Bulletins

3.1 As required by Section 1252 of the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024, an Official Logbook in a form approved by the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) shall be kept in every Barbados vessel, except a pleasure yacht.

3.2 The BMSR may amend the format, content, or requirements of the Official Logbook from time to time to ensure consistency with national legislation and international conventions.

3.3 The BMSR requires that the Official Logbook shall be duly completed and properly maintained, and may take appropriate action in the event of non-compliance or any evidence of tampering.

3.4 All Barbados vessels shall, in addition to an Official Logbook, carry on board a deck logbook and an engine room logbook in which shall be recorded particulars relating to the deck watch and the engine room watch, respectively.

3.5 All entries in the Official Logbook, deck logbook and engine room logbook shall be made in English, except where all persons making entries in those logbooks have a common language other than English, in which case the entries may be made in that common language.

3.6 The BMSR may require a logbook or a logbook extract written in a language other than English to be translated officially into English.

4. Entries in the Official Logbook

4.1 Entries shall be made as appropriate in the various sections of the Official Logbook, including:

.1 Main particulars on the cover page –details of the vessel, masters served, owner’s or managers details. The date and place the logbook was opened and closed, and details of the delivery of the logbook shall be entered as applicable;

.2 A record of seafarers employed in the vessel –full name, capacity, and reference to the page number if any entry is made in the narrative section;

.3 Returns and entries of births and deaths – as per the requirements of section 1247 of Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024;

.4 Record of musters, drills and training by crew, and inspection of life saving appliances and fire appliances date and details of the type of drill done, instruction given or inspections carried out;

.5 Record of test drills and inspections of the vessel’s steering gear;

.6 Record of inspections of the crew accommodation time and date, names and ranks of persons making the inspection, relevant details, and with relevant signatures;

.7 Record of the position of the load lines and freeboards (tropical, summer, winter, etc), freshwater allowance and maximum summer draught;

.8 Record of dates of departure from and arrival at each port, with draughts and freeboards upon every occasion the vessel is proceeding to sea, with signature of the master and a responsible officer;

.9 Narrative section – including important events, serious defects or deficiencies to be recorded, and any disciplinary action.

5. Making, signing and witnessing of entries

5.1 Each entry in the Official Logbook shall be made by the person or by one of the persons (or by a person authorised for that purpose) specified in the relevant column.

5.2 Each entry shall be signed by the person or by one of the persons specified in the relevant column.

5.3 An entry shall be witnessed and signed by an authorised person or the master, where specified.

5.4 An entry to be signed by the master may be signed by an officer duly authorised by the master for that purpose, unless it is clearly stated that it is prohibited.

5.5 Each entry shall include the date when it is made.

5.6 If an entry that shall be made, signed, or witnessed by the master or a crew member is not done properly as required by the relevant regulations, the master of the vessel at the time shall be guilty of an offence.

6. Annexes to Official Logbooks

6.1 If it is not practicable by reason of its length, circumstances or for any other reason for an entry to be made in the Official Logbook, it shall be made in a separate document that shall be annexed to the Official Logbook and referred to in an entry in the Official Logbook. Any references to an Official Logbook shall include references to any such documents annexed.

7. Time for making of entries

7.1 Entries of particulars specified in sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.7shall be made at the time when an Official Logbook is opened;

7.2 The details of the master on the cover page shall be made as soon as practicable after any change of master.

7.3 Any relevant changes to entries as per section 4.1.7 shall be made as soon as practicable after a new load line certificate is issued with respect to the ILLC66 & ILLP88 and S.I. 2025 No. 30 Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Regulations, 2025.

7.4 Entries as per section 4.1.8 shall be made as soon as practicable after the vessel arrives at or leaves any dock, wharf, port or harbour, as the case may be.

7.5 Records of musters, drills, etc. shall be made as soon as practicable after every occasion such musters or drills are carried out as per the applicable International Conventions and Regulations.

7.6 The entry related to drafts and freeboards shall be made when the vessel leaves any dock, wharf, harbour or other place for the purpose of proceeding to sea.

7.7 Every other entry shall be recorded as soon as reasonably practicable following the occurrence to which it relates to or, in the case of an amendment or cancellation of a previous entry, as soon as reasonably practicable after the individual responsible for signing becomes aware of the circumstances necessitating such amendment or cancellation.

7.8 No entry shall be made in the Official Logbook after the closure of the same, as per section 10.1.

8. Amendment and cancellation of entries

8.1 Subject to the provisions of this Bulletin, an entry shall not be amended or cancelled. However, in cases where:

i) an entry which was required to be signed by the master, it appears to the person who is presently the master of the vessel that the entry is inaccurate or incomplete; or

ii) in the case of any other entry, it appears to the person who signed the entry that it is inaccurate or incomplete;

that person shall, if it is practicable to do so before the time for the delivery of the Official Logbook, make and sign a further entry referring to the original entry and amending or cancelling it; and sections 5 and 6 of this Bulletin shall apply to the further entry.

8.2 Where, after the time referred to for the delivery of the logbook, it appears to the Principal Registrar of the BMSR or to an authorised officer of the BMSR that an entry is inaccurate or incomplete, they:

i) may make and sign a further entry referring to the entry and amending or cancelling it; and

ii) shall, if it is practicable to do so, inform any master or seafarer, to whom any such further entry relates, of its contents.

8.3 Any person who fails to comply with section 8.1 shall be guilty of an offence.

9. Production of the Official Logbook

9.1 The master of the vessel shall, upon request, produce the Official Logbook required to be maintained on board for inspection by the Principal Registrar, an authorised officer of the BMSR, or an Appointed Nautical Inspector (ANI).

9.2 A master who fails to comply with the above shall be guilty of an offence.

10. Delivery of the Official Logbook

10.1 The master shall, within 48 hours after the time specified in 10.2 or 10.3 (as the case may be) below, or, if it is not practicable within that time, as soon as practicable thereafter, deliver the Official Logbook to the appropriate authorised officer of the BMSR.

10.2 Subject to 10.3 below, the time referred to in 10.1 above is either:

.1 the time when the last person remaining onboard, who is employed on the vessel subject to a crew agreement, is discharged from the vessel; or

.2 in any other case, the time when the vessel first calls at a port more than 12 months after the first entry (other than an entry specified in the cover page or 4.1.7 and 4.1.8) is made in the Official Logbook.

10.3 If, at the time specified in section 10.2 above;

.1 there is a pending wages submission; or

.2 there is:

i) pending an appeal against a fine; or

ii) if no such appeal is pending, an entry relates to a fine, which has not been remitted, imposed for a disciplinary offence and in respect of which the time for the giving of notice of appeal by the appellant to the master has not expired.

10.4 The time referred to in section 10.1 above is either the time when all such submissions or appeals have been determined by an appropriate authorised officer of the BMSR or withdrawn, or the expiration of 7 days after the time specified in 10.2, whichever shall be the earlier.

10.5 A master who fails to comply with section 10.1 above shall be guilty of an offence.

Schedule 1 Part I – Entries relating to every vessel
	Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
1	The name of the vessel, its port of registry, official number and gross or register tonnage.	Master	None
2	The name and address of the registered owner or of the registered managing owner or of the vessel’s husband or manager.	Master	None
3	The name of the master and the number of their certificate of competency.	Master	None
4	Where a person ceases to be master of the vessel during a voyage, a record that, in accordance with section 612 of the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024 they have delivered to their successor the documents relating to the vessel or its crew which are in their custody.	Master	None
5	The date on and place at which the Official Logbook is opened.	Master	None
6	The date on and place at which the Official Logbook is closed.	Master	None
7	A record of the date and hour of departure from sea, and arrival from sea at any dock, wharf, port or harbour.	Master	An officer
8	A record of every notification required to be made to a proper officer whenever one qualified deck officer less than the number required by the Bulletin 011 – Minimum Safe Manning Requirements is carried.	Master	None
9	A record of every notification to be made to a proper officer whenever one qualified marine engineer officer less than the number required by the Bulletin 011 – Minimum Safe Manning Requirements is carried.	Master	None
10	A record of each occasion on which, as required by International Maritime Conventions and Codes, a muster, drill or training of the crew in the use of life saving and fire appliances and equipment is held on board the vessel or on which the appliances and equipment to be carried are examined to see whether they are fit and ready for use.	Master	Crew member
11	Where a muster, drill, training or inspection is not held on board the vessel as required by International Maritime Conventions and Codes, a record of why the muster, drill, training or inspection, as the case may be, was not carried out or carried out only in part.	Master	Crew member
12	Where any of the following casualties have occurred— (a) the loss or presumed loss, stranding, grounding, abandonment of or damage to the vessel; or (b) a loss of life caused by fire on board or by any accident to the vessel or a vessel’s boat, or by any accident occurring on board the vessel or a vessel’s boat; or (c) any damage caused by the vessel— a description of the casualty and the place where, or the position of the vessel when, it occurred.	Master	Crew member
13	A record of every signal of distress or a message that a vessel, aircraft or person is in distress at sea, observed or received.	Master	Crew member
14	Where the master, on receiving at sea a signal of distress or information from any source that a vessel or aircraft is in distress, is unable, or in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to go to the assistance of the persons in distress (in accordance with sections 361 and 362 of the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024 which relates to a master’s obligation to assist vessels, etc., in distress)— a statement of their reasons for not going to the assistance of those persons.	Master In person	Crew member
15	Where a dispute relating to the amount payable to a seafarer under a crew agreement is submitted to a superintendent or proper officer— (a) a record of the identity of the superintendent or proper officer; (b) a statement of the dispute; (c) a record of whether they accept the submission; and (d) if they accept the submission; either— (i) a record of their decision; or (ii) a statement that they are of the opinion that the dispute ought not to be decided by them.	Master (a) Superintendent or proper officer (b) to (d)	Crew member (a) None (b) to (d))
16	A record of— (a) every seafarer discharged from the vessel; and (b) the place, date and time of their discharge.	The person in whose presence the seafarer is discharged or (if the seafarer is not present at the time they are discharged), the master	Crew member
17	Where a proper officer consents to the discharge of a seafarer outside Barbados, a record of their consent.	The proper officer (if practicable) or the master in person	If the entry is signed by the master, a member of the crew.
18	Where a seafarer is left behind in any country outside Barbados or is taken to such a country on being shipwrecked, or a person who became employed in the vessel under an agreement entered into outside Barbados is left behind in Barbados or is taken to Barbados on being shipwrecked— a record of— (a) the name of the seafarer; (b) the date on which and the place at which the seafarer was left behind; (c) the reason, if known to the master, for the seafarer being left behind; (d) any provision made by the master on the seafarer’s employer’s behalf to ensure that a superintendent or proper officer is informed that the seafarer has been left behind, identifying the superintendent or proper officer; (e) The seafarer’s employer is being informed that the seafarer has been left behind, and that the employer is being given any particulars required by them.	The master	A member of the crew
19	Where the master is required by a superintendent or proper officer to convey a person under a conveyance order— a record of— (a) the conveyance order, identifying the person to whom it relates, and the superintendent or proper officer by whom it was given; (b) any direction received by the master in respect of any such requirement, specifying the direction and the superintendent or proper officer by whom it was given; (c) whether the person is engaged as a member of the crew and, if not, (i) the date on which and the place at which they came on board the vessel; and (ii) the date on which and the place at which they left the vessel.	The master	A member of the crew
20	In respect of a seafarer referred to in an entry made pursuant to paragraph 18 of this Schedule— a record of— (a) whether they left any property (including money) on board the vessel; (b) all such property of which the master has taken charge, specifying each item of such property; (c) each article forming part of such property sold, and the price received for it; (d) each article forming part of such property destroyed or disposed of, and the name of the person to whom disposal was made; (e) each article forming part of such property delivered to any person specifying the person (whether the seafarer, their employer or their next of kin) to whom the delivery was made and the date, place and manner of delivery.	The master	A member of the crew
21	A record of any inspection of crew accommodation carried out under section 6 of Bulletin 028 – Barbadian Vessels’ Accommodation Standards, showing (a) the date and time of the inspection; (b) the names and ranks of the persons making the inspection; and (c) particulars of any respects in which the crew accommodation or any part thereof was found by any of the persons making the inspection not to comply with Bulletin 028 – Barbadian Vessels’ Accommodation Standards, and provisions of Title 3 of MLC 2006, as applicable.	The master	A member of the crew
22	A record of any inspection of provisions and water to be supplied to seafarers employed in the vessel, with the result of the inspection.	The persons making the inspection	None
23	A record of any inspection by a person of any anchors and chain cables (as defined in section 5 of Bulletin 050 – Lifting appliances and Anchor handling winches on board the vessel as part of its equipment and the findings of that person.	The persons making the inspection	None
24	A record of any testing and inspection carried out by the vessel’s personnel of the rigging of the hoist and a load test to at least 150 kg, under section of Bulletin 049 – Pilot Transfer Arrangements.	The master	An officer
25	A record of any drill, check and test carried out by the vessel’s crew on the vessel’s steering gear.	The master	An officer
26	Where three or more seafarers employed in the vessel complain to the master under section 15 of the Bulletin 007 – Maritime Labour Convention 2006 about the provisions or water, provided for the seafarers employed in the vessel— a record of— (a) the names of the seafarers making the complaint; (b) the complaint, specifying— (i) the provisions, or the water of; and (ii) the manner in which they are alleged not to be in accordance with section 10 of Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part 1 (whether because of bad quality, unfitness for use or deficiency in quantity); (c) action taken by the master on the complaint; (d) whether the seafarers state to the master their dissatisfaction with the action taken by the master on the complaint, and whether they claim to complain to a superintendent or proper officer; (e) if the seafarers claim to complain to a superintendent or proper officer, the arrangements made by the master to enable the seafarers to do so; (f) the investigation of the complaint by a superintendent or proper officer; and (g) every examination of provisions and water made under section 8 of DMLC Part 1.	The master (sub-paragraphs (a) to (e)) The superintendent or proper officer investigating the complaint (sub-paragraph (f)) The person making the inspection (sub-paragraph (g))	One of the seafarers making the complaint None None
27	Where a seafarer employed in the vessel complains to the master under section 15 of the Bulletin 007 – Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (which relates to complaints other than complaints about provisions and water) about the master or any other seafarer employed in the vessel or about the conditions on board the vessel— a record of— (a) the name of the seafarer making the complaint; (b) the complaint, specifying the person or matter complained of and the nature of the complaint; (c) action taken by the master on the complaint; (d) whether the seafarer states their dissatisfaction with the action taken by the master on the complaint and whether, if the vessel is outside Barbados, they claim to complaint to a proper officer; (e) if the seafarer claims to complain to a proper officer, the arrangements made by the master to enable the seafarer to do so; and (f) the investigation of the complaint by a proper officer.	The master (sub-paragraphs (a) to (e)) The proper officer investigating the complaint (sub-paragraph (f))	The seafarer making the complaint None
28	Where, by reason of any event, it appears to the master that an officer— (a) may be unfit to discharge their duties, whether by reason of incompetency or misconduct or for any other reason; or (b) may have been seriously negligent in the discharge of their duties; or (c) may have failed to comply with the provisions of section 357 of the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024 (duty to give assistance and information after a collision); a record: (i) of the name of the officer and of the grade and number of their certificate; (ii) of any such event or a reference to any other entry relating to it; (iii) of any statement made by the officer to the master in respect of that event or those events and which the officer wishes to be recorded; and (iv) that the entries made in pursuance of sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) of this paragraph have been read over to the officer by the master, and if they are not read over, the reason for not doing so.	The master in person	An officer other than the officer referred to in an entry under sub-paragraph (i) of this paragraph
29	A record of any re-rating (including promotion) of a seafarer, with the date upon which the re-rating takes effect.	The master	A member of the crew
30	When a seafarer employed under a crew agreement, which requires them to comply with theCode of Conduct for the Merchant Navy, August 2013, is alleged, before the master, to have committed one of the breaches of the Code specified in paragraphs 9 and 11 thereof, a record of such of the following particulars as are relevant— (a) the nature of the allegation; (b) the name of the person against whom the allegation is made; (c) that the master has read the allegation to the seafarer; (d) that the master has advised the seafarer of their right to be accompanied by a friend who may advise them and speak on their behalf; (e) (i) if the seafarer admits the allegation, a statement that they admit it; (ii) in any other case, a statement that the seafarer does not admit the allegation; (f) (i) any statement made by the seafarer, or by their friend on behalf of the seafarer, in answer to the allegation; (ii) that they decline to make a statement in answer to the allegation; (g) that the master has given a formal warning to the seafarer; (h) that the master has given a written reprimand to the seafarer; (i) that the master has informed the seafarer that they will be dismissed from the vessel either at the first opportunity or at the end of the voyage, and that the matter will be referred to a shore-based disciplinary committee; (j) that the seafarer has been given, and has acknowledged receipt of, a copy of all entries made in the official log book relating to their breach of the code, together with a copy of any report made to a shore-based disciplinary committee.	The master	A member of the crew other than the seafarer named in an entry under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph
31	Where a seafarer is convicted by a legal tribunal of any offence committed in the vessel during a voyage, a record of the conviction and of the punishment inflicted.	The master	A member of the crew
32	Where, in the opinion of the master, consideration should be given to the prosecution of any person in respect of any conduct in the vessel during a voyage (whether under section 1219 of the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024 or otherwise)— a record— (a) of the event; (b) of the name of the person concerned; (c) of any statement made by the person concerned to the master in respect of that event which that person wishes to be recorded; and (d) that the entries made in pursuance of sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) of this paragraph have been read over by the master to the person concerned.	The master in person	A member of the crew other than the person named in an entry under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph
33	A record of any reduction in the scale of provisions or water to be provided for seafarers employed in the vessel specifying— (a) the reduction made; (b) the reason for the reduction; and (c) the duration of the reduction.	The master	A member of the crew
34	Where a child is born in the vessel or in one of the vessel’s boats— a record of— (a) (i) date of birth; (ii) if the birth takes place at sea, the position of the vessel by latitude and longitude at the time of the birth and, in any other case, the place of birth; (iii) name (if any) and surname of child; and (iv) sex of child; (b) (i) name and surname of father; (ii) their usual residence; (iii) their nationality; and (iv) their occupation, rank or profession; provided that, if the child is illegitimate, no particulars of the father shall be entered except at the joint request of the mother and of the person acknowledging himself to be the father, given to the master in writing and signed by both the mother and that person; (c) (i) name and surname of mother; (ii) her maiden surname; (iii) her name at marriage, if different from maiden surname; (iv) her usual residence; and (v) her nationality; and (d) the making of a return of the birth, identifying the person to whom the return was made.	The master in person	The mother of the child
35	Where any person dies in the vessel or in a vessel’s boat, or is lost from the vessel or a vessel’s boat, or where any person employed in the vessel dies outside Barbados— a record of— (a) the date of the death or loss; (b) (i) if the death takes place in the vessel or in a vessel’s boat or if the deceased is lost from the vessel or a vessel’s boat, the place of death or the position of the vessel or of the vessel’s boat by latitude and longitude at the time of the death or loss (as the case may require); (ii) if the death or loss does not take place in or from the vessel or in or from a vessel’s boat, the place of death; (c) name and surname of deceased; (d) sex of deceased; (e) date of birth (if known) or age; (f) if the deceased was a woman who had been married, her maiden surname (if known); (g) occupation, rank or profession of deceased; (h) usual residence of deceased at time of death or loss; (i) their nationality; (j) (i) cause of death or loss; and (ii) if death is not due to natural causes, the circumstances of death or loss; (k) if the deceased was lost from the vessel or a vessel’s boat, the steps taken to rescue them; (l) the making of a return of the death, identifying the person to whom the return was made; and (m) the notification of the death to the deceased’s next of kin, and the name and address of the next of kin.	The master in person (sub-paragraphs (a) to (i)) The vessel’s doctor or, if there is no vessel’s doctor, the master in person (sub-paragraph (j)(i)) The master in person (sub-paragraphs (j)(ii) to (m))	A member of the crew A member of the crew A member of the crew
36	In respect of a seafarer dying while or after being employed in the vessel— a record of— (a) whether they left any property (including money) on board the vessel; (b) all such property of which the master has taken charge, specifying each item of such property; (c) each item forming part of such property sold, and the price received for it; (d) each article forming part of such property destroyed or disposed of, and the name of the person to whom disposal was made; (e) each article forming part of such property delivered to any person, specifying the superintendent or proper officer to whom delivery was made, and the date, place and manner of delivery.	The master in person	A member of the crew
37	Where an inquiry into the cause of a death is required to be held under section 1076 of the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024 — a record— (a) of the name of the deceased and a reference to the relevant entry made under paragraph 35 of this Schedule; (b) of either— (i) the name of the superintendent or proper officer holding the inquiry and the date and the place at which the inquiry is held; or ii) that the inquiry was not held at the next port where the vessel calls after the death and where there is a superintendent or proper officer.	The master (sub-paragraph (a)) The superintendent or proper officer holding the inquiry (sub-paragraph (b)(i)) The master (sub-paragraph (b)(ii))	None None None
38	Where a person employed on the vessel falls ill or is injured— a record of— (a) the circumstances of the injury; (b) the nature of the illness or injury or the symptoms thereof; (c) the treatment adopted; and (d) the progress of the illness or injury.	The master (sub-paragraph (a)) The vessel’s doctor or (if there is no vessel’s doctor) the master (sub-paragraphs (b) to (d))	A member of the crew A member of the crew

