsibilities for reporting certain incidents on board.

2.2 Should there be any conflict between the contents of this information bulletin and the reporting requirements contained in the safety management system or other internal documents and policies, companies are asked to make relevant amendments to those documents to ensure compatibility with this information bulletin.

The Accident/Incident Report Form 45 should be downloaded from the FORMS section on this website.

This information bulletin replaces No. 290 which has been withdrawn.