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First Issue

10th December 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 024 – DMLC Part II Explanatory Notes and Recommended Content Rev 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024

b) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006)

c) Bulletin 007 – Maritime Labour Convention 2006

d) PPO01-F14: Ship Masters Medical Report Form

2. Purpose

2.1 This Bulletin provides guidance and explanatory notes to assist Recognised Organisations (ROs), shipowners and operators in preparing the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Part II, in accordance with MLC 2006 Standard A5.1.3 paragraph 10(b).

2.2 This Bulletin shall be read in conjunction with Bulletin 007, which details Barbados’ implementation of the MLC 2006, including DMLC Part I obligations and RO procedures.

3. Application

3.1 This Bulletin applies to all Barbados-flagged vessels required to carry a Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance, as prescribed under MLC 2006 Title 5 and as prescribed under Sec. 7 of Bulletin 007.

4. DMLC Part II – General Requirements

4.1 The DMLC Part II shall be drawn up by the MLC shipowner and shall identify the measures adopted to ensure ongoing compliance with the national and international requirements between MLC inspections and the measures proposed to ensure continuous improvement.

4.2 The DMLC Part II shall be drafted in clear terms designed to help all persons concerned, such as flag State inspectors, authorised officers in port States and seafarers, to check that the requirements are being properly implemented.

4.3 Shipowners shall ensure that their DMLC Part II is completed in line with this guidance prior to submission to a Barbados RO for review and approval.

4.4 The DMLC Part II is a company-specific declaration outlining measures adopted to ensure compliance with each applicable MLC 2006 Regulations. It shall:

.1 Address each item listed in DMLC Part I.

.2 Be signed and stamped by the Company.

.3 Include clear references to documented procedures, forms, or manuals used on board.

.4 Be kept on board at all times and available to inspectors (RO approved copy).

4.5 Completed DMLC Part II shall be submitted to a Barbados RO for review. During the MLC initial or intermediate inspection, the RO will verify the measures onboard.

5. DMLC Part II Records

5.1 Shipowners shall keep a copy of the completed and approved DMLC Part II at their management office and onboard each vessel.

5.2 An electronic copy of the DMLC Part II approved by the RO shall also be forwarded to registry@barbadosmaritime.com for BMSR records.

6. Explanatory Notes and Recommended Content

6.1 The following guidance corresponds to each section of the Barbados DMLC Part I and addresses both the MLC 2022 amendments and the amendments regarding the need for basic training in the prevention of and response to violence, harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.

1. Minimum Age (Reg. 1.1)

Explanatory Notes

The following should be included:

· No person under the age of 16 will be employed on the vessel;

· No seafarer under the age of 18 will work at night (as defined in DMLC part I) unless it is part of a recognised training scheme;

· A list of hazardous work that seafarers under the age of 18 are prohibited from undertaking;

· A list of seafarers who are under 18 years of age;

· Details to ensure compliance for the Master to check that the seafarer is over 16 by inspecting the individual’s passport/discharge book.

Recommended Content

Upon boarding, each seafarer’s Passport and Discharge book is checked by the Master or their designated representative, to:

· Ensure that no person below the age of 16 is employed on this vessel;

· Compile a list of seafarers aged under 18 years, which is kept available for inspection.

Rosters are prepared to ensure that, during a continuous nine-hour period starting no later than midnight and ending no earlier than 5.00 am each day, seafarers under the age of 18 do not work. The only exceptions are in the event of an emergency or where night work is a necessary part of their training programmes.

Seafarers below the age of 18 are not permitted to carry out work such as the following:

· Working at height;

· Working overboard except during safety training drills;

· Working within enclosed spaces;

· Food preparation or catering.

2. Medical certification (Reg. 1.2)

Explanatory Notes

A statement to the effect that:

· No seafarer will be engaged without a valid medical certificate in compliance with STCW I/9;

· Medical certificates should be provided in English or accompanied by an English translation;

· Reference should be made regarding who checks the individual certificates, ensuring that any restrictions are complied with;

· Procedures if either the Master or the shipowner has concerns about the medical fitness of a seafarer to undertake their duties.

Recommended Content

The seafarer is required to submit their medical certificate to the Master or to the designated representative to ensure the certificate is:

· Valid and appropriate for the duties that the seafarer will undertake;

· In English (or with an English translation available);

· Issued by a doctor approved in compliance with STCW I/9.

A note is taken of any certificate that will expire during the voyage.

Seafarers without a valid medical certificate are not permitted to join the vessel. They are either directed to the nearest Approved Doctor or repatriated.

Where doubt exists about the validity of the medical certificate or the seafarer’s fitness, the Master shall contact the company superintendent and arrange an independent medical assessment without delay.

The procedure may be set out in the company’s Safety Management System (SMS), which is developed by the company and audited by the Barbados RO.

3. Qualifications of seafarers (Reg. 1.3)

Explanatory Notes

The DMLC Part II should state:

· That only certificated seafarers in accordance with STCW Convention requirements will be employed on board;

· From 01 Jan 2026, procedures to verify and record that all seafarers employed on board have undertaken basic training, including the revised STCW A – VI/1 provisions to prevent and respond to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault;

· What evidence will be provided in the event of a seafarer’s Certificate of Competency requiring revalidation;

· That seafarers are required to carry their certificates with them;

· Who is responsible for ensuring that individual seafarers have the correct certificates, and what happens if a seafarer joins a vessel without the required qualifications;

· The procedure used to instruct seafarers in onboard personal safety training and how this training is to be recorded.

Recommended Content

Upon arrival on board and prior to commencing work, each seafarer is required to submit their STCW certificates to the

Master or to the designated representative to ensure the certificates are valid and appropriate for the duties that the

seafarer will undertake.

Seafarers arriving without the original copies of their certificates are not permitted to join the vessel. Where a Certificate of Competency requires revalidation, the company will ensure that this is completed prior to joining the vessel.

Basic Safety training and familiarisation are given to each seafarer by the designated safety training officer upon joining the vessel. This may be recorded in the seafarers’ individual training and record books and in the on-board record of training and drills.

IMPORTANT

IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), the amendments to Part A of the STCW Code — including the revisions to Section A-VI/1 on Basic Training — will enter into force on 1 January 2026. From that date, all seafarers will be required to comply with the amended mandatory minimum standards of competence for personal safety and social responsibilities, which now include elements on the prevention of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying.

4. Seafarer’s employment agreements (Reg. 2.1)

Explanatory Notes

This section should include:

· Confirmation that the seafarers’ employment agreements (SEA) include the items listed in paragraph 4 of MLC Standard A2.1;

· A statement indicating whether a collective bargaining agreement [or any other supplementary documentation] forms all or part of the SEA;

· Confirmation that the seafarer has been given a signed original copy of the SEA and how this is recorded;

· Confirmation that the seafarer has been given an opportunity to examine and seek advice prior to signing the SEA and how this is recorded;

· The method used to provide seafarers with a record of employment on board the vessel;

· The procedure for granting shore leave;

· Annual leave provision and how this is calculated;

· Details of authorised representatives for signing the SEA on behalf of the shipowner.

Recommended Content

The employer provides each seafarer with a copy of the SEA and permits the seafarer to examine and seek advice before signing. In the event of difficulties, the seafarer shall raise queries with the company or its associated recruitment/manning agency prior to joining the vessel.

5. Use of any licensed or certified or regulated private recruitment and placement service (Reg. 1.4)

Explanatory Notes

This section should include:

· Information on whether the MLC Shipowner directly or indirectly engages seafarers;

· A list of Recruitment and Placement Services (RPS) that supply seafarers to the vessel;

· Confirmation that the RPS providers reside in a ratifying country; or

· If the RPS providers are based in a non-ratifying country, a statement to the effect that the agency operates in accordance with MLC, 2006 requirements and what evidence is available to confirm this;

· Confirmation that no fees or other charges are borne either directly or indirectly by the seafarer when gaining employment, and how this is verified;

· Confirmation that the RPS providers do not operate blacklists to prevent seafarers from gaining employment, and how this is verified;

· Confirmation that, as far as practicable, the shipowner has the means to protect seafarers from being stranded in a foreign port, together with confirmation that a system of protection is in place by way of insurance or an equivalent measure to compensate seafarers for monetary loss resulting from the failure of either the manning agencies or the shipowner to meet their obligations to the seafarers;

· Confirmation that seafarers are fully aware of their employment rights and protections prior to engaging with a new employment relationship.

Recommended Content

The listed RPS providers are audited as part of the company’s ISM and ISO audits and comply fully with the requirements of MLC, 2006. Copies of the audits are available for inspection at the company’s offices ashore.

All of the above-listed agencies are authorised to sign SEAs on behalf of the shipowner.

6. Hours of Rest (Reg. 2.3)

Explanatory Notes

This section should include information on:

· Details of any authorised exception.

· Where the schedule is posted up;

· Who monitors the hours of work/rest for compliance both onboard and ashore;

· Under what circumstances can the schedule of rest be suspended;

· How are any suspensions recorded;

· How details of any compensatory rest periods granted resulting from the suspended schedule are recorded.

Recommended Content

A table showing the service schedule at sea and in port, along with the minimum hours of rest required to be observed on the vessel, is posted on the Official noticeboard.

The hours of work/rest are monitored on board and ashore to ensure compliance with the applicable standards [and exceptions as explained in DMLC Part I].

Individual reports are inspected weekly by the Master and then forwarded to the vessel’s superintendent. Copies are available for inspection.

The schedule shall only be suspended in the event of a serious incident affecting or threatening the safety of this vessel, its crew and the environment; or whilst rendering such assistance to a person or vessel in distress as required by Article 92 of UNCLOS and Chapter V, Regulation 33(1) of the SOLAS Convention.

Any such suspension shall be recorded in the seafarers’ individual records and the vessel’s Official Logbook.

Compensatory rest periods granted as a result of the schedule being suspended are recorded in the seafarers’ individual records and the official logbook.

7. Manning levels of the ship (Reg. 2.7)

Explanatory Notes

The following should be included:

· A statement to the effect that the vessel will be crewed in accordance with national and international regulations;

· A statement to the effect that the contents of the safe crewing document will be adhered to at all times;

· Information on who the Master should contact if he has any concerns regarding manning.

Recommended Content

The vessel is manned at all times in accordance with the requirements of the Minimum Safe Manning Document (SMD) and SMS, developed by the company and approved by a Barbados RO.

If the Master has concerns regarding the safe manning of the vessel, they shall immediately contact the

Designated Person Ashore (DPA) to seek guidance.

8. Accommodation (Reg. 3.1)

Explanatory Notes

The following should be included:

· How the requirements or paragraph 2(a) of MLC Standard A3.1 are dealt with;

· Who is responsible for carrying out inspections of the crew accommodation, the frequency that inspections are carried out and where they are recorded should be included;

· What is provided by way of bedding, mess utensils and miscellaneous provisions;

· The procedure for the sending and receiving of seafarers’ mail;

· Whether seafarers may be accompanied by their partners for occasional voyages;

· Whether seafarers’ partners, relatives or friends are permitted to visit the vessel when it is in port.

Recommended Content

The crew accommodation on the vessel, whose keel was laid on the ……… of ………., YYYY, was constructed in accordance with ILO Conventions C92 and C133. Approved plans for the crew accommodation are available for inspection on the vessel and in the company offices ashore.

The master and the senior management team inspect the accommodation for cleanliness and safety at least weekly. The Master keeps records in the vessel’s official logbook.

The company provides all items necessary to ensure seafarers’ comfort and safety. This includes all bedding, towels, mess utensils, and any other items deemed necessary to comply with or in addition to the MLC requirements.

Crew members may send mail from the vessel at any time whilst the vessel is in port. Outgoing mail should be placed in the receptacle outside the vessel’s office for delivery to the nearest suitable post office. The duty officer will distribute incoming mail upon receipt. Seafarers also have access to email.

Subject to the vessel’s itinerary and company approval, seafarers may be accompanied by partners. Travel expenses

must be met by the seafarer. Subject to port byelaws, vessel itinerary, and the Master’s approval, seafarers may receive visitors if this does not impede the vessel’s operation.

9. On-board recreational facilities (Reg. 3.1)

Explanatory Notes

This section should:

· At a minimum, give information on what recreation facilities (for example, DVD players, televisions, sports equipment, etc.) are provided on board. Where appropriate, the location of the deck area that is reserved for seafarers;

· Appropriate seafarers’ amenities and services, including ‘social connectivity’, to be adapted to meet the special needs of seafarers living and working on vessels.

Recommended Content

The following recreational facilities are provided for seafarers: televisions and associated DVD players in Officers’ and Crew Lounges. CD Radio Players are available in every cabin.

The vessel’s Library, containing vocational and other books, the stock of which should be adequate for the duration of the voyage and changed at reasonable intervals, as well as table games and deck games

Gym equipment (Treadmill, Rowing Machine, and free Weights) in a dedicated and safe space.

Seafarers, when off duty, may use the Deck area aft of the accommodation on Deck 3 for relaxation purposes. Loungers and tables have been provided for this purpose, provided the Master is satisfied that the prevailing weather conditions do not make it unsafe for them to be on deck.

Seafarers have reasonable access to ship-to-shore telephone communications and internet, with charges, if any, of a reasonable amount.

10. Food and catering (Reg. 3.2)

Explanatory Notes

The following should be included:

· Details concerning the loading, storage and treatment of drinkable water;

· Procedures for storing, preparing, and serving food;

· That seafarers are not charged for their food;

· How the shipowner ensures that food is suitable in quantity, nutritional value, quality, and variety for the number of crew and operation of the vessel;

· Details on how the Master inspects the weekly meal plan to ensure that adequate, varied, balanced and nutritious meals are prepared and served in hygienic conditions and that all cultural/religious requirements are strictly observed;

· The qualifications and training of the cook and any other catering staff;

· Details of who conducts the galley inspections and food handling/storage areas, and how these inspections are recorded.

Recommended Content

Drinking water is loaded as required at each port call. Testing is carried out by the 2nd Officer prior to and on completion of

loading. Test results are recorded as part of the Shipboard Maintenance system and in the vessel’s official logbook. Where

drinkable water does not reach the required standard, it shall be rejected prior to loading. Where possible, water shall be made on board whilst the vessel is at sea.

In the event of any failure of the above processes, the seafarers will be supplied with bottled drinking water.

Food stores are ordered as required from audited suppliers to maintain a minimum of 1 month’s usable food (or

longer if operationally needed). Upon receipt of the stores, they are inspected by the Chief Officer and the vessel’s Cook to ensure that they conform to the required standard. Any substandard food shall be highlighted to the vessel’s agent and rejected. Food shall be stored in the Dry Store, Cold Store or Freezers as appropriate. Food Preparation shall only take place in the vessel’s galley.

Seafarers are provided three meals per day free of charge by the company.

Seafarers with specific dietary requirements should inform the Master prior to their embarkation. The Master and the vessel’s Cook devise appropriate meal plans to consider these requirements.

Vessel’s Cook certificates, which have been either issued or approved by the Flag State, are available for inspection on board.

The Galley and all food storage areas are inspected at least weekly. These inspections, any findings and corrective actions required shall be recorded in the Official Logbook. Any corrective actions required are to take place as quickly as practicable, and their successful completion is to be logged upon satisfactory inspection.

No Seafarer under 18 can participate in food preparation on board this vessel.

11. Health and safety and accident reporting including harassment and bullying (Reg. 4.3)

Explanatory Notes

The following should be included:

· If a vessel has five or more seafarers, then a safety committee is required. The composition of the safety committee and the frequency of meetings, together with the responsibilities of the Master, the safety officer and the safety representatives;

· Details of the on-board programs for the prevention of occupational accidents, injuries, and diseases, including through the provision of all necessary appropriately sized personal protective equipment and for continuous improvement in occupational health and safety;

· Details of the adoption, the effective implementation and promotion of occupational safety and health policies and programs;

· The procedure for generating risk assessments (including those for young seafarers) and how frequently they are reviewed;

· The precautions taken to prevent occupational accidents, injuries, and diseases;

· The procedure for investigating, reporting, and correcting unsafe conditions;

· The procedure for investigating and reporting on board occupational accidents;

· The procedure for investigating the deaths of seafarers employed, engaged, or working on board the vessel and the reporting to the BMSR;

· The procedure for investigating harassment and bullying and the reporting to the BMSR;

· Details of the type of work that seafarers under the age of 18 are prohibited from undertaking.

Recommended Content

The vessel has a Safety Committee. A list of Safety committee members is posted on the Official noticeboard.

The responsibilities of each committee member are detailed in the vessel’s SMS, as approved by the Barbados RO.

The company occupational health and safety policy and programme is set out in the Company SMS. This covers compliance with the flag state’s health and safety laws and regulations as listed in the DMLC Part I and as applicable to the vessel, risk assessments, prevention of occupational accidents, injuries and diseases, incident reporting and a scheme encouraging continuous improvement in occupational health and safety. Copies are available for inspection on board and in the company offices ashore.

12. On-board medical care (Reg. 4.1)

Explanatory Notes

This section should cover:

· The provision of on-board medical care, including the medical chest, and who is responsible for maintaining the same;

· Who is responsible for providing on-board medical care;

· Confirmation that the person(s) responsible for providing on-board medical care are trained (including refresher training);

· The provision of onshore medical care for seafarers and confirmation that this medical care is provided free of charge to the seafarer;

· The procedure for sending a seafarer ashore for medical attention. Including, if necessary, the use of the medical report form.

Recommended Content

The provision of Medical Care on board and the upkeep of the vessel’s Medical Chest are the responsibility of the Master, who may delegate responsibilities to a suitably qualified deputy—normally the [2nd Officer]. Audits of medical supplies are carried out every [ ] months to ensure that they are always in compliance with the statutory requirements.

At all times, at least one crew member has met the standards of competence set out in Part A-VI/4-1 or Part A-VI/4-2 of the STCW Code. Their names are indicated on the ship’s noticeboard, and copies of their Certificates of Competency or Certificates of Proficiency, as appropriate, are available for inspection.

Where a Seafarer requires urgent medical attention whilst in port, such attention shall, where practicable, be arranged through the Medical Officer and the vessel’s Agent.

Prior to sending the seafarer ashore, depending on the urgency of the situation, the medical officer completes the BMSR form “PPO01-F14: Ship Masters Medical Report Form” in English, indicating symptoms, observations, and treatment provided, and sends the form with the seafarer. The medical professional should then complete the form and return it to the seafarer.

Medical or emergency dental assistance necessary for a seafarer whilst on company business, including the requirement for medical treatment whilst travelling to or from the vessel, is provided at no cost to the seafarer.

13. On-board complaint procedures (Reg. 5.1.5)

Explanatory Notes

The following should be included:

· Confirmation that the onboard complaints procedure complies with national and international requirements;

· Confirmation that a copy of the onboard complaints’ procedure is to be given to every seafarer, and how this is recorded.

Recommended Content

The on-board complaints procedure has been prepared in consultation with the [trade union]. A copy is available for inspection on board and in the company office ashore.

Each seafarer receives a copy of the on-board Complaints procedure and is requested to confirm receipt by signing the on-board familiarisation record sheets. This contains contact information for the competent authorities in the flag state and the seafarers’ state of residence, as well as the name of a seafarer/other person who can give, on a confidential basis, impartial advice on making a complaint.

14. Payment of wages (Reg. 2.2)

Explanatory Notes

This section should include information concerning pay slips, charges for allotments, and the frequency of wage payments, together with how the rate of exchange is determined.

Recommended Content

Wages are paid in [currency] at the exchange rate published by [Bank] on the [23rd] day of each month. Seafarers receive pay advice on board and may elect to send some, or all, of their net wages to a nominated bank account of their choice. This will be done electronically, in accordance with the seafarer’s instructions, at no cost to the seafarer.

15. Financial Security for Repatriation (Reg. 2.5)

Explanatory Notes

This section should include:

· A certificate issued by an approved BMSR insurer or other documentary evidence of financial security issued by a third-party financial security provider, and procedures for who and how the certificate is sent to the BMSR;

· Procedures for dealing with delays due to avoidable administrative issues with local authorities.

Recommended Content

Financial security, which covers the shipowner’s liability under MLC Reg 2.5, is provided by [….]. A copy of the certificate of insurance is posted and includes contact details in the event of a claim.

For example, how can local authorities deal with local authorities when they may require the (potentially insolvent) employing company to sign an exit visa or request a new crew to be deployed on the vessel before giving the former crew permission to leave?

16. Financial Security relating to Shipowners’ Liability (Reg. 4.2)

Explanatory Notes

This section should include a certificate issued by an approved BMSR insurer or other documentary evidence of financial security issued by a third-party financial security provider, as well as procedures for who and how the certificate is sent to the BMSR.

Recommended Content

Financial security, which covers the shipowner’s liability under MLC Reg 4.2, is provided by [….] A copy of the certificate of insurance is posted . It includes contact details in the event of a claim.

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First Issue

13th November 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 052 – Ship Sanitation Certificates Rev 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024

b) WHO International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR 2025)

c) ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006)

2. Purpose

2.1 This Bulletin provides guidance on the requirements for Ship Sanitation Certificates under the IHR 2025 and their relevance to the MLC 2006. It also clarifies the competent authority responsible for their issuance.

3. Application

3.1 This Bulletin applies to all Barbadian vessels engaged in international voyages, including commercial and private yachts, regardless of gross tonnage or vessel type.

3.2 Vessels engaged exclusively on domestic voyages are exempt unless a Port Health Authority requires otherwise.

4. Regulatory Basis

4.1 Article 39 of the IHR 2025 requires that every vessel engaged in an international voyage shall hold a valid Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) or Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC). These certificates remain valid for six months and may be extended by one month if inspection or control cannot be completed at the port of call.

4.2 The IHR 2025 does not limit applicability by gross tonnage or vessel type. The requirement applies equally to all vessels engaged in international voyages, including yachts, cargo ships, and passenger ships.

5. Issuing Authority

5.1 The BMSR does not issue, endorse, or renew these certificates.

5.2 The BMSR recognises SSCECs and SSCCs issued by the Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness or any WHO-authorised Port Health Authority, as per the IHR List of Authorised Ports, as valid evidence of compliance under the IHR 2025 and supporting documentation for compliance with MLC 2006 Standard A4.3.2.a.

6. Certificates Validity

6.1 SSCECs and SSCCs are issued with a maximum validity of 6 months, from the date of issue.

6.2 Extensions of 1 month only may be granted at the discretion of a competent Port Health Authority, if the inspection cannot be carried out at the port where the certificate expires and no evidence of public health risk is found.

7. Compliance Verification

7.1 The Master and Company of every Barbadian vessel shall ensure that:

.1 A valid SSCEC or SSCC is maintained on board and available for inspection;

.2 The certificate is renewed before expiry at a WHO-authorised port (Sec. 5.2 above);

.3 The vessel’s sanitation and hygiene standards are kept to a level that meets the international public health requirements.

7.2 Failure to maintain a valid certificate may result in Port Health or Port State Control action at the port of call.

8. Yachts Compliance Verification

8.1 Large private yachts and commercial yachts visiting major ports are routinely inspected under the IHR 2025 by Port Health Authorities.

8.2 Small private yachts calling at marinas or private berths may have inspections deferred or waived at the discretion of local Port Health, particularly if they are low-risk.

8.3 Some States (e.g. France, Italy, Malta, Spain, and Greece) require all international arrivals — including private yachts — to hold a valid SSCEC or SSCC.

8.4 Others (e.g. the UK or US) may not actively request an SSCEC or SSCC for small private craft unless there is a public health concern (e.g. illness onboard, evidence of vermin, waste issues, etc.).

8.5 While the legal requirement exists universally, enforcement at the port level is discretionary and based on risk assessment. Therefore, managers and owners shall check directly with the relevant Port Health Authorities of the port of call.

9. Connection with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)

9.1 Although Ship Sanitation Certificates are issued under the IHR 2025, they serve as supporting evidence of compliance with MLC 2006 Standard A4.3.2.a requires shipowners to take account of relevant international instruments dealing with occupational safety and health protection in general and with specific risks and maintain safe and hygienic working and living conditions on board.

9.2 A valid SSCEC or SSCC confirms that a competent public health authority has independently verified these conditions. During flag inspection, MLC inspections or ISM audits, BMSR and the Recognised Organisations (ROs) may request to sight the validity of the SSCEC or SSCC, and its absence or expiry may be considered a deficiency.

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First Issue

22nd October 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 022 – Barbados Change of Flag Surveys Rev 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024

b) IACS PR 28 Procedure for Change of Flag

c) Bulletin 008 – Permits Exemptions and Equivalences

2. Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this Bulletin is to define the surveys required when a vessel is transferring under the Barbados flag, and under what circumstances those surveys may be conducted remotely, in line with IMO Conventions and IACS PR 28.

3. Scope of the Change of Flag (CoF) survey

3.1 The primary purpose of a Change of Flag (CoF) survey is to confirm full compliance with the requirements of the relevant international conventions under the Barbados flag. Upon satisfactory completion of the CoF survey, all statutory certificates shall be re-issued under the Barbados flag with validity dates harmonised, as far as practicable, with the vessel’s established survey cycles.

3.2 Upon completion of CoF survey (remote or physical), the Recognised Organisation (RO) shall issue full statutory certificates
even if the vessel still holds a BMSR Provisional Certificate of Registry.

3.3 When the CoF survey is carried out within the prescribed annual/intermediate/renewal survey windows, the CoF survey shall be carried out to the extent of these surveys. Due consideration shall be given to the circumstances in order to avoid unreasonable burdens as could be, inter alia, a necessary dry-docking of the ship for renewal survey of the SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or similar.

3.4 In case where there is no change of RO and if the losing flag State Administration is Party to the relevant IMO Conventions, then surveys conducted by the RO within a three months’ time period prior to the date of Change of Flag may be credited towards CoF survey with the exception of SOLAS Safety Radio survey.

3.5 If the Change of Flag is to be undertaken outside the windows of the due dates for surveys of new certificates which are going to be issued on behalf of Barbados, then the scope of surveys shall be in line with Sec 3.2 of the IACS PR 28.

3.6 CoF surveys carried out at a date which is outside of appropriate time windows for the corresponding certificate issued on behalf of Barbados are to be understood as additional surveys which are carried out solely for the purpose of Change of Flag. These surveys do not replace the surveys required to be carried out within the appropriate time windows.

4. RO obligations and reporting

4.1 When the vessel has been certified with Alternative Design and Arrangements or permanent exemptions, the RO shall provide BMSR with information or documentation for BMSR reissuance of relevant documents of approval and permanent exemptions.

4.2 The RO shall reapprove on behalf of Barbados all plans and drawings directly by another flag Administration or on behalf of a flag Administration not Party of the IMO Conventions.

4.3 The plans and drawings approved by the same Barbados RO that approved them on behalf of the losing flag Administration, which is Party of the IMO Conventions, do not need to be reapproved unless explicitly required by the IMO Conventions.

4.4 In cases where the existing Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) or Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) cannot be reapproved at the time of CoF, the RO shall request a temporary permit from the BMSR, in accordance with Sec. 5 of BMSR Bulletin 008 – Permits Exemptions and Equivalences, to authorise the vessel to sail under the Barbados flag pending approval of the plans.

4.5 The RO shall always submit to the BMSR the following certificates, as applicable:

.1 Certificate of Class;

.2 International Tonnage Certificate;

.3 International Loadline Certificate;

.4 Safety Management Certificate;

.5 International Ship Security Certificate;

.6 Maritime Labour Certificate.

5. Remote CoF Surveys

5.1 The remote CoF surveys is a process of verifying that a vessel and its equipment are in compliance with the Statutory requirements where the verification is undertaken, or partially undertaken, without attendance on board by a surveyor.

5.2 The remote CoF survey is not to be considered as an alternative to a survey attended on board by a RO Surveyor, but as an additional and temporary measure to facilitate the registration of the vessel, when physical attendance is not feasible.

5.3 Remote statutory activities not requiring a survey, such as some administrative tasks, are not to be considered as remote surveys. An administrative task is a task where a survey decision is not being made, for example reissue of a certificate or record following a correction, or an update to the vessel’s records held by the RO or a document review.

5.4 The BMSR permits remote CoF surveys only for vessels:

.1 Of less than 20 years of age;

.2 With no PSC detentions or significant PSC findings in the last 36 months;

.3 With most recent statutory and class surveys completed within the past 12 months;

.4 With the Owners and Managers’ positive compliance record.

5.5 Remote CoF Surveys are Not Permitted for a vessel that transfers from a non-IACS member and/or from another RO.

5.6 For a Remote CoF Survey, the RO shall submit a request for a remote survey to BMSR, with justification and evidence. The request shall not be based on economic factors but mainly on the unavailability of the RO surveyor to attend the vessel in a remote location.

5.7 The RO shall also provide the list of known ports of call and propose the best suitable port for carrying out the CoF survey by physical attendance.

5.8 Upon assessment of the remote CoF survey the BMSR shall issue an official letter for authorisation of the CoF survey to be carried out remotely and administratively with relevant conditions.

5.9 The BMSR will only authorise the remote CoF survey if the RO will carry out a physical attendance survey with the same extent as per IACS PR 28 within 3 months from the issuance of the authorisation .

5.10 Upon completion of the remote CoF survey, the RO shall issue short-term statutory certificates with the validity of 3 months as per BMSR authorisation.

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First Issue

9th October 2025 0

Bulletins

B046 – ILO Convention C185 – Seafarers’ Identity Documents (SIDs) Rev 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024

b) ILO Convention C185 – Seafarers’ Identity Documents

2. Introduction

2.1 Barbados officially deposited its instrument of ratification for ILO Convention C185 —the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003—on 3 March 2025.

2.2 Under the terms of C185, the convention enters into force for a Member State six months after that state lodges its ratification with the ILO Director‑General.

2.3 So, based on that timeline:

.1 Ratification lodged: 3 March 2025

.2 Entry into force for Barbados: 3 September 2025

3. Purpose

3.1 This Bulletin gives guidance on the application of the ILO Convention C185 for seafarers working on Barbadian vessels.

4. Application

4.1 In accordance with Article 2 of ILO Convention C185, a Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) may only be issued by a Member State to its own nationals who are seafarers or, at that State’s discretion, to permanent residents.

4.2 Non-Barbadian nationals serving on Barbados-flagged vessels are not eligible for a Barbados-issued SID and must obtain one from their country of nationality or residence.

4.3 As the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) is not authorised to issue SIDs, after entry into force, Barbadian nationals who are seafarers shall submit all SID applications to the Barbados Maritime Administration (Government of Barbados), which is the designated competent authority for Visa and Immigration Considerations.

4.4 The SID, when issued by the competent authority, will be recognised under ILO Convention C185. However, it does not replace a passport and does not override national visa requirements of Port States.

4.5 Therefore, seafarers of any nationality serving on Barbados-flagged vessels may still require visas when calling at foreign ports, unless explicitly exempted by the immigration authorities of the State concerned.

4.6 Shipowners and operators must continue to ensure that all crew carry the appropriate passports, visas, and travel documentation in addition to discharge books or other records of service.

5. Obligations of Shipowners and Operators

5.1 Verify immigration requirements for each crew member’s nationality well in advance of arrival and based on the country of arrival.

5.2 Do not assume that the Barbados or the seafarer country’s accession to C185 or the issuance of SIDs to their nationals removes the visa obligations of the other crew members.

5.3 Report any issues of SID recognition or immigration difficulties encountered at ports to the country that issued the SID and to the BMSR for awareness and record.

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First Issue

12th September 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 033 – Radio Accounting Authority (RAA), Point of Service Activation (PSA), MMSI and Call Sign Rev. 2.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) International Telecommunication Union Convention (ITU Convention);
b) ITU-T Recommendation D.90 (ITU D.90);
c) Form 144 – Application for Radio Accounting Authority Acting on Behalf of Barbados;
d) Maritime Service Activation Registration Form (SARF);
e) Maritime mobile Access and Retrieval System (MARS).

2. Purpose

2.1 This Bulletin explains:

.1 the radio message accounting procedures required by Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) and the lists of the Radio Accounting Authorities (RAAs) approved by the BMSR.

.2 the procedures required by the Point of Service Activation (PSA) to activate, deactivate, and update information regarding Inmarsat Mobile Earth Stations (MESs) on Barbadian vessels;

.3 the procedures to obtain Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers and Call Signs for Barbadian vessels.

3. Application

3.1 This Bulletin applies to all Barbadian vessels:

.1 Equipped with a Radio Ship Station;

.2 Installed, or will be, with an Inmarsat MESs.

4. RAA Requirements

4.1 The ITU Convention currently in force provides for RAAs to settle maritime radiocommunication accounts for ships licensed by the BMSR.

4.2 Due to the many problems occurring in international radio maritime accounting, no ship is entitled to be registered or to maintain registration under the Barbados flag unless the owner shall have entered into a valid contract with an authorized radio service company pursuant to the terms of which the latter assumes the accounting obligation and may assume responsibility for obtaining the vessel’s Radio Ship Station License (SSL).

4.3 It is mandatory that all international maritime radio traffic charges for radiocommunications from ship to shore, both terrestrial and satellite, shall be settled by the approved RAA pursuant to the contract with the owner of the vessel.

4.4 Application for RAA on behalf of the BMSR shall be submitted with Form 144, which is to be sent to registry@barbadosmaritime.com.

4.5 The ITU D.90 limits the number of RAAs based in other countries that the BMSR may recognize to 25. The RAAs approved by the BMSR are listed in section 4 below.

4.6 The RAA shall notify the BMSR of the vessels for which it has assumed full responsibility for the payment of the radiocommunication incurred through its maritime mobile station, ensuring, as required by the ITU Convention, that these payments are made in accordance with the ITU D.90 and will not accrue to the account of the Barbados Government. It is imperative that all radio traffic charges be sent to the RAA only and not to any third party.

5. List of RAAs

#	AAIC	RAA Name
1	AA07	Sratos Global Corporation
2	BE02	Marlink S.A.
3	CA03	Inmarasat Inc.
4	CY03	Telaccount Overseas Ltd.
5	CY05	Tototheo Maritime Ltd.
6	DP03	Marlink GmbH
7	DP05	SPEEDCAST GERMANY GMBH
8	GB01	A-N-D Group PLC
9	GB06	SIRM UK Marine Limited
10	GB08	SIRM UK Marine Limited
11	GB11	NSSLGlobal, Airtime Billing Department
12	GB14	Inmarsat Global Limited
13	GR01	OTESAT-Maritel
14	GR03	HECOSAR, Accounts Settlement for mobile and mobile-satellite
15	IU03	COMPAGNIA GENERALE TELEMAR
16	KE01	Communication Authority of Kenya
17	LE01	MURR Marine Electronics S.A.R.L.
18	NL01	Stratos B.V.
19	NO01	Marlink AS
20	PG18	BRIGHTNORTH CORP.
21	PG19	RADIO LLOYD, S.A.
22	SW01	Telemar Scandinavia B
23	UX02	SE MSRS

5.1 AAIC, means Accounting Authority Identification Code.

5.2 The Barbados RAAs Particulars can be retrieved on MARS by selecting Administration “BRB – Barbados” and pressing “submit query”.

5.3 Barbados does not approve any more RRAs.

6. PSA Requirements

6.1 Inmarsat is the internationally recognized body that sets the rules and oversees “service activation” or formal registration/re-registration of MES for all vessels. Deactivation and re-registration/activation of equipment must take place when a vessel changes Flag, changes owner or when changes occur with the equipment. In order to effect the change, the terminals must first be deactivated by the former PSA that activated the equipment.

6.2 A PSA is an entity authorized by Inmarsat to accept and process for Barbadian vessels applications for MES service activation, assign Inmarsat Mobile Numbers and transmit customer service activation information to the Inmarsat Customer Activation group.

6.3 In many cases, the PSA will also be the RAA or Inmarsat Service Provider (ISP) for the terminal, and works directly with the customer on service activation, in particular, and Inmarsat systems and services in general.

6.4 Any enquiries related to commissioning or decommissioning of Inmarsat terminals should be addressed to the PSA or Inmarsat.

6.5 To obtain the authorisation to activate the MES, the SARF, which is to be completed and signed by the owner of the MES who will ultimately be responsible for the payment of traffic charges incurred by the MES, is to be submitted either directly to the PSA or to the ISP. If applying for more than one MES, the customer must prepare separate SARFs for each MES to be activated. For further information on PSAs and ISPs please contact the Inmarsat Global Customer Support at the following address:

Inmarsat Global Customer Support
Inmarsat Global Limited
99 City Road
London EC1Y 1AX,
United Kingdom

Telephone +44 207 728 1020/1777
Email address: globalcustomersupport@inmarsat.com

6.6 It is imperative that this procedure be understood and followed by the PSA, shipowner, and ship operator so that registration/deregistration of systems may be quickly accomplished for Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) compliance.

6.7 PSA shall inform the BMSR of all additions, deletions, and modifications to BMSR MESs as quickly as possible with a change of flag by email to registry@barbadosmaritime.com.

6.8 The PSAs authorised by Inmarsat can be obtained by contacting Inmarsat Global Customer Support above.

7. MMSI numbers and Call Signs

7.1 A MMSI is effectively an international maritime telephone number issued by the BMSR.

7.2 The BMSR continues to allocate MMSI numbers and Call Signs to Barbados vessels on behalf of the Barbados Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST).

7.3 The Call Signs are allocated based on the guidelines of the ITU Convention – Radio Regulations Article 19.54 -19.56. The BMSR assigns Call Signs with two digits and 3 letters in the order: digit – letter- letter – letter – digit

7.4 Any enquiries related to MMSI numbers should be addressed to the BMSR registration department at registry@barbadosmaritime.com.

Revision History

Version	Description of Revision
1.0	New Issue.
2.0	Major revision with Bulletin format and added RAA IOU03 COMPAGNIA GENERALE TELEMAR

21st August 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 012 – Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances Rev.2.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Download Bulletin

1. References

a) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS)

b) Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code

c) IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1432 Revised Guidelines on maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances

d) IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1 Revised Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems

e) IMO Assembly Resolution A.951(23) Improved Guidelines for Maintenance for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers

f) IMO Assembly Resolution A.1156(32) Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2021

g) IMO Circular MSC/Circ.775 – Ships with Reduced Halon Quantities

h) The International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)

i) IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1275 Unified interpretation of SOLAS chapter II-2 on the number and arrangement of portable fire extinguishers on board ships, as corrected by MSC.1/Circ.1275/Corr.1

j) IMO Circular MSC/Circ.1002 Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for fire safety, as corrected

k) IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.4 Lists of solid bulk cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system may be exempted or for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective

l) IMO Circular MSC/Circ.670 Guidelines for the performance and testing criteria and surveys of high-expansion foam concentrates for fixed fire-extinguishing systems

m) IMO Circular MSC/Circ.798 Guidelines for the performance and testing criteria and surveys of medium-expansion foam concentrates for fire-extinguishing systems

n) IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1312 Revised guidelines for the performance and testing criteria, and surveys of foam concentrates for fixed fire-extinguishing systems, as corrected by MSC.1/Circ.1312/Corr.1

o) IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1555 Unified interpretation of SOLAS chapter II-2

p) IMO Circular MSC/Circ.1081 Unified interpretation of the Revised SOLAS chapter II-2

q) IMO Circular MSC/Circ.849 Guidelines for the performance, location, use and care of emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs)

r) IMO Resolution MEPC.269(68) 2015 Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials.

s) International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code)

2. Purpose

2.1 This Bulletin provides instructions for inspection, maintenance, testing and survey requirements of fire protection systems, appliances, and equipment.

2.2 The maintenance and inspection provisions for fixed carbon dioxide (CO2) fire-extinguishing systems reflect the latest requirements of MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1.

3. Application

3.1 This Bulletin applies to all Barbadian vessels, except pleasure yachts.

4. Operational Readiness and Temporary Permits

4.1 All fire protection systems and appliances shall be in good order and available for immediate use while the vessel is in service.

4.2 If a fire protection system is under maintenance, testing, repair, or not working, then the ISM Mangers have to provide suitable arrangements to ensure fire protection capability is not diminished by providing alternative fixed or portable fire protection equipment or other measures. The ISM Managers shall request a Temporary Permit at ops@barbadosmaritime.com while the vessel is underway, or before it sails.

5. Onboard Maintenance and Competent Persons

5.1 As per MSC.1/Circ.1432 and MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1, certain maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed by competent crew members who have completed an advanced fire-fighting training course meeting the requirements of Section A-VI/3 of the STCW code, while others should be performed by persons specially trained in the maintenance of such systems. The onboard maintenance plan should indicate which parts of the recommended inspections and maintenance are to be completed by trained personnel.

5.2 For the purpose of section 5.1, a “competent person” is defined as someone who has achieved a level of technical skill (incorporating theoretical knowledge and practical experience) to be able to complete a task or activity safely and to the specified standard. The ISM Managers are responsible for assessing and selecting a suitable “competent person”. Appropriate procedures relating to this activity shall be established within the Company’s Safety Management System.

5.3 Onboard maintenance and inspections are to be carried out in accordance with the vessel’s maintenance plan, which should include the minimum elements listed in sections 4 to 10 of MSC.1/Circ.1432.

6. Specific Requirements for Fire Detection Systems

6.1 As per MSC.1/Circ.1432 sample of fire detectors and manual call points should be tested monthly, so that all devices have been tested at least once every 5 years.

6.2 Testing of manual call-points should be conducted at the same time as the detector tests.

6.3 The monthly testing schedule is be prepared such that alternative detectors are physically tested at every monthly test. Remaining detectors shall still to be visually inspected and/or tested with internal electronic self-test function, where provided.

6.4 For very large systems (1,000+ detectors), at least one detector should be physically tested in each large compartment, or one detector tested within several smaller compartments in the same locality within the same fire zone (e.g., multiple sleeping rooms on the same side of the vessel located on the same deck and within the same fire zone). Whilst undertaking testing, all accessible detectors should be visually inspected for evidence of tampering, obstruction, etc.

6.5 At least one detector located along each cable line of the fire detection system and within each fire zone should be tested.

6.6 Where a fire detection system operating on an atmosphere sample extraction principal is installed the entire system should be physically tested every month. Where a vessel fitted with such fire detection system undertakes laden voyages of longer than 1 month, the sample extraction fire detection system covering cargo compartments should be tested before loading cargo.

7. Specific Requirements for Fixed Gas Fire-Extinguishing Systems

7.1 Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems have to be carefully and critically reviewed, routinely inspected, and maintained, verified, and tested to ensure that they will correctly operate during an emergency.

7.2 Monthly and annual inspections are to be carried out as per MSC.1/Circ.1432.

7.3 Flexible hoses have to be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and in any case at intervals not exceeding 10 years.

7.4 Every two years (during the second or third periodical survey), fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems, except fixed carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishing systems (see section 8 below), have to be checked by an authorised service facility acceptable to the vessel’s RO.

7.5 Every two years all high-pressure extinguishing agents, cylinders, and pilot cylinders have to be weighed or have their contents verified by other reliable means to confirm that the available charge in each is above 95% of the nominal charge. Cylinders containing less than 95% of the nominal charge have to be refilled.

7.6 Every year, blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping or otherwise confirm the pipe work and nozzles are clear of any obstructions. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable.

7.7 At least once every 10 years, a hydrostatic test and internal examination of 10% of the system’s extinguishing agent and pilot cylinders has to be conducted. If one or more cylinders fail, a total of 50% of the onboard cylinders have to be tested. If further cylinders fail, all cylinders have to be tested.

7.8 With cylinders for fixed-gas fire-fighting systems (except Halon) that have been date stamped before vessel delivery, the first 10-year hydrostatic test may be harmonized with drydocking at the second renewal survey under the HSSC. This is contingent on the initial date stamp (month/year) on the cylinder not exceeding 12 months before the vessel delivery date.

8. Specific Requirements for Fixed CO2 Systems

8.1 Monthly and annual inspections are to be carried out as per MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1.

8.2 At least once in every 5-year period, control valves of fixed CO2 systems are to be internally examined to ensure they can operate freely.

8.3 At least biennially (at intervals of 2 years ± 3 months) in passenger ships, or at each intermediate, periodical or renewal survey (as per HSSC) in cargo ships, the following maintenance is be carried out (to assist in carrying out the recommended maintenance, examples of service charts are set out in the appendix of MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1):

.1 All high-pressure cylinders and pilot cylinders shall be weighed or have their contents verified by other reliable means to confirm that the available charge in each is above 90% of the nominal charge. Cylinders containing less than 90% of the nominal charge should be refilled. The liquid level of low-pressure storage tanks shall be checked to verify that the required amount of carbon dioxide to protect the largest hazard is available;

.2 The hydrostatic test date of all storage containers shall be checked. High-pressure cylinders and pilot cylinders should be subjected to periodical tests at intervals not exceeding 10 years. At the 10-year inspection, at least 10% of the total number provided shall be subjected to an internal inspection and hydrostatic test. If one or more cylinders fail, a total of 50% of the onboard cylinders shall be tested. If further cylinders fail, all cylinders shall be tested. Before the 20-year anniversary and every 10-year anniversary thereafter, all cylinders shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test. Flexible hoses shall be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and not exceeding every 10 years. When cylinders are removed for testing, the cylinders shall be replaced such that the quantity of fire-extinguishing medium continues to satisfy the requirements of 2.2.1 of chapter 5 of the (FSS) Code, subject to SOLAS regulation II-2/14.2; and

.3 The discharge piping and nozzles shall be tested to verify that they are not blocked. The test should be performed by isolating the discharge piping from the system and blowing dry air or nitrogen from test cylinders or suitable means through the piping.

8.4 For the purpose of section 8.3.2 above, the BMSR interprets MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1 as follows:

.1 At the 10-year anniversary of the initial hydrotest, 10% of all CO2 cylinders are to be hydrotested. If one or more cylinders fail, a total of 50% of the onboard cylinders shall be tested. If further cylinders fail, all cylinders shall be tested;

.2 Prior to the 20-year anniversary of the initial hydrotest, all CO2 cylinders are to be hydrotested, however cylinders tested satisfactorily at the 10-year anniversary need not be tested;

.3 At every 10-year anniversary thereafter, all CO2 cylinders are to be hydrotested.

8.5 For vessels aged between 20 and 30 years as of May 2021, all CO2 cylinders have to be hydrotested at the first drydock.

8.6 The ISM Managers can request a Temporary Permit from the BMSR to allow all hydrotests to be completed at the same time. Applications for the permit is to be submitted to BMSR at ops@barbadosmaritime.com by the ISM Managers and include:

.1 The reason for not completing the hydrotest at 20 years;

.2 The proposed testing schedule, which should ensure that all cylinders are hydrotested at the earliest opportunity, taking into account the vessel’s operations;

.3 Most recent service reports for the untested cylinders, including content check (by weighing or ultrasonic level detection);

.4 A statement from the Master attesting to the condition of the untested CO2 cylinders.

8.7 The above provisions apply equally to vessels using a low-pressure high volume refrigerated vessel for liquified CO2 storage.

8.8 At least biennially (intervals of 2 years ± 3 months) in passenger ships or at each renewal survey in cargo ships, the following maintenance should be carried out by service technicians/ specialists:

.1 Where possible, all activating heads should be removed from the cylinder valves and tested for correct functioning by applying full working pressure through the pilot lines. In cases where this is not possible, pilot lines should be disconnected from the cylinder valves and blanked off or connected together and tested with full working pressure from the release station and checked for leakage. In both cases this should be carried out from one or more release stations when installed. If manual pull cables operate the remote release controls, they should be checked to verify the cables and corner pulleys are in good condition and freely move and do not require an excessive amount of travel to activate the system;

.2 All cable components should be cleaned and adjusted as necessary, and the cable connectors should be properly tightened. If the remote release controls are operated by pneumatic pressure, the tubing should be checked for leakage, and the proper charge of the remote releasing station pilot gas cylinders should be verified. All controls and warning devices should function normally, and the time delay, if fitted should prevent the discharge of gas for the required time period; and

.3 After completion of the work, the system should be returned to service. All releasing controls should be verified in the proper position and connected to the correct control valves. All pressure switch interlocks should be reset and returned to service. All stop valves should be in the closed position.

9. Specific Requirements for Halon Gas Systems

9.1 In accordance with Regulation of SOLAS II-2/10.4.1.3, fire extinguishing systems using Halon 1211, Halon 1301, Halon 2402, and perfluorocarbons are prohibited on all new buildings and on new installations on existing vessels.

9.2 In an existing installation and in the event of the discharge or loss of pressure of Halon gas cylinder(s), the BMSR might accept the replenishment of the discharged cylinder(s), if they remain in satisfactory condition.

9.3 The contents of the Halon cylinders should be weighed or have their contents verified by other reliable means at least every two years, plus or minus three months, as part of the survey for issuing the SOLAS Safety Equipment Certificate (SEC). This is to confirm that the available charge in each is above 95% of the nominal charge as far as reasonably practicable, as determined by the BMSR. Cylinders with less than 95% of the nominal charge should be refilled.

9.4 All Halon cylinders have to be hydrostatically tested:

.1 After each 20 years of service;

.2 Before recharging a discharged cylinder; or

.3 When visual inspection reveals a potential defect.

9.5 Hydrostatic test dates have to be stamped on the cylinders. Hydrostatic testing have to be performed by an authorised servicing facility certified by a government agency or RO. The facility shall be acceptable to the attending RO surveyor. The same facility should recharge the cylinders after testing to demonstrate their serviceability.

9.6 Visual inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) of Halon cylinders may be performed instead of hydrostatic testing by an authorised servicing facility which has been certified by a government agency or RO.

9.7 The safety of the vessel and its crew remains paramount and if Halon gas is not readily available, the ISM Managers have to ensure that the affected space has adequate temporary firefighting capability prior to departure from port.

9.8 The adequacy of any temporary arrangements and procedures is to be assessed by the RO prior to application for acceptance by the BMSR.

9.9 Application for acceptance of any temporary arrangements is to be made to the BMSR by the RO and, as per MSC/Circ.775, shall establish procedure to enable the vessel to safely depart the port, call at specified ports for discharge or loading of cargo, and arrive at the port for rectification of the deficiency. Where, such a procedure should specify the “port and date of departure”, the “port of rectification of the deficiency”, the “maximum duration of the voyage” and the “ports of call and operations approved en route”.

9.10 There is currently no internationally agreed date for the phasing out of Halon gas in existing installations, however there may be local or regional regulations that impose restrictions on the use and/or phase out of Halon. The BMSR recommends that ISM Managers of affected Barbadian vessels make themselves aware of any restrictions that may be applied by the country or region in which the vessel is trading.

9.11 ISM Managers operating vessels with existing Halon systems should note that the worldwide stock of Halon is diminishing, and it is strongly recommended that a plan is implemented for the replacement the Halon system on board.

9.12 It should be further noted that where Halon replenishment is not permitted by the country or region in which the vessel is operating, the vessel may be detained and/or prohibited from leaving port until a new fixed firefighting system is installed.

9.13 Details of any proposed replacement of a system containing Halon shall be forwarded to the BMSR for review by the RO.

9.14 As per MEPC.269(68), the Halons are Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and the Supplement to the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate may identify the presence of onboard. The ODS Record Book shall be kept up to date and may form part of an existing logbook or electronic record book.

10. Specific Requirements for Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Fire-Extinguishing Systems

10.1 Monthly and annual inspections are to be carried out as per MSC.1/Circ.1432.

10.2 Every 10 years fixed dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems have to be serviced and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s and the RO’s requirements. Particular attention shall be paid to the powder condition for any signs of moisture ingress and that its properties remain as per the type approval.

10.3 In accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1432, two-yearly inspections have to be carried out on fixed, dry chemical powder systems by an authorised service facility acceptable to the vessel’s RO or the attending RO surveyor(s), who have to perform a general distribution piping and installation examination of the dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system to confirm, to the extent possible, that the system has not been modified from its original installation.

10.4 This verification should also include the following minimum requirements:

.1 The piping distribution system has to be blown through with nitrogen (N2) or dry air to ensure it is free of any obstruction. The nozzles, if any, have to be removed to ensure that they are free and not blocked during the blow-through operation;

.2 Operational testing of local and remote controls and section valves;

.3 The contents verification of propellant gas cylinders containing N2, including remote operating stations, shall be confirmed;

.4 Flexible discharge hoses have to be inspected to confirm that they are maintained in good condition and have not perished, especially when located on open decks. In case of any doubt, the hoses have to be subjected to a full working pressure test;

.5 The dry chemical powder containment tank and its associated safety valves have to be inspected for signs of corrosion or deterioration, which may affect the safety of the system. In case of any doubt, the tank has to be tested, and safety valve set points adjusted and confirmed by the authorised service facility.

11. Specific Requirements for Alternative Fixed Gas Firefighting Media

11.1 Alternative firefighting systems referred in Chapter II-2 of SOLAS and the IGC Code for protection of machinery and accommodation spaces, pump rooms and cargo spaces may be fitted on board, subject to the approval, including any attached conditions, of a Barbados RO or a SOLAS contracting Government in accordance with the requirements for alternative fire-fighting systems and relevant guidance stated in IMO Circular MSC/Circ.1002. The BMSR shall receive prior notification of intention to fit an alternative system which has not been previously accepted by the BMSR.

11.2 The BMSR accepts the use of (non-asphyxiating) fire extinguishing agents in machinery spaces for which no specific provisions for fire-extinguishing appliances are prescribed under the provisions of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS, (such as “Novec^TM1230” fluid, INERGEN, FM 200, etc.). Acceptance of such agents is subject to conditions, agreed on a case-by-case basis, appropriate to the space in question and provided that the space is not connected to an accommodation space.

12. Specific Requirements for Alternatives to Ineffective Fixed Gas Firefighting Systems

12.1 Water supplies as defined in SOLAS Regulation II-2/19.3.1.2 are considered an alternative for the ineffective fixed gas fire-extinguishing system, when vessels are allowed to carry cargoes contained in MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.4, Table 2. Such an arrangement has to be verified for compliance by the vessel’s RO.

13. Specific Requirements for Foam Concentrates: Fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems and Portable Applications

13.1 The first periodical control for foam concentrates (except protein-based, alcohol-resistant ones) should be performed not more than three years after being supplied to the vessel, and after that, every year. These tests should be conducted by laboratories or authorised service suppliers acceptable to the RO.

13.2 Protein-based, alcohol-resistant foam concentrates should be subjected to a chemical stability test before delivery to the vessel and annually thereafter.

13.3 Guidance on performance and testing criteria and surveys of low, medium, and high-expansion concentrates for fixed fire-extinguishing systems are found in IMO Circulars MSC/Circ.670, MSC/Circ.798, and MSC.1/Circ.1312.

13.4 In accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1432 portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate (excluding protein-based ones), less than 10 years old, that remain factory sealed, may normally be accepted without carrying out the periodical foam control tests referred to in MSC.1/Circ.1312.

13.5 Protein-based foam concentrate portable containers and portable tanks have to be thoroughly checked. If more than five years old, the foam concentrate has to be given the periodical foam control tests required or renewed, as referred to in MSC.1/Circ.1312.

14. Specific Requirements for Portable Fire Extinguishers and Spare Charges

14.1 All portable fire extinguishers have to be periodically inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

14.2 Where recharged on board, all portable fire extinguishers should be provided with a visual discharge indicator. The manufacturer’s instructions for recharging should be available onboard.

14.3 All portable fire extinguishers shall be serviced at intervals not exceeding one year.

14.4 At least one extinguisher of each type, manufactured in the same year and kept on board a vessel, should be test discharged at five-year intervals as part of a fire drill.

14.5 All fire extinguishers, together with propellant cartridges, shall be hydrostatically tested in accordance with the recognized standard or the manufacturer’s instructions at intervals not exceeding 10 years.

14.6 A hydrostatic test may be also required by the RO Surveyor or BMSR Appointed Nautical Inspector (ANI) if visual examination indicates a potential defect in the cylinder.

14.7 Service and inspection should only be undertaken by, or under the supervision of, a person with demonstrable competence, based upon the inspection guide in A.951(23) (Table 9.1.3).

14.8 The hydrostatic test date shall be permanently and clearly marked on the bottles.

14.9 The servicing facility performing the hydrostatic tests has to be:

.1 Certified by a government agency or an RO; and

.2 Accepted by the vessel’s RO or the extinguisher manufacturer.

14.10 The same facility should recharge the cylinder after testing to demonstrate serviceability.

14.11 The number of portable fire extinguishers on board should be determined as follows:

.1 Vessels built prior to 01 January 2009 – the number of portable fire extinguishers provided is to satisfy the requirements of the relevant Classification Society. In accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations on vessels of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards, no less than five (5) portable fire extinguishers are to be provided. ISM Managers are encouraged to apply the provisions of MSC.1/Circ.1275 where practicable.

.2 Vessels built on or after 01 January 2009 – the number of portable fire extinguishers to be provided should be determined in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1275. In accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations on vessels of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards, no less than five (5) portable fire extinguishers are to be provided.

14.12 The minimum number of spare charges carried on board for portable & semi-portable extinguishers shall be in accordance with SOLAS Chapter II-2, namely:

.1 100% for the first ten (10) extinguishers; and

.2 50% for the remaining extinguishers up to a maximum of sixty (60).

14.13 Additional extinguishers of the same type and capacity shall be carried in lieu of spare charges for any extinguishers which cannot be charged on board.

15. Specific Requirements for Ten-Year Servicing: Water Mist, Water Spray, and Sprinkler Systems

15.1 The hydrostatic test and internal examination for gas and water pressure cylinders has to be conducted in accordance with EN 1968:2002+A1, Transportable Gas Cylinders – Periodic Inspection and Testing of Seamless Steel Gas Cylinders, or equivalent RO requirements. See also section 7.8 above of this Bulletin about harmonization with drydocking.

16. Specific Requirements for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

16.1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Cylinders should be inspected weekly to ensure that they are in the correct pressure range.

16.2 A responsible vessel’s officer shall inspect SCBAs at least once a month.

16.3 All SCBAs and their onboard means of recharging (if fitted) have to be inspected and tested at least annually by competent crew members unless manufacturers require annual servicing by an authorised agent.

16.4 The tests and examinations required by the HSSC shall be carried out in the presence of an RO surveyor.

16.5 Hydrostatic testing of SCBA cylinders has to be carried out once every five years. Where:

.1 The hydrostatic test date shall be permanently marked on the bottles;

.2 Intervals for hydrostatically testing cylinders of the ultra-lightweight type may vary and will depend upon the requirements of the cylinder manufacturer and the vessel’s RO.

.3 Cylinder servicing has to be performed to the satisfaction of the RO surveyor.

16.6 In cases where SCBA cylinders have been date stamped before a vessel’s delivery, the first five-year hydrostatic test may be harmonised with drydocking at the First Special Survey under the HSSC. This is possible provided that the initial date stamp (month/year) on the cylinder is not more than six months before the vessel delivery date.

16.7 Two interchangeable spare charges suitable for SCBA use have to be provided for each required apparatus.

16.8 In accordance with SOLAS II-2/10, only one interchangeable spare charge is needed for each required apparatus on passenger ships carrying not more than 36 passengers and cargo ships. A suitably located means for fully recharging breathing air cylinders, free from contamination, is required for passenger ships constructed on or after 01 July 2010 carrying more than 36 passengers.

16.9 All vessels, unless provided with an onboard means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders, are required to have a suitable number of spare cylinders to replace those used during training or drills. The BMSR does not prescribe any minimum number. The shipboard SMS should include provisions to ensure that sufficient spares are available onboard (see also IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1555) corresponding to the number of breathing apparatuses being used during drills.

17. Specific Requirements for Emergency Escape Breathing Devices

17.1 The BMSR considers the Guidelines contained in MSC/Circ.849 to be mandatory.

17.2 Only control spaces and workshops that are remotely located from the machinery space escape routes should be considered to comply with MSC/Circ.849, paragraph 4.6.

17.3 To comply with MSC/Circ.849, paragraph 4.6, a minimum of two EEBDs should be located on each level of the machinery space. If a machinery space contains an enclosed primary escape trunk with a door at each level, only one EEBD need be located on each level.

17.4 With reference to section 17.3 above, the term level should be interpreted as meaning a deck where watchstanding personnel reside, workshops and control stations are located, or the crew may be employed during routine maintenance. In essence, two EEBDs are required only on those deck “levels” where people are likely to be employed. Platform decks that serve to divide long ladders into segments and partial decks where personnel are not likely to be employed for any significant period of time are not considered as “levels” and do not require EEBDs.

17.5 An EEBD shall not be used under any circumstances to enter an enclosed shipboard space in which the atmosphere is known or suspected to be oxygen-depleted or enriched, toxic, or flammable.

17.6 EEBDs have to be examined and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, including those for hydrostatic testing.

17.7 It should be noted that when an EEBD is fitted with a small capacity oxygen cartridge (two inches (50.8mm) or less in diameter), some manufacturers specify a fixed service life without scheduled hydrostatic pressure testing. In the absence of manufacturer’s instructions, hydrostatic testing has to be carried out at intervals not exceeding five years, unless specifically prohibited by the manufacturers.

17.8 In cases where EEBD cylinders have been date stamped before delivery of a vessel, the first hydrostatic test may be harmonized with drydocking at the First Special survey under the HSSC. This is provided that the initial date stamp (month/year) on the cylinder is not more than six months before the vessel delivery date.

17.9 Maintenance requirements, manufacturer’s trademark and serial number, shelf life with accompanying manufacture date, and name of the approving authority have to be printed on each EEBD as per MSC/Circ.849, paragraph 5.3.

17.10 Sufficient spare EEBDs should be on board to replace units that are used, reach their expiry date, or otherwise become unserviceable. MSC/Circ.1081 addresses the number of EEBDs, including spares, required under SOLAS II-2.

18. Additional Survey Requirements

18.1 In surveying the safety equipment on a vessel, the RO has to verify that:

.1 All firefighting equipment has been inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the foregoing requirements; and

.2 The manufacturer’s maintenance instructions are on board; and

.3 Records of inspections, maintenance and pressure tests are maintained as per section 18.3 below; and

.4 Spare charges or extinguishers are provided in accordance with sections paragraphs 14.12 and 14.13 above.

18.2 The RO has to refer to the BMSR, with relevant recommendations, any cases where a Barbados vessel does not satisfy the foregoing requirements, prior to the issue or endorsement of a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, Passenger Ship Safety Certificate or any other statutory certificate that relates to safety equipment.

18.3 The following records have to be maintained on board:

.1 Weekly testing and inspections;

.2 Monthly testing and inspections;

.3 Quarterly testing and inspections;

.4 Annual testing and inspections;

.5 Two-year testing and inspections;

.6 Five-year service;

.7 Ten-year service.

19. Prohibition of PFOS for fire-extinguishing media

19.1 The IMO has developed amendments to SOLAS II-2 Regulation 10 with the addition of paragraph 11 and the HSC Code(1994 and 2000) to prohibit using or storing fire-extinguishing media (including firefighting foams) containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The prohibition applies to fixed and portable systems and equipment and enters into force on 1 January 2026.

19.2 Vessels constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January 2026 and subject to SOLAS/HSC Codes shall not use or store fire-extinguishing media (including firefighting foams) containing PFOS in concentrations above 10 mg/kg (0.001% by weight) upon the vessel’s delivery.

19.3 Vessels constructed (keel laid) before 1 January 2026 shall comply with the above requirement no later than the first survey date on or after 1 January 2026.

19.4 Disposal of the prohibited substances shall be done using appropriate shore-based reception facilities.

19.5 Any declaration issued by the fire-extinguishing media manufacturer should contain information about the extinguishing media, such as, but not limited to, type, production period, batch number and reference to Type Approval/MED Certificate. It shall also be kept onboard and made available to attending surveyors for review and verification that the fire-extinguishing media does not contain PFOS in concentrations above 10 mg/kg (0.001% by weight).

19.6 For extinguishing media installed before 1 January 2026, where the maker’s declaration or laboratory test reports are not available, sampling and testing of the extinguishing media onboard should be required to be conducted in accordance with a recognised standard to verify that the firefighting media does not contain PFOS in concentrations above 10 mg/kg (0.001% by weight).

19.7 By the first survey on or after 1 January 2026, shipowners, vessel managers and vessel operators shall ensure:

.1 They have evidence that fire-extinguishing media is PFOS-free or have arranged for the safe disposal of any prohibited fire-extinguishing media;

.2 Any replacement fire-extinguishing media or equipment has been suitably type-approved;

.3 They update the vessel’s hazardous materials inventory after removing any PFOS-containing fire-extinguishing media, as applicable.

19.8 For a Barbadian vessel, the “first survey” referenced in SOLAS regulations, unless indicated otherwise, is the first annual, periodical, renewal survey or any other survey (considering the extent of repairs and alterations being undertaken) due after 1 January 2026.

19.9 For a vessel under construction where the keel is laid before a regulation’s specified date, but the delivery is after that date, the initial survey is considered the “first survey”.

19.10 For the scope of this section, the BMSR considers as a recognised standard any testing methods that are based on internationally recognised or widely accepted analytical standards. Specifically, NPR-CEN/TS 15968, which outlines procedures for the determination of PFOS and related substances in various matrices using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), is deemed acceptable for the purpose of compliance verification.

19.11 Additionally, other equivalent standards such as those developed by ISO (e.g., ISO 25101) or EPA methods (e.g., EPA 537 or EPA 8327 for aqueous film-forming foams) may also be considered suitable, provided they ensure reliable detection and quantification of PFOS in accordance with the objectives of the IMO circulars.

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	Supersedes old INFORMATION BULLETIN No. 230
1.1	Amended effective date from 25/May/2021 to 23/Sep/2022.
2.0	Major revision and Changed Bulletin format.

21st August 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 030 – ISPS Code Rev.1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024

b) The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)

c) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

d) Bulletin 035 – Piracy and Armed Robbery

e) PPR01-F04 Security Communication Statement

f) The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

g) Bulletin 021 – BMSR Certificates of Endorsements

h) IMO MSC/Circ.1154 Guide Training & Certification Security Officers

i) Bulletin 008 – Permits Exemptions and Equivalences

2. Purpose

2.1 This Bulletin provides consolidated guidance on maritime security in accordance with the ISPS Code. It establishes the standards and procedures set out by the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR), covering requirements for vessels under the Barbados flag and encouraging harmonised application for maximum security and regulatory alignment.

2.2 Full compliance with ISPS Code Part A and SOLAS Chapter XI-2 is required.

2.3 ISPS Code Part B, which provides guidance on meeting Part A’s requirement is recommendatory, though it may be mandatory in some coastal states.

3. Application

3.1 This Bulletin applies to:

.1 Passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft;

.2 Cargo ships, including high-speed craft and commercial yachts of 500 gross tonnage (GT) and above;

.3 Special Purpose Ships of 500 GT and above;

.4 Self-propelled Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) capable of international voyages.

3.2 The ISPS Code and this Bulletin does not apply to:

.1 Cargo ships and commercial yachts under 500 GT;

.2 Offshore Support Vessels;

.3 Pleasure/Private yachts;

.4 Non-self-propelled barges and MODUs or location-bound offshore units (FPSOs/FSUs).

3.3 Vessels not subject to mandatory compliance with the ISPS Code as per Sec. 3.2 above may do so voluntarily. Evidence of voluntary compliance is to be verified and certified by a Barbados Recognised Security Organisation (RSO).

4. Communication of General Security Information

4.1 Routine security issues, enquiries, or reports of difficulties encountered during Port State Control inspections, may be directed to the BMSR Ops@barbadosmaritime.com , but not through the emergency telephone number.

4.2 The BMSR Emergency Response telephone number is only to be used in the case of a genuine maritime security emergency requiring intervention from the BMSR such as hijack, terrorist attack, piracy, any incident involving the use of firearms, any bomb threat, any use or threat of use of force.

5. Company Security Officer (CSO) and Ship Security Officer (SSO)

5.1 The Company shall appoint a Company Security Officer (CSO) for each of its vessels, who shall be an internal employee of the Company and shall assume all duties and responsibilities required by the ISPS Code, Part A, Sec. 11, for one or more of its vessels.

5.2 The Company shall notify the BMSR of the designated CSO for every Barbados vessel under its control. For all newly registered vessels, the CSO’s full contact details and the list of vessels shall be included on the form PPR01-F04 Security Communication Statement. The same applies if the Company changes or the identity of the vessel changes.

5.3 Changes to the CSO contact details only may be provided to the BMSR as an email notification to registry@barbadosmaritime.com.

5.4 The BMSR will provide acknowledgement letters confirming the appointment of the CSO by email.

5.5 Companies shall ensure that CSOs are trained as required by the ISPS Code, Part A, Sec. 13 and demonstrate the competencies in line with the requirements set in the Annex of MSC/Circ.1154 and IMO Model Course 3.20.

5.6 A Ship Security Officer (SSO) shall be designated on each vessel and shall carry out or perform all duties and responsibilities required by the ISPS Code, Part A, Sec. 12.

5.7 The SSO shall be either the Master or a senior officer, who shall have a certificate of proficiency in compliance with STCW Reg. VI/5, and a BMSR Certificate of Endorsement (COE) issued by the BMSR as per Sec. 4 of Bulletin 021.

6. Ship Security Plan (SSP)

6.1 Each vessel shall carry on board a specific Ship Security Plan (SSP) approved by a Barbados RSO in compliance with the ISPS Code, Part A, Sec. 9. Subsequent amendments to the SSP that are related to the requirements of ISPS CodeISPS Code, Part A, from Sec. 9.4.1 to 9.4.18, shall also be reviewed and approved.

6.2 The SSP must remain strictly confidential, and access should only be permitted to the Barbados RSO auditors.

6.3 The SSP shall outline equipment functions, response to equipment failure, and protection measures, and shall address:

.1 Unlawful acts threatening the safety of the vessel and the security of its passengers and crew, based on a security risk assessment;

.2 Countermeasures to protect against terrorism, piracy, stowaways, smuggling and armed robbery when operating in high-risk areas. See Bulletin 035 for more information;

.3 The Master’s overriding authority to make decisions relating to vessel safety and security.

6.4 The implementation of the SSP, including amendments, must be verified by a Barbadian RSO during an onboard attendance.

6.5 There is no need to send a copy of the SSP to the BMSR, but BMSR reserve the right to ask for the SSP at any time if this is deemed necessary.

6.6 SSP are not generally subject to inspection by Port State Control officers. However, if there are clear grounds for believing that the vessel is in violation of the requirements of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 or of the ISPS Code, limited access to the specific sections of the SSP relating to the non-compliance is allowed, but only with the consent of the BMSR or the Master of the vessel.

6.7 The SSP and the records of activities addressed in the SSP shall be in the working language(s) of the vessel. If that working language is not English, then a translation into English shall be provided and maintained.

6.8 Records of activities provided for by the SSP, including Declarations of Security and the record of the vessel security Level, shall be maintained onboard for a period covering at least the previous ten (10) calls at port facilities.

6.9 During and after the period specified in Sec. 6.8 above, records shall be maintained ashore by the Company in accordance with its own procedures for record keeping. The Company shall note that if any activity is referred to in the vessel Official Logbook (OLB), that record shall be retained as an attachment to the OLB and consequentially the record is required to be maintained for a period of seven (7) years.

6.10 The SSP may be kept in electronic format. In such a case, it shall be protected by means to prevent it from being deleted, destroyed, or overwritten and from unauthorised access or disclosure.

6.11 The SSO shall review the SSA and the SSP in conjunction with an on-scene security survey at intervals not exceeding 12 months. The SSP shall be amended if inadequacies are identified during this annual review. Additional vessel security risks may also be identified during trainings, exercises, drills, or following a security incident.

7. Vessel Security Levels

7.1 A vessel shall operate at the security level established by the BMSR, see Sec. 8 below, or port facility, which is typically based on the level set by the port State.

7.2 If a security level has not been set by the port State, there still may be a need for enhanced security measures due to reported threats in the area.

7.3 Security measures equivalent to a higher security level may be implemented if a vessel deems it necessary to operate at a higher security level than the port.

7.4 The security levels shall be set as per ISPS Code, Part A, Sec. 13.1:

.1 Level 1 – Normal, which means the level for which minimum appropriate protective security measures shall be maintained at all times.

.2 Level 2 – Heightened, means the level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security incident.

.3 Level 3 – Exceptional, which means the level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target.

7.5 The SSO or CSO shall notify the BMSR on any changes to the onboard security level by sending an email notification to ops@barbadosmaritime.com without delay. The BMSR will acknowledge these communications and advise accordingly.

8. Barbados Security Level

8.1 The current security level for Barbadian vessel is set to Level 1 – Normal.

8.2 The BMSR shall issue a Marine Circular “Barbados Security Level Update” to inform interested parties of any changes to the above security level.

9. Communication of Major Security Threat

9.1 The BMSR requires notification of a major security threat or incident without delay. This includes any Ship Security Alert (SSA), once verified as authentic by the CSO.

9.2 The notification is to be made to the BMSR Emergency Response Officer (ERO) on the BMSR emergency ONLY telephone number +44 (0)7494116754 and with a following email to ops@barbadosmaritime.com with at least the information below:

.1 Vessel Name and IMO number;

.2 Geographical location of vessel;

.3 Security threat description;

.4 Number of people on board;

.5 Cargo, if any;

.6 Local authorities informed, if any;

.7 Actions taken;

10. Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

10.1 The BMSR shall not be designated as the receiving authority for SSAS alerts.

10.2 The SSAS must be programmed to ensure that the security alert is sent to the Competent Authority, i.e. the Company or other recipient designated by the Company, and not to any other party, in accordance with SOLAS Chapter XI-2 Reg. 6.

10.3 The CSO shall remain a recipient of all SSAS transmissions along with Company designated Competent Authority.

10.4 Companies are required to designate either an internal appointee (preferably the CSO or Alternate Company Security Officer (ACSO) or an external, qualified third party to serve as the “Competent Authority” to receive all SSAS alerts and take appropriate action.

10.5 BMSR requires that to be considered qualified, a Competent Authority shall:

.1 Be available at all times (on a 24/7 basis) to receive and act upon SSAS alerts;

.2 Be able to accurately identify and react to real, test, or false alerts;

.3 Understand the SSAS requirements (Part A) and recommendations (Part B) of the ISPS Code and this Bulletin;

.4 Maintain a current contact list of relevant authorities (BMSR, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs), Coastal State Authorities, Information Sharing Centres) to be used in the event of an actual alert; and

.5 Participate in drills or exercises involving tests of the SSAS.

.6 The Competent Authority is to acknowledge and respond to all test messages directly, ensuring the proper functioning of SSAS equipment and verifying the accuracy of the transmitted data without the need for acknowledgement of receipt by the BMSR.

10.6 Third party Competent Authorities are not to contact the BMSR directly. All direct communication with BMSR must only be from the Company. Where a third party is appointed as Competent Authority, the third party is to inform the company and in turn company is responsible to notify the BMSR immediately for cases of real Major Security Threat as per Sec. 9 above.

10.7 SSAS alert messages shall include at the least the following information:

.1 Vessel Name;

.2 IMO Number;

.3 Call Sign;

.4 Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) Number;

.5 Date and Time (UTC);

.6 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position (latitude and longitude);

.7 Course and Speed;

.8 CSO 24/7 phone number; and

.9 Alternate CSO 24/7 phone number.

11. Procedures for Drills and Exercises

11.1 The BMSR accepts that a vessel safety drill, which has a security component within it, can be credited as a security drill. The interval between vessel security drills shall not exceed three (3) months.

11.2 In addition to the drill as mentioned in Sec. 11.1 above, in cases where more than 25 % of the vessel’s personnel have been changed with personnel that have not previously participated in any security drill on that vessel within the last three (3) months, a vessel security drill shall be conducted within one week of such a change.

11.3 The Company shall conduct an annual company security exercise, with no more than 18 months between the exercises, with one or more vessels within its fleet, which may include participation of the CSO, Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO), relevant authorities of contracting Governments as well as SSOs, if available. These exercises may be full scale or live; table top simulation or seminar or combined with other exercises held, such as search and rescue or emergency response.

12. Barbados Vessels Entering Ports which are Not Compliant with the ISPS Code

12.1 The SSO or Master shall request that a Declaration of Security be completed by the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) or port facility management. If this request is refused then the vessel shall use the Declaration of Security to record the security measures and the Declaration of Security shall be completed and signed by the Master, or the SSO if the vessel has a designated SSO who is not the Master. The completed Declaration of Security shall be retained as per Sec. 6.8 above.

12.2 The vessel shall implement additional security measures to the extent that the CSO and/or SSO and/or Master deem necessary, and at the least:

.1 Implement measures per the SSP equivalent to security level 2 or higher;

.2 ensure all access points to the vessel are guarded;

.3 attempt to execute a Declaration of Security; and

.4 Log all implemented security measures for potential review by authorities at future port calls.

13. Verification and Certification

13.1 Interim, initial, intermediate and renewal verifications that shall be conducted as required by the ISPS Code, Part A, Sec. 19.

13.2 The Barbados RSO that issues the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), with a validity of five (5) years shall be consulted if changes are made to security systems, equipment, or the approved SSP.

13.3 A vessel detained on maritime security grounds must undergo an additional verification before being allowed to sail.

13.4 An interim ISSC can be issued after an Interim Verification:

.1 to new vessels on delivery;

.2 when a Company takes responsibility for the operation of a vessel which is new to the Company; or

.3 when a vessel changes flag.

13.5 Interim ISSCs are issued for a period not exceeding 6 months. The BMSR may, in special cases, extend the validity of an Interim ISSC for a further period which shall not exceed 6 months from the date of expiry. When an interim ISSC is extended, the full-term ISSC should be dated from the date of completion of the initial verification.

13.6 On satisfactory completion of the initial verification the Barbados RSO can issue a full-term ISSC.

13.7 During the initial verification, if it is found that the vessel does not merit the issuance of a full-term ISSC due to the number of non-conformities, a short term ISSC valid for 3 months is to be issued so that an additional verification can be carried out prior to the issuance of a full-term certificate. This is to be done in consultation with the BMSR.

13.8 The Barbados RSO or company shall send copies of any type of ISSC to the BMSR.

13.9 The intermediate verification shall be taking place between the second and third anniversary date of the issue of the ISSC and if not done within the window, the ISSC becomes invalid as per ISPS Code, Part A, Sec. 19.3.8. In such cases a renewal verification will be required, with the extent of audit at least that of an intermediate verification. A new ISSC may be issued on completion of the renewal survey, which shall have an expiry date not later than the expiry date of the original certificate. This is to be done in consultation with the BMSR as per Sec 13.15 below.

13.10 Renewal verification may be carried out within three months before the date of expiry of the ISSC and shall be completed before the date of expiry.

13.11 When the renewal verification is completed within three months before the expiry date of the existing ISSC, the new ISSC will be valid from the date of completion of the renewal verification to a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing ISSC.

13.12 When the renewal verification is completed more than three months before the expiry date of the existing ISSC, the new ISSC will be valid from the date of completion of the renewal verification to a date not exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal verification. This is to be done in consultation with the BMSR as per Sec 13.15 below.

13.13 If a renewal verification has been completed and a new ISSC cannot be issued or placed on board the vessel before the expiry date of the existing ISSC, the RSO may endorse the existing ISSC, and such an ISSC will be accepted as valid for a further period which shall not exceed five months from the expiry date. This is to be done in consultation with the BMSR as per Sec 13.15 below.

13.14 If a vessel at the time when an ISSC expires is not in a port in which it is to be verified, the BMSR may extend the period of validity of the ISSC upon receiving an application through RSO, but this extension will 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 only in cases where it appears proper and reasonable to do so. No ISSC will be extended for a period longer than three months, and the vessel to which an extension is granted may 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 ISSC. When the renewal verification is completed, the new certificate will be valid to a date not exceeding five years from the expiry date of the existing ISSC before the extension was granted.

13.15 When the intermediate or renewal verifications cannot be done within the due time frame and in the cases of the Sec. 13.9, 13.12 and 13.13 above the RSO shall contact the BMSR for issuance of a permit as per Sec. 5 of Bulletin 008.

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First Issue – Revoke Bulletin 334 : Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS) Rev.1.0

20th August 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 020 – Electronic Record Keeping Systems Rev.1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024

b) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS)

c) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as amended (MARPOL)

d) The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

e) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention)

f) Technical Code on Control of Emission of Nitrogen Oxides from Marine Diesel Engines (NOx Technical Code 2008)

g) Resolution MEPC.372(80) Guidelines for the use of electronic record books under the BWM Convention.

h) Resolution MEPC.312(74), Guidelines for the Use of Electronic Record Books under MARPOL, adopted 17 May 2019

i) Resolution MEPC.314(74), Amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, II, and V (Electronic Record Books), adopted 17 May 2019

j) Resolution MEPC.316(74), Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Electronic Books and EEDI regulations for Ice-strengthened Ships, adopted 17 May 2019

k) Resolution MEPC.317(74), Amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008 (Electronic Record Books and Certification Requirements for SCR systems), adopted 17 May 2019

l) MEPC.369(80) Amendments to the International Convention for the Control and Management for the Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004

m) MEPC.383(81) Amendments to the International Convention for the Control and Management for the Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004

n) Resolution A.916(22) Guidelines for the recording of events related to navigation

2. Purpose

2.1 This Bulletin outlines the requirements for the use of electronic record keeping systems: MARPOL Electronic Record Books (MERBs), Ballast Water Electronic Record Book (BWERB), and Electronic Logbook Systems (ELSs).

3. Application

3.1 This Bulletin applies to all Managers wishing to use Electronic Record Keeping Systems on Barbadian vessels.

4. General

4.1 MERBs, BWERBs and ELSs are permitted to be used on Barbadian vessels subject to compliance with this Bulletin and approval by the BMSR as per Sec. 9 below.

4.2 When switching to electronic record keeping, vessels shall continue to preserve their existing hard copy books for at least three years after the last entry is made, unless otherwise required.

5. General Requirements for Electronic Record Keeping Systems

5.1 This section details the minimum requirements for any Electronic Record Keeping System and takes into account Resolution A.813(19).

5.2 Arrangements for software replacement, update or upgrade should be effectively implemented under a documented system. The Managers are responsible for ensuring that electronic record keeping systems are maintained to the latest standards required by the BMSR or the relevant international Conventions.

5.3 Where the system can support a client/server installation, the server should be capable of recording client data using multiple workstations simultaneously.

5.4 Minimum Data Reporting & Exporting Requirements:

.1 The system shall be capable of reproducing records in hard copy (i.e. print out);

.2 The system shall be capable of producing reports in PDF format;

.3 Where data export is provided, the system should allow the data to be exported to another system in XML or other internationally standardised format;

.4 Nothing within the system, or the contractual arrangements between the Managers and equipment supplier, shall prohibit the provision of information to duly authorised officers of an Administration, inspectors, surveyors, auditors, investigators, etc. relating to the discharge of their duties.

5.5 Recording of Entries:

.1 All users shall have a unique username and password for accessing the system, or another form of login that is unique for each user;

.2 The identity of the user making entries into the system shall be clearly identified;

.3 Where automated recording of navigational and machinery events is featured, the electronic deck or engine room logbook or data logger must be able to record relevant events, along with the necessary inputs, in real time.

.4 All entries shall have a stamp or input with date and time (UTC and local time on board);

.5 The system shall not allow the deletion of any entries. Any subsequent amendments or corrections to an entry must be clearly identifiable (e.g. by crossing through the original entry with a line) and show the identity of the user making the amendment or correction;

.6 The system shall be capable of electronically registering the signature or endorsement of the Master and other responsible Officers on all relevant entries;

5.6 Back Up and Recovery of Entries:

.1 The power supply to the system should be fed from both the main and emergency source of power;

.2 The system should be capable of making secure copies or backups of the entries to ensure that the information will not be lost if the system fails. The system shall be able to recover data from the copies or backups.

.3 The system should be able to export all entries to a standard removable storage device, such as a USB memory stick.

.4 The system shall retain official records for at least the minimum period specified in the relevant legislation or international Conventions as per the guide to retention periods provided in Sec. 12 below.

.5 Unofficial records shall be retained by the system for the period established by the Managers.

6. Electronic Logbook Systems (ELSs)

6.1 The minimum requirements for ELS are those of Sec. 5 above and in conjunction with Resolution A.916(22).

6.2 For the purposes of this Bulletin, electronic records are categorised as:

.1 “Official” records required by the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act or international Conventions and Codes;

.2 “Unofficial” records that are not required by national legislation or international Conventions and Codes, but are commonly used.

6.3 The following official records may be maintained in an ELS:

.1 Barbados Official Logbook Part I;

.2 Barbados Official Logbook Part II (Passenger Ships only);

.3 Articles of Agreement or Seafarer’s Employment Agreements;

.4 Data relevant to all seafarers as per STCW Regulation I/14.1.4

.5 GMDSS Radio Logbook Records required by SOLAS IV/Reg. 17;

.6 Compass Error Book required by SOLAS V/Reg. 19;

.7 Records of navigational activities and daily reporting required by SOLAS V/Reg. 28;

.8 Security Records required by SOLAS XI-2/Reg. 9.2.3;

.9 Safety Records required by SOLAS III/Reg. 19.5.

6.4 The following unofficial records may be maintained in an ELS:

.1 Deck logbook (also known as Bridge Logbook);

.2 Engine room logbook;

.3 Biofouling Record Book

6.5 ELSs used to record official records must capture the information required to be recorded in paper logbooks by the relevant legislation or international Convention.

6.6 Official Logbook Part I & II:

.1 The Barbados Merchant Shipping Act Sec. 1252 does not specify whether the Official Logbook has to be a hard (paper) copy, only that a logbook is kept and that specific entries are recorded.

.2 Accordingly, information that is normally recorded in the Official Logbook Part I or Part II may be maintained in an ELS provided that all information required in the relevant sections of the hard copy Official Logbook Parts I & II is recorded.

6.7 Any information in a section of the Official Logbook Parts I & II that is not recorded in an ELS shall be maintained in a hard copy Official Logbook.

6.8 In cases where some information is in a hard copy Official Logbook and some is in an ELS, the hard copy Official Logbook shall contain a statement indicating where the electronically recorded data is stored.

6.9 All sections of the Official Logbook that are maintained electronically must be capable of being printed out in the same layout as the hard copy Official Logbook and exported in PDF format.

6.10 Printed pages must be signed by the Master as a true and complete copy of the corresponding entries in the ELS.

6.11 Articles of Agreement or Seafarer’s Employment Agreements

.1 Where electronic management of crew articles is enabled, the system should be capable of recording information relevant to the crew list, including the following:

i) Full name of the crew member;

ii) Home address;

iii) Age;

iv) Place of Birth;

v) Nationality;

vi) Passport Number;

vii) Next of Kin;

viii) Position on board;

ix) Certificate of Competency details;

x) Place and date of embarkation;

xi) Place and date of disembarkation.

7. MARPOL Electronic Record Books (MERBs)

7.1 This section outlines the requirements for MERBs that are intended to replace paper MARPOL Record Books.

7.2 The minimum requirements for MERBs are those of Sec. 5 above and in conjunction with MEPC.312(74), MEPC.314(74), MEPC.316(74) and MEPC.317(74)

7.3 The following MARPOL Record Books may be maintained as MERBs:

.1 MARPOL Annex I – Oil Record Book Part I;

.2 MARPOL Annex I – Oil Record Book Part II;

.3 MARPOL Annex II – Cargo Record Book for ships carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk;

.4 MARPOL Annex V – Garbage Record Book Part I;

.5 MARPOL annex V – Garbage Record Book Part II;

.6 MARPOL Annex VI – Record Book for Fuel Oil and Ozone Depleting Substances;

.7 MARPOL Annex VI – Record of the tier and on or off status of marine diesel engines;

.8 MARPOL Annex VI – Record of Fuel Oil Changeover;

.9 NOx Technical Code – Record Book of Engine Parameters;

.10 EGCS record book (EGCS guidelines).

7.4 MARPOL Annex I – Oil Record Book Parts I & II may be used as MERBs, provided that:

.1 Entries cannot be deleted;

.2 Any changes to existing entries are clearly shown, along with the identity or electronic signature of the person who made the change;

.3 The system is auditable;

.4 The system is capable of printing records in the Oil Record Book format specified in the Appendix to MARPOL Annex I.

7.5 Printed Pages are to be maintained onboard for the period(s) required by MARPOL Annex I as indicated in Sec. 12 below.

7.6 The MARPOL Annex II – Cargo Record Book for Ships Carrying Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk may be used as MERB, provided that it meets the following requirements:

.1 The record follows the recording requirements of MARPOL Annex II;

.2 Entries cannot be deleted;

.3 Any changes to existing entries are clearly shown, along with the identity or electronic signature of the person who made the change;

.4 The system is auditable;

.5 The system is capable of printing records in the Cargo Record Book format specified in the Appendix to MARPOL Annex II.

7.7 The MARPOL Annex V – Garbage Record Book Part I & II may be used as MERBs, provided that they meet the following requirements:

.1 The record follows the recording requirements of MARPOL Annex V;

.2 Entries cannot be deleted;

.3 Any changes to existing entries are clearly shown, along with the identity or electronic signature of the person who made the change;

.4 The system is auditable;

.5 The system is capable of printing records in the Garbage Record Book format specified in the Appendix to MARPOL Annex V.

7.8 The MARPOL Annex VI – Record Book for Fuel Oil and Ozone Depleting Substances may be kept as MERB, provided that it meets the minimum requirements specified in Sec. 5 above.

8. Ballast Water Electronic Record Book (BWERB)

8.1 This section outlines the requirements for BWERBs that are intended to replace paper Ballast Water Record Books.

8.2 The minimum requirements for BWERBs are those of Sec. 5 above and in conjunction with Resolution MEPC.372(80).

8.3 Resolution MEPC.369(80) updated the Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) format, with new amendments taking effect on the 1^st of February 2025. Therefore, new BWERBs shall be approved, considering the latest amendments, and all existing approved electronic record books are to be reviewed and appropriately updated to ensure relevant BWM Convention amendments are incorporated in the BWERBs book by the 1^st of October 2025, as per Resolution MEPC.383(81).

9. BMSR Approval of Electronic Record Keeping Systems

9.1 When Managers select an electronic record keeping system for use on a Barbadian vessel, they shall apply to the BMSR for approval, submitting:

.1 The Name and IMO Number of the vessel that will have the system installed;

.2 The system Type Approval Certificate (TAC), or equivalent, issued by a Barbados RO.

.3 A statement from the Company confirming the following:

i) The installed system complies with the specific requirements set out in this Bulletin;

ii) The crew has been appropriately trained in the management, use and operation of the system, in compliance with Regulation I/14.1.4 of the STCW Convention;

iii) The routines and processes for the conservation and maintenance of the entries in the system comply with relevant requirements and guidance, and procedures for data entry, extraction and retention are incorporated in the Safety Management System;

.4 A list of logbooks and record books that will have their entries captured in the electronic record keeping system;

9.2 The BMSR may require the Company or the electronic record keeping system vendor to demonstrate the features of the system to ensure that it complies with the requirements of this Bulletin. The BMSR will advise if this is required at the time of application.

9.3 On satisfactory review of the information in Sec.9.1 above and payment of the appropriate fee, the BMSR will issue a Letter of Approval (LoA) for the specific vessel, depending on the electronic record keeping system, including:

.1 Letter of Approval of Electronic Logbook Systems (ELSs);

.2 Letter of Approval of MARPOL Electronic Record Books (MERBs);

.3 Letter of Approval of BWM Convention Electronic Record Book (BWERB).

9.4 Each LoA will list the official records permitted to be stored by the system and shall be kept on board of the vessel using the system, for presentation to duly authorised officials when requested.

9.5 Each LoA is valid for five (5) years from the date of issue and is subject to the vessel being managed by the Company noted on the approval document.

9.6 The Company shall notify the BMSR of any changes to the system or the procedures related to its use in the Safety Management System that affect the LoA.

9.7 The availability of each LoA will be verified at Barbados flag inspections.

10. Declaration for MERBs and BWERB after a survey

10.1 When installed onboard, a “Declaration of MERB” or “Declaration of BWERB”, as per the Appendices of MEPC.312(74) and Resolution MEPC.372(80), respectively, shall be issued to the vessel by the RO upon physical attendance and installation survey.

10.2 The declaration serves as proof of meeting the requirements as installed and shall be kept onboard for regulatory surveys or inspections.

11. Provision of Data to New Managers or Owners

11.1 The international Conventions require certain records to be retained by the ship for specified periods, as indicated in Sec. 12 below.

11.2 Accordingly, Companies using electronic record keeping systems must provide the relevant records to the new Company to cover the required minimum retention period.

11.3 The records may be provided as:

.1 a PDF or XML file; or

.2 printed out; or

.3 in a data format that can be used by the new Company’s system.

11.4 In all cases, the ability to present the records to duly authorised officers upon request must be available on board the vessel.

12. Minimum Retention Periods for Official Records

Record Type	Minimum Retention Period	Reference
Official Logbook Part I	7 years after entry made
Official Logbook Part II	7 years after entry made
Articles and Crew Agreements	7 years after expiry
Record of navigational activities under SOLAS V/28	1 year	Resolution A.916(22) para. 4.4
Radio records required by SOLAS IV/17	1 year
Ballast Water Electronic Record Book (BWERB)	2 years onboard 3 years by the Company	BWM Convention Regulation B-2.2
Oil Record Book Part I	3 years	MARPOL Annex I Reg.17.6
Oil Record Book Part II	3 years	MARPOL Annex I Reg.36.7
Noxious Liquid Substances Record Book	3 years	MARPOL Annex II Reg.15.5
Garbage Record Book Part I	2 years	MARPOL Annex V Reg.10.3.5
Garbage Record Book Part II	2 years	MARPOL Annex V Reg.10.3.5

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First issue. Supersedes Bulletin 304 and 332

20th August 2025 0

Bulletins

Bulletin 019 – DNVGL name change to DNV Rev.2.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Download Bulletin

1. References

a) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

b) IMO Resolution A.959(23) Format and guidelines for the maintenance of the continuous synopsis record (CSR)

2. Purpose

2.1 This Bulletin is issued by the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) to advise shipowners, managers and other interested third parties of the validity of certification issued by DNVGL AS on behalf of Barbados, following the change in name of the Society to DNV AS.

2.2 A copy of this Bulletin should be retained on board for presentation to interested parties, including Port State Control Authorities.

3. Recognition of Statutory Certificates

3.1 DNVGL AS is a Barbadian Recognised Organisation (RO) and Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) and authorised to perform statutory services and issue statutory certificates on behalf of Barbados. The existing Agreement with DNVGL AS is considered as the current Agreement under which DNV AS will perform statutory services and issue statutory certificates on behalf of Barbados.

3.2 Existing certificates issued by DNVGL will remain valid, until their expiry date or until reissued.

3.3 The BMSR also recognises statutory certification now issued by DNV AS.

4. Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)

4.1 The Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR), as per SOLAS XI-1 Reg.5 and Resolution A.959(23), requires the Classification Societies and issuing bodies for the Safety Management Certificate, Document of Compliance, and International Ship Security Certificate to be identified on the CSR, In order to reduce the administrative burden to owners and the BMSR, the BMSR does not require CSRs to be re-issued to reflect the change of name of DNVGL AS to DNV AS. The name changed to DNV AS will only be reflected on new CSRs issued due to a change of other mandatory information on the CSR document – i.e., change of name, change of owner/manager details, transfer of class, etc.

4.2 Existing CSR’s which identify DNV GL as the class society, RO or RSO should be treated as identifying DNV AS and will remain valid, until issuance of a new CSR is required, due to change of other required information.

Revision No	Description Of Revision
1.0	First Issue
1.1	Amended bulletin format
2.0	Major revision with new format

8th August 2025 0

Category: Bulletins

Bulletin 036 – Barbados Official Logbook Rev. 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Bulletin 024 – DMLC Part II Explanatory Notes and Recommended Content Rev 1.0

Bulletin 052 – Ship Sanitation Certificates Rev 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Bulletin 022 – Barbados Change of Flag Surveys Rev 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

B046 – ILO Convention C185 – Seafarers’ Identity Documents (SIDs) Rev 1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Bulletin 033 – Radio Accounting Authority (RAA), Point of Service Activation (PSA), MMSI and Call Sign Rev. 2.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Bulletin 012 – Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances Rev.2.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Bulletin 030 – ISPS Code Rev.1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Bulletin 020 – Electronic Record Keeping Systems Rev.1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

Bulletin 019 – DNVGL name change to DNV Rev.2.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